News

Mr. Mulcair's NDP Team Friday, 20 April 2012 Late yesterday, NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair announced his new shadow cabinet. This was Mr. Mulcair’s chance to demonstrate to Canadians that the NDP is a serious party representing moderate, responsible policies. Yet Mr. Mulcair chose a team that threatens dangerous economic experiments and believes Canada needs higher taxes, bigger deficits and less jobs and prosperity.

The shadow of Mr. Mulcair’s team is long indeed. With 55 critics, the NDP now have significantly more critics than the actual Cabinet charged with running the government – and nearly half are former union bosses or employees.

Mr. Mulcair chose to promote activists who have lobbied against Canada’s ability to develop and sell its own resources. It is a team of those who have consistently put the rights of criminals ahead of victims, repeatedly blocking Conservative efforts to crack down on crime.

It is also a team that cannot be trusted, comprised of many NDP MPs who promised their constituents that they would vote to end the wasteful and ineffective long gun registry only to break their word when the time came to vote.

And, perhaps most demonstrative of all, Mr. Mulcair chose Libby Davies as one of his three deputy leaders. Ms. Davies’s radical record reveals the stark contrast between her priorities and the issues that matter to ordinary Canadians. Her record includes support for legalizing drugs (Vancouver Province, March 26, 2010); legalized prostitution (Postmedia News, July 8, 2011); and being one of the few MPs who voted against raising the age of consent (Hansard, May 3, 2007).

In the coming days, we will continue to help Canadians get to know Mr. Mulcair’s team and highlight those he has chosen and ways in which they do not stand for the interests of everyday hard-working Canadian families.

Conservative Party of Canada One Year Victory Party at Brant House Friday, 13 April 2012 The Conservative Party of Canada Presents:
The One Year Anniversary Victory Party
Open Bar and Appetizers, doors open at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012 at Brant House
To purchase tickets, click the this LINK.

More Rae Days- A New Liberal Vision for Canada? We Hope Not! Monday, 09 April 2012 While Michael Ignatieff is being properly held to account for every
detail and nuance of his past writings and statements, so should former
NDP Premier Bob Rae be held to account for his economic record in
Ontario and for his views on the Liberal party, which he now seeks to
lead.

Rae now praises the Liberal party's "achievement" of eliminating the
deficit during the 990ss, but he had harsh words for the federal
(Liberal) government's 995 budget at the time, saying, "Jean Chretien
was not elected to impose some neo-conservative, right-wing regime on
the people of Canada," and claiming that Paul Martin delivered
"probably the most reactionary budget the country has seen in my
lifetime." Rae went on the claim that the 995 budget "ends Canada as
we know it." Apparently not, as both Canada and Rae are still here.

Some of us who lived through the halcyon days of the Rae government do
not accept his claim that he made the best of a bad economic situation.
Under his mismanagement, Ontario's economic performance was worse than
every other province and state in North America.

The Rae government managed to turn a two-quarter recession into a
four-year mini-depression, the only jurisdiction in North America with
a recession that long. Rae hiked personal income tax by percentage
points over six years, giving Ontario the highest marginal personal
income tax rate in North America and his policies and record-high
budget deficits led to two downgrades of Ontario's credit rating (in
991 and 993)).

In addition, he closed 0 per cent of the hospital beds in Ontario, cut
nearly ,,00 nurses between 992 and 995,, cut the number of places in
medical schools, cut $00 million from the ministry of the environment,
eliminated grants for students and increased tuition fees more than any
of the last five Ontario premiers, including Mike Harris.

Is it any wonder that by 993,, three years into his mandate, an
Environics poll showed 1 per cent of Ontarians would have seriously
considered leaving the province governed by Rae if they had the means?
Ontarians have been down the Rae road before: It is unlikely that the
rest of Canada would enjoy the ride.

NDP And Liberals Plan To Hike Gas Taxes Thursday, 05 April 2012 Families across the country woke up to higher gas prices this week, yet Thomas Mulcair's NDP and the Liberals continue to call for an expensive tax on gas.

Both the NDP and the Liberals would impose a job-killing carbon tax on Canadians that would see gas prices skyrocket, along with prices for everything else Canadian families buy.

In fact, Mr. Mulcair even rode to the NDP leadership on a radical promise to "internalize" the cost of gas through a carbon tax plan more extreme than the plan proposed by the NDP in the last election.

While Mr. Mulcair's NDP wants to impose higher gas prices on Canadians, our Conservative government reduced the GST by two percent, strengthened the powers of the Competition Bureau, and brought in the Fairness and the Pumps Act.

We have also strengthened the Competition Bureau's powers to combat price fixing - power already getting results with recent prosecutions in Ontario.

AGM 2012 Thursday, 22 March 2012 Notice of Annual General Meeting
Scarborough Guildwood CPofC Electoral District Association
18 April 2012

The Scarborough Guildwood CPofC Electoral District Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting (the “AGM”) on Wednesday 18 April 2012. Registration begins at 6:30 pm. The meeting is 7:30 - 9:00 pm at Qssis Banquet Hall 3474 Kingston Road (N/W corner of Kingston Rd and Markham).

Special Guest Speaker: Lois Brown, MP Newmarket - Aurora (parlimentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation, Member of the House of Commons Standing Committees for Foreign Affairs and International Development)

Membership for 2012 is required for voting at the meeting. Current memberships can be renewed at the Annual General Meeting or here on our website!

Chuck Konkel attends Multi Party Conference on Sri Lanka & Human Rights Wednesday, 01 February 2012 On Wednesday 1st February 2012, Chuck Konkel was honoured to attend a multi party conference in Ottawa with Conservative MPs Patrick Brown, Eve Adams and Brad Butt. The Conservative representatives were united in their support for Tamil Canadians in their legitimate quest for human rights in Sri Lanka.

Konkel himself stated that the proper acknowledgement of war crimes committed by all armed parties to the Sri Lankan civil war and the resolution of human rights violations and abuses in Sri Lanka are integral. One cannot move forward without the other.

As reported in the Globe and Mail (26 October 2011) "Sri Lanka denies abuses, but a UN panel found credible allegations of civil-war shelling of hospitals and civilians and post-war torture of displaced people in camps. Trotting to Colombo if nothing changes would be ridiculous, said Tory Senator Hugh Segal, a member of a Commonwealth “eminent-persons” panel on reforms. “You cannot have thousands of people disappear at the end of a war without having some kind of close-focus assessment of what transpired,” he said.
As reported in the Globe and Mail (30 October 2011) Canadian officials said Harper walked out of the summit when Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the host of the next biennial Commonwealth leaders' summit in Colombo in 2013, was invited to speak to the assembled leaders Sunday. Harper had said coming into the 2011 meeting that he would boycott Sri Lanka's meeting if human rights abuses linked to the bloody end of the Tamil insurgency there were not investigated.

You can view the video of the conference here.

Konkel's Carolers Tuesday, 20 December 2011 Traditionally Christmas is a festive season when carolling fills the air. And this year was no different. The Scarborough Guildwood Conservative Association certainly did its part to add high notes to the lives of seniors living in the area by being involved in some wonderful Yule Tide entertainment for area seniors.

On the afternoon of Tuesday 20 December 2011, we were at the Extendicare Guildwood on Guildwood Parkway as partners to a remarkable concert presented by the choir from West Hill Collegiate. Seeing the smiles evident on the attentive audience, these talented young people certainly brought new meaning to the term ‘Christmas Cheer”and left many a warm memory for their listeners.

Later that day, Chuck Konkel armed with his trusty 12 string guitar and ably aided by his daughter Laura (who obviously inherited the singing talent in the family) were at the Tony Stacey Centre where they led several hearty sing alongs. The Twelve Days of Christmas never sounded better!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

….....................

Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

…......

But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

To all the residents of Scarborough Guildwood.. All the very best of the season from the Scarborough Guildwood Federal Conservative Association… .May the New Year bring you peace and joy!

Tamil Parliamentarians Visit Toronto Monday, 07 November 2011 On Sunday, 31 October 2011, Chuck Konkel was very honoured to be the guest of the community at a major event celebrating the visit to Canada of three Sr Lanka Tamil parliamentarians. Mssrs Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, Abraham Sumanthiran and Mavai Senathirajah were in the midst of a tour of North America and had just returned from Washington where they had briefed senior politicians of all parties concerning the human rights situation in Sri Lanka. They then proceeded to Canada where they spent a day in Toronto and then went on to Ottawa where they were scheduled to meet Canadian political leaders.

The Sunday event was well attended and the three parliamentarians spoke eloquently about the need to rebuilt Sri Lanka with an objective sense of justice and inclusiveness so that Tamils would be enable to once again fully partake in the governance of that island nation as it attempts to seek a lasting peace after more than a decade of civil war. The three asked for the assistance of the Tamil Canadian community and, in particular, of Tamil Canadian youth in urgent rebuilding efforts in the North and East portions of Sri Lanka. The parliamentarians also expressed great thanks to Canada and expressly, to the Government of Stephen Harper, for the close and collaborative relationship they have developed with the Canadian High Commission in critical efforts to reconstruct the war torn regions of Sri Lanka and to re build democracy.

Konkel's Carnival Thursday, 03 November 2011 Chuck Konkel and members of the Scarborough Guildwood federal Conservative riding association and a number of community volunteers hosted a Canadian Thanksgiving weekend carnival celebration to show their appreciation to the community for the support through the last election.
Children enjoyed a fantastic day of rides and games provided by Magical Midways - a respected country carnival which has provided entertainment for many generations of Canadians.

The weather was incredible and was the cherry on top to a wonderful event giving us all an opportunity to have family fun and to give thanks for all the blessings we have as Canadians.

Please visit SNAP Scarborough for the full article and additional photos!

1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment Monday, 24 October 2011 The 1st Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment (or “Kangaroos” as they were known) was formed in 1944 and disbanded in 1945. In its short but glorious history the Regiment amassed ten battle honours. It has two other notable claims to fame. The Kangaroos invented the armoured personnel carrier and changed the face of contemporary warfare forever. More poignantly, the 1st CACR were the only fighting regiment in our nation’s history to be formed, see battle and to be disbanded, without setting foot on Canadian soil.

In early 2009, Chuck Konkel became aware of this tragic injustice. With the remarkable support of the late Geoff Whittington Ball, who had, until then, almost singlehandedly kept the ageing veterans intact as an association, Chuck mounted a campaign to right an historic wrong.

Chuck contacted Dean Del Mastro, the federal Member of Parliament for Peterborough. Dean was genuinely moved to help these elderly veterans “come home’ and-- after 67 years in the shadow of history-- to be publicly recognised by their fellow Canadians for their part in freeing Europe from oppression and for “a job well done”.

Dean contacted the Minister of Defence, the Hon. Peter McKay. With the Minister’s active support and that of his associate, federal Minister Julian Fantino, the DND Directorate of Heritage and History and the War Museum of Canada were mobilised and the rest…. is history.

Chuck then initiated discussions with the Elgin Regiment, a reserve unit from St Thomas Ontario. The Regiment saw an historic fit. The first unit commander of the original Kangaroos, Col Churchill was an Elgin and nearly half of the Kangaroo regiment were initially themselves, Elgins.

With the extreme diligence and attention to detail that only a Combat Engineer regiment can bring (for the Elgins are now combat engineers), a guidon was designed, regiment survivors notified and, ultimately, an entire homecoming ceremony was put together.

In Alberta, a man named William Miller, who had worked tirelessly to create the 1st CACR regimental archive, stepped forward to provide detailed and accurate regimental information.

On September nine elderly survivors of the 1st CACR stood on a parade square in brilliant sunshine and watched the colours of the regiment being consecrated, trooped and later that evening, being put to rest for the last time in the St Thomas armouries.

Thanks to the sterling efforts of many Canadians, after 66 years, the 1st (Canadian) Armoured Carrier regiment had indeed come home.

Seelan Rangers Soccer Club Sunday, 23 October 2011 For over a year, Chuck Konkel has been heavily involved with the Seelan Rangers The Rangers are a remarkable athletic club which brings together skilled adult volunteers and several hundred youth in Scarborough. The Rangers have existed for more than a decade. They have an active soccer league and equally successful track and field programme which has graduated Ontario champions. It is a tribute to their adult volunteers that the Rangers programme has been such a remarkable success. On Sunday 28th August 2011, the Rangers and their families held a picnic in Morningside Park, Chuck his wife Robin, their daughter Laura and their Westhighland terrier, Millie were honoured to be invited. A great big thank you is extended to all the volunteers and the Rangers and their parents for a job well done!

More Conservatives MPs wanted for Canada and Scarborough Saturday, 20 November 2010 One of Canada's hardest-working MPs recently visited Scarborough to urge local Conservative supporters to work together to elect their Scarborough-Guildwood's candidate, Chuck Konkel, in the next federal election.

"We have a great leader. We've got great policies. We've got a great team," said Government House leader John Baird. "It's just not big enough. We need to make our team bigger and stronger. And in the next election, you have the opportunity to add to that team. You have the opportunity to send to Ottawa someone who'll fight hard and deliver for Scarborough.

The MP for Ottawa West- Nepean was the special guest speaker at a fundraiser dinner and reception hosted by local candidate Konkel. During his remarks, MP Baird said the Conservative Party of Canada wants Chuck elected to help the Conservative government to continue to advance its policies on justice and fighting crime.

"We need him in Ottawa," the federal minister said, referring directly to Chuck. "It says a lot about the system of justice and law and order in this country that one of the most celebrated and respected law enforcement officers of his generation is standing to be the MP for Scarborough-Guildwood."

John Baird noted that while Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his team have already done much to strengthen Canada's laws against violent crimes, the Conservative Government initiatives keep facing roadblocks in the House of Commons.

"When I'm in Ottawa," said John, "I hear from Scarborough's Liberal MPs who say, "Crime is not a problem. Crime rates are going down. There's nothing to worry about. We don't need to get tough on violent crime."

Minister Baird explains that when Scarborough's Liberal MPs are in their home ridings, they tell constituents that something will be done to protect local families against guns, gangs and other violence. Then the same Liberals prevent the Government from taking meaningful action in Parliament.

"For far too long, we've heard Liberals say one thing in their ridings and another thing in Ottawa," he said. The remedy, said the 41-year-old cabinet minister, is to have Chuck Konkel and more Conservative colleagues represent Scarborough and the GTA.

Noting how Rob Ford recently won Toronto's mayoralty campaign running on a conservative platform, John Baird told the receptive crowd there's a "tremendous opportunity in the next federal election to make a great breakthrough in Metro Toronto."

Chuck, a veteran police officer, later thanked John for his comments, calling him "one of the hardest-working members of parliament and a gentleman."

Scarborough-Guildwood's candidate also congratulated John, who was federal minister of transport, infrastructure and communities from late 2008 to August 2010, for Ottawa's major investments in infrastructure projects throughout Scarborough-Guildwood and the rest of the country.

Caption for attached photo
At the recent Conservative fundraiser for Scarborough-Guildwood, from left, guest speaker federal cabinet minister John Baird: local candidate, Chuck Konkel; riding association president, William Archibald; and event planner/local entrepreneur Bala.

Scarborough MP's "flawed" bill defeated in Ottawa Thursday, 28 October 2010 A law proposed by Scarborough-Guildwood's Liberal MP was recently defeated in Parliament, after commentators, Conservative MPs and even Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff found serious flaws with the regulations.

The controversial Bill C-300 - known as the Responsible Mining Bill - was introduced in early 2009 by Scarborough MP John McKay. His private member's bill is now dead after failing to earn approval in the House of Commons.

Backbencher McKay had proposed adding more red tape to the international activities of Canada's mining industry. His proposal would've forced Ottawa to investigate human rights and environmental allegations made by anyone against Canadian miners operating abroad.

The Canadian mining industry had strongly opposed McKay's bill, saying the Scarborough MP failed to do any advance consultations with Canadian miners. As a result, Bill C-300 would've made Canadian mining companies vulnerable to frivolous complaints and serious loss of international business.

A spokesman for the Canadian mining industry, Jon Baird, said earlier this year that while McKay's bill aimed to improve mining companies' corporate social responsibility, it also "goes so far as to suggest that Canadian companies may be guilty of genocide and war crimes. This is a disgraceful suggestion from a Canadian politician."

A report by mining law experts at a major Canadian legal firm stated McKay's bill was "premised on the flawed theory that the Canadian mining industry is inherently abusive" of developing countries. Former Liberal cabinet minister John Manley agreed, saying Bill C-300 would put a major Canadian industry at a serious disadvantage.

Federal Conservative cabinet minister, Peter Van Loan, said backbencher McKay's bill would also raise a risk that Canadian mining companies would have to move their headquarters to other countries to be free of the arbitrary measures contained in Bill C-300. "Canadian companies adhere to corporate social responsibility standards and have a track record that's among the best in the world," noted the International Trade Minister Van Loan.

Before voting began on McKay's bill, the Globe and Mail reported that Liberal Party officials urged their members to avoid supporting the backbencher's proposal. Even the Liberal Party leader failed to support McKay's C-300. Michael Ignatieff didn't attend the final vote, choosing to visit Northern Ontario instead.

After spending more than 18 months on his failed private member's bill, our Scarborough-Guildwood Liberal MP now has the opportunity to address important issues much closer to home, such as rising poverty, declining family incomes and the chronic lack of public transit and other services in our Scarborough riding.

Scarborough-Guildwood MP Runs Out Clock, Stalls Parliament Group Wednesday, 02 June 2010 Scarborough-Guildwood's veteran Liberal backbencher, John McKay, recently prevented a parliamentary committee from investigating new claims that another Liberal MP from Scarborough, Derek Lee, illegally lobbied Canadian government officials on behalf of foreign companies.

Local MP McKay wasted valuable committee time by describing Lee, a backbencher for 22 years, as a "superb" MP and then criticizing the Conservative Party of Canada. McKay's comments took so long that Ottawa's Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates had no opportunity to ask MP Lee questions about his business dealings.

Lee, the Scarborough-Rouge River Liberal MP since 1988, adds to his MP salary by working as legal counsel for Sun & Partners, a law firm in east Toronto. The law firm's website had described Lee's work as "acting for foreign and offshore organizations in obtaining operating licences, securing regulatory and government approval for mergers and acquisitions," along with "advising government bodies on international issues" and "lobbying government on policy issues."

In the House of Commons, Lee's outside business dealings raised serious questions. Conservative Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, John Baird, asked whether MP Lee was representing his constituents or those of "some foreign, well-paid interests." Lee chose to remain silent. Later, a Conservative member of the government operations committee told the Scarborough-Rouge River MP that by failing to respond to questions "you leave us with the impression you have something to hide."

After being shielded from the committee's scrutiny by McKay, Lee issued a statement. "I am not a lobbyist, nor have I ever been paid to lobby the federal government," Lee wrote. "I was unaware of how my role was portrayed on the Sun & Partners website.... I apologize for any confusion this may have caused." The information about Lee's legal duties is no longer available on the Sun & Partners website.

These events raise a number of questions about how Scarborough-Guildwood is served by our current Liberal MP:

Is stalling a Parliamentary committee an effective way for our MP to represent residents of Scarborough-Guildwood?
Why does our Liberal MP show more concern about protecting a fellow local Liberal backbencher than looking after local issues important to people in our community?
Why are Scarborough's Liberal MPs putting their own special interests in Ottawa ahead of the interests of the people who elected them?
Hasn't this been going on too long? Isn't it time for a change?

By electing Chuck Konkel, Scarborough-Guildwood's federal Conservative candidate, we gain an MP who'll get things moving again for all our community, rather than put up roadblocks in Ottawa that only benefit only other Liberals.
Click here to read the related news story: www.cbc.ca

Canada Shines Amid Cloudy World Economy Monday, 03 May 2010 Canada's stable economy and strong currency are attracting favourable attention from all around the world. A recent published report notes how Canada is "benefiting from the fiscal woes that have gripped Greece and threatened to envelop other European countries."

According to international analysts that review the financial strength of various countries, Canada earned the best rating of all the top economies of the world - the so-called Group of Seven (G7). This means Canada's economy is stronger than the economies of the United States, Japan and all major countries in Europe.

Economists and international investors say Canada's enviable economy is due to the sound policies and actions of the Conservative Government in Ottawa, along with the prudent operations of the Canadian financial sector. In May, the Reuters news services stated that Canada's "banks and government are now praised for the sound policies that helped Canada emerge from recession faster and in better shape than other G7 countries."

Meanwhile despite our country's success, leading Liberals continue to call for all Canadians to pay more tax. In April, the federal Liberal finance spokesman, MP John McCallum from Scarborough-Agincourt, told reporters ""I think the era of tax cuts is over for the foreseeable future." He was repeating the position that federal Liberal Michael Ignatief announced a year earlier, that the Liberal's policy is "we will have to raise taxes."

Other Liberal spokespeople, including Toronto MP Gerard Kennedy, have talked about a wide range of additional taxes, including higher income taxes, a new carbon tax, raising the GST and increasing job-killing business taxes. All these are in addition to the immediate 8% tax increase all Ontarians face beginning July 1. That's when the provincial Liberal government introduces the new Harmonized Sales Tax on virtually every product and service purchased in Ontario.

What other conclusion can Canadians draw from these comments except that Conservatives want taxes to stay low, while Liberals want our taxes to go higher?

Extending A Helping Hand To Haiti Tuesday, 16 February 2010 As Prime Minister Stephen Harper leads international efforts to rebuild Haiti after an earthquake devastated that country in January, government officials recently came to Scarborough-Guildwood to update more than 50 GTA residents who have family and friends still in Haiti.

Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC) staffers organized a "town hall" type meeting at Scarborough's Storefront information centre in February. At the two-hour meeting, they described Canada's work to reunite families and restore Haiti. About 15,000 people of Haitian descent live in the GTA.
Since the quake, Canadians have pledged about $130 million in individual donations for Haiti, an amount our federal government will match in earthquake relief funds. In addition, Canada has pledged $555 million over five years to help Haitians.

"The generosity ... is a testament to the kindness and compassion that unites humanity in the face of catastrophe," said Prime Minister Harper. "Thanks to decisive international action, medical and humanitarian support is pouring into the country and saving lives."

Canada is currently the second-largest donor in response to the Haiti Earthquake, after the United States. Among the notable connections to Haiti is Canada's Governor-General, Michaëlle Jean. She was born in that country in 1957 and came to Canada as a refugee in 1968.

In February, Prime Minister Harper went to Haiti to meet with that country's top officials, including President René Préval and Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive. During his visit, Mr. Harper announced that Canada is donating up to $12 million to build a temporary base for the Haitian government. The new building will be headquarters for key Haitian ministries and public servants. The Haiti government is now working from a police station, one of the few structures left standing in the capital.

"We were clear before the earthquake that Haiti is a long-term priority for the government," said Mr. Harper while in Haiti. "The support that Canadians and the international community extended to Haiti is a testament to the compassion that unites humanity in the face of catastrophe.... We don't intend to leave this time until the job is done."

In Scarborough, CIC officials told meeting attendees that Canada's embassy in Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, was extensively damaged by the quake, which added to the challenges of providing assistance to Haitians. The arrival of Canadian Armed Forces shortly after the catastrophe helped bring stability to that country, among the poorest in the world.

The Canadian military estimate the quake left about 212,000 people dead, 300,000 injured, and more than a million Haitians homeless. Many whose homes were destroyed now live in makeshift tent cities near the capital.

"This tragedy has hurt you and, through you, it has hurt Canada," explained Ted Opitz, Senior Regional Advisor at the Toronto office of the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism. "The country is literally upside down... Everyone is heart-broken in Canada."

At the Scarborough meeting, Canadian officials heard directly about the hardships affecting Haitians. During the presentation at the Scarborough-Guildwood session, immigration staff told attendees that "CIC is committed to a flexible and human response to the situation in Haiti" and that Canada's immigration system is responding with compassion.

The federal government is giving priority to family sponsorship applications from Canadian citizens and others with close family members who live in Haiti and are affected by the quake. Haitians living in Canada when the earthquake hit their homeland can have their status extended, plus processing fees for work and study permits for Haitians waived to reduce financial hardship. Ottawa is also temporarily suspending immigration processing fees for people living in Haiti and applying for entry to Canada.

What It Means To Be A Conservative Friday, 12 February 2010 More than 50 university students and voters from across the GTA recently heard three local politicians explain that being a conservative today means supporting effective government, taking responsibility for your own life and contributing to your community.

Members of the University of Toronto Scarborough Conservatives organized the public forum, What it Means to be a Conservative, that brought together federal MP Bob Dechert, Ontario MPP Peter Shurman, and Chuck Konkel, the federal Conservative candidate for Scarborough-Guildwood.

According to MP Bob Dechert, Conservatives politicians "respect taxpayers" and have a duty to ensure all Canadians, including young students about to start their careers, have the ability "to achieve their hopes and their dreams." From his experience as a first-time member of Parliament, Dechert said he finds most Canadian politicians are "generally honourable people." The GTA Conservative made a distinction that while other MPs often do what they think is best, Conservatives "listen and deliver" on the issues that Canadians say are important to them

The Mississauga-Erindale MP described some notable successes achieved by the federal government. One example is making it easier for professional-level immigrants to find appropriate work. Ottawa is ensuring that the more than 400 provincial and professional regulators do a better job of recognizing immigrants' international credentials and professional experience from abroad.

Peter Shurman, MPP for Thornhill, told how Ontario's Progressive Conservative party believes in letting people live their own lives, while providing help for those in need. "Liberals do what's good for their friends," he added. "Conservatives do what's good for people."

Shurman said the alternative presented by other political parties essentially creates a "nanny state" where governments make the important decisions on behalf of citizens. The Conservative attitude that individuals are accountable for their own actions, represents a "higher level of social consciousness than every other party."

Shurman said governments should create a level playing field, cut red tape and avoid being "arbiters of the winners and losers" in the marketplace. He described how the free-spending Liberal government in Ontario is now using taxpayers' money to make bad economic decisions. Among the worst examples he cited is the recent "sweetheart" energy deal where Ontario suddenly announced long-term, expensive payment guarantees to Samsung, a Korean-based manufacturer of wind turbines.

Scarborough-Guildwood's Chuck Konkel added that "Conservatives care" about their communities and are ready to stand up for what's the right thing to do - both at home as well as abroad. As a young child, Konkel and his family emigrated from war-torn Europe. "My folks marvelled at Canada's freedom," he said, adding that fighting for freedom is an important - and often overlooked - part of Canadians' history.

Also on the panel was Dr. Ryan Hurl, a political science professor at U of T's Scarborough Campus. Professor Hurl noted that today's Conservatives strongly believe in "responsible" government, referring to the long-standing Canadian concept that governments are accountable to the people, rather than to bureaucrats or experts.

Straight Facts About Proroguing Parliament Thursday, 11 February 2010 Straight Facts About Proroguing Parliament
Proroguing is funny-sounding word that's become very misunderstood. It simply means that a government has called a time-out from sitting in Parliament.

Despite all the recent harsh commentary and attacks on Canada's Conservative government, the fact is proroguing is neither undemocratic, nor unusual. It's a routine part of our country's parliamentary system.

Opposition critics who have stirred up so much controversy over prorogation know this. The most vocal political opponents of our federal Conservative government understand prorogation very well. Liberal and NDP politicians have used prorogation far more often than Prime Minister Harper. Sadly, these critics don't want Canadians to have the full story.

Since Canada's founding in 143 years ago, federal governments have used prorogation 105 times. Former prime ministers Jean Chretien, Pierre Trudeau and Lester Pearson prorogued Parliament a total of 15 times over 40 years. Chretien, alone, prorogued Parliament four times in seven years, including in 2003 to delay facing up to the Liberal Government's Adscam scandal.

In Ontario, when Bob Rae was NDP premier, he prorogued the provincial legislature three times in four years - 1991, 1992 and 1994. After the final prorogation, Ontario had no legislature for 4½ months and Rae's NDP government even failed to introduce a provincial budget for 1995 before getting defeated in that year's election.

In comparison, Prime Minister Harper has prorogued Parliament twice in four years. By suspending Parliament in 2008, he prevented a sudden and unnecessary federal election planned by the coalition of opposition parties.

This year, proroguing Parliament has given the government an additional 22 days to prepare for some major initiatives, including a new Speech From the Throne, a new federal budget, and hosting a series of summit meetings with more than 20 international governments coming to Canada this summer. At the same time, our federal government continues implementing important stimulus programs delivered across Canada through the Economic Action Plan.

For anyone critical of Prime Minister Harper's actions to prorogue Parliament, remember history's recent scorecard and that the low score wins:

. federal Liberals - 15 prorogations
. Ontario NDP - 3
. federal Conservatives - 2.

We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends Tuesday, 10 November 2009 Friends and supporters of local candidate Chuck Konkel came to a successful fundraising dinner and reception to get a taste of how the Conservative Party of Canada is making life better in Scarborough-Guildwood.

Chuck thanked the group of volunteers and donors who came for an update on the various projects now underway in the riding. Chuck and guest speaker, Paul Calandra, Conservative MP from the nearby riding of Oak Ridges-Markham, both spoke about the importance of federal infrastructure funding and the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

"I had the opportunity to speak personally with the Prime Minister just a few weeks ago, "said Chuck. "It was when he announced the federal government's investment for the Metro Toronto Reference Library."

"The Prime Minister told me that this infrastructure spending is an important investment in our future. The goal is make our communities better and Canadians more prosperous," Chuck explained.
Chuck mentioned the 10 infrastructure projects now underway in Scarborough-Guildwood. These include:

Improving the nature trails at the Guild Park - the first time federal money has been used at the grounds of the historic Guild Inn.
Investing in a new library and classroom building at Centennial College's campus near the 401 and Markham Road.
Expanding the popular East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club
Modernizing and updating various roadways, parks and community centres, including Scarborough Village and Centennial

Guest speaker and Conservative MP Paul Calandra gave his view of progress in Ottawa. As a new parliamentarian first elected in October 2008, Paul said the recent recession brought together politicians of different parties who wanted to work together and improve conditions for their constituents.

MP Calandra, who'd run for election in Scarborough-Guildwood back in 2000, said he often saw opposition MPs contact their Conservative counterparts and identify important local projects with strong potential for federal infrastructure funding.

Paul noted that not a single Liberal MP from Scarborough ever contacted the Conservative government to identify local projects for federal funding. He said that shows how poorly Scarborough's Liberal MPs represent people in this area.

A highlight of the event was the video presentation of Prime Minister Harper's complete performance singing and playing piano on the great Beatle's hit, With A Little Help From My Friends. By the end of the evening, it was clear that a splendid time had been guaranteed for all.

Update from Senator Mike Duffy - Moving Canada Forward Wednesday, 16 September 2009 Mike Duffy Talks About Moving Canada Forward
Want a quick summary of how our federal Conservative government has been moving Canada forward and helping all Canadians? Check out this message from former CTV broadcaster. Mike Duffy.

The "Duffster", as he calls himself, is now a Senator and he wants to hear from Canadians like us.

Feel free to respond directly to Senator Duffy's message.... and pass on this link to your friends, family and others you know. Click here to link to Mike Duffy's special message.

GTA supporters welcome Prime Minister Harper Saturday, 15 August 2009 Prime Minister Harper joins hundreds of GTA supporters at annual summer BBQ
On a sunny August evening, Prime Minister Stephen Harper shared Greek salad and chicken sovlaki at a summer barbeque in Markham with more than 800 Toronto area supporters, including more than 30 residents from Scarborough-Guildwood.

Our local candidate, Chuck Konkel, was among the Conservative MPs and candidates sharing the stage with the Prime Minister. Mr. Harper told the crowd how the Conservative Party continues to make Canada stronger despite the recent global recession.

Prime Minister Harper explained how lowering federal taxes and investing in significant projects in Toronto and the rest of the country is helping Canada become the first major country to emerge from the world's economic downturn.

As one indicator of Canada's success, the Prime Minister noted that the headquarters of the Tim Hortons coffee shop chain is returning to this country. That business had moved to the U.S. more than a decade ago to escape Canada's high corporate tax regime then in place.

Mr Harper also said the Conservative Party of Canada has no interest in calling a federal election. However, he warned that the opposition Liberals, NDP and Bloc Quebecois may continue to decide to make it impossible for the Conservative Government to do business effectively after Parliament resumes in September. In that case, the Prime Minister said the Conservative team of MPs, candidates and Conservative supporters will be prepared to fight an election against any collation of Opposition parties to ensure Canadians avoid the higher taxes promised by the Liberals.

Hosting the successful event was Paul Calandra, MP for Oak Ridges-Markham. Joining him in welcoming the Prime Minister was Tim Hudak, the new leader of Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party. The barbeque took place on the grounds of the Saints Panteleimon, Anna and Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church in Markham, with all food prepared by the church's volunteers.

Before speaking to the standing room crowd of Conservative supporters, Prime Minister was welcomed to the Church by Archbishop Sotirios of Toronto. The two men spoke for about 30 minutes and the Archbishop presented Mr. Harper with a Byzantine style Orthodox icon of the Last Supper as a gift from the Greek Orthodox Church of Markham.

Ottawa's stimulus money ignored by Toronto Star Friday, 14 August 2009 Newspaper ignores millions in federal stimulus money to claim Ottawa doing "zero" for Toronto

After the federal Conservative government has announced it's spending more than $8 million for new projects in Scarborough-Guildwood alone, the Toronto Star mistakenly states Ottawa has committed "zero" stimulus money anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

The Toronto Star headline on August 14, 2009 read: "GTA's stimulus money: Zero". The article ignores how Ottawa is spending millions of dollars throughout Toronto, including notable stimulus projects right here in Scarborough-Guildwood. Perhaps a better headline would be: "Toronto Star Credibility: Zero."

Here in our riding, the federal government is investing $7 million to build Centennial College's new library and classroom building near Markham Road and the 401. The feds are also spending $1.2 million to expand the popular East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club on Galloway Road, south of Kingston Road.

Elsewhere in Toronto, the Conservative government in Ottawa has already announced major stimulus funding for such big-ticket items as GO Transit ($250 million); the new Sherbourne Park on Toronto's downtown waterfront ($28.7-million); and the renovation of Union Station (up to $5 million).

All that's in addition to the $162.9 in federal dollars that Ottawa is providing to Toronto this fiscal year, through the gas tax rebate program.

Some questions about this reporting:

Why would a journalist overlook all the stimulus spending that Ottawa is doing, not just in our community, but throughout the rest of Toronto?
How could Canada's biggest daily newspaper make such a big error?
How much credibility do you give a media outlet that publishes a headline criticizing the Conservative government in Ottawa and disregards the millions of federal tax dollars being invested in Toronto?

Ready for Anything - Toronto Town Hall Info Session Saturday, 01 August 2009 Candidate Konkel Explains How To Be Ready for Anything

Are you ready for any emergency? Answers to that important question came from Scarborough-Guildwood's federal Conservative candidate, Chuck Konkel, who was among the featured speakers at a recent Town Hall meeting organized by Toronto-area Conservatives.

Whether an emergency is a natural or a man-made disaster, survival often depends on being good neighbours and planning ahead, according to candidate Konkel, who's a veteran Toronto Police Services officer.

Chuck described what emergency professionals do in case of disaster and explained that community values - such as respect for others, respect for property and respect for the law - are critical factors that help people cope effectively in times of crisis.

"Police can supply emergency services. They can direct traffic," said Konkel. "But police can't supply a sense of community. It's the people who provide that."

He added that one of the most difficult parts in an emergency is for people to carry on without electrical power. That means having no access to computers, cell phones, TVs and lights, or being without hot water, elevators, heating/air conditioning and gasoline pumps.

When people face a long-term power outage, "it's like living in a cabin or camping for the first time," said Konkel.

Joining Chuck for the community Town Hall session was Kevin Moore, a former Salvation Army officer and now Conservative candidate in Toronto Centre. Kevin described the role that social service agencies play in emergencies throughout the city.

Also giving an informal presentation was Paul Connor, a volunteer member of the Toronto Centre Conservative Association. Paul displayed various emergency items he keeps at home. Most things are simple and easily bought, often at dollar stores. Items such as a first aid kit, flashlight, battery-operated radio and extra batteries are basics. So are water, medicines and canned foods, along with a manual can-opener.

Other items to keep available include spare clothing, hand disinfectant, copies of important family documents, plus printed out addresses and phone numbers. Keeping a whistle (to be heard) and an old-style, land-line phone (which works without power) are two less-obvious items, explained Paul.

Often the most difficult part is keeping all the items on hand and easily accessible. Paul keeps his emergency supplies stashed in a spare suitcase and backpack, ready to go at a moment's notice.

For more information about preparing for emergencies, Chuck Konkel reminded the audience to plan in advance, well before a disaster may strike. A good first place to check is the City of Toronto's emergency guide and information, available on-line - but only when power is available - at: www.toronto.ca/wes/techservices/oem/pdf/oem_booklet.pdf

Communion Story Fabricated, Media Apologizes to PM Friday, 31 July 2009 Communion Story Fabricated, Media Apologizes to Prime Minister
Three weeks after stating that the Prime Minister Stephen Harper "pocketed" a communion wafer during a funeral mass in New Brunswick, the newspaper that first reported the story admitted its information was 'inaccurate and should never have been published."

The Telegraph-Journal newspaper, based in Saint John, N.B., published a rare, front-page apology to Prime Minister Harper on July 28, 2009 in both its print and website editions. It stated:

"There was no credible support for these statements of fact at the time this article was published, nor is The Telegraph-Journal aware of any credible support for these statements now....The Telegraph-Journal sincerely apologizes to the Prime Minister for the harm that this inaccurate story has caused." (click for full text)

The false news story arose from the July 3 funeral of Canada's former governor general Roméo LeBlanc, 81. A French-speaking New Brunswicker, he was the first Acadian to hold that post. LeBlanc served as this country's 25th governor general from 1995 to 1999 and previously had been a federal Liberal Member of Parliament and cabinet minister for 22 years.

The Telegraph-Journal explained that its journalists who attended the funeral never included the false information in their original dispatches and that the inaccuracies were added during the editing process. The newspaper also apologized to its reporters for the error and later fired its editor and suspended its publisher.

The newspaper didn't identify the source of the fabrication. A member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery later told a national television audience that members of the Liberal Party of Canada passed the manufactured information to the newspaper's publisher.

Whatever the cause, the untrue story generated much controversy and criticism about our Prime Minister while he was out of the country attending an international meeting in Italy and preparing to meet Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican.

Prime Minister Harper addressed the issue directly. He told a Catholic news agency at the Vatican that the controversy likely was started by "people who want to cause embarrassment in religion and drive a wedge between Protestants and Catholics."

Responding to questions raised in Rome by the Canadian media, the Prime Minister gave his personal view that, "as a Christian, I have never refused communion when offered to me. That's actually pretty important to me."

He also expressed concern that such a false and unconfirmed story would get reported to Canadians and around the world. "Somebody running an unsubstantiated story - that I would stick communion bread in my pocket - is really absurd, and I think it's a real, frankly, a low point. This is a low moment in journalism, whoever is responsible for this," said Prime Minister Harper at a media conference in Italy. "It's just a terrible story and a ridiculous story and not based on anything."

According to an official at the Prime Minister's Office, Mr. Harper accepted the newspaper's apology when it was offered and the matter is considered closed.

Comments by Canadians about The Telegraph-Journal's false story
(selected from on-line sources)

It's sometimes difficult for Scarborough residents to get a national perspective on political news. Below are some comments by Canadians about this fabricated story:

"The reporting "profession" is based on unbiased reporting techniques that simply log events in an interesting and orderly manner. For ANY reporter or editor to fabricate information and actually pretend that it is news is NOT A PROFESSIONAL.... The individuals responsible should be fired with cause."
'R T', Saint John. Posted on 28/07/09

"How could unsubstantiated facts ... have made it to publication? ... Where did this story come from to begin with? There has been so much public debate and criticisms over this, [which is] what I consider to be public tarring and feathering and the disreputable conduct of everyone, except the Prime Minister."
'Brenda Maheral', Ottawa. Posted on 28/07/09

"Canadians have suspected for a long time that the media is biased. This flap over the wafer and the subsequent apology simply confirms those suspicions. The media is no longer content to report factual, accurate information to the public.... The editors of this paper who were responsible for inserting political bias into the news report should be removed. They have hurt the credibility of the reporters and maligned the reputation of the newspaper. All of this pales in comparison to the ridicule the PM of this country endured at the hands of a media who is consumed with pack-like journalism. So sad, so sad that this is what journalism has become in the 21st century."
'Trust is earned', Saint John. Posted on 28/07/09

"It looks like the Liberals may have indeed been involved, in an attempt to drive a wedge between Catholics and the Prime Minister ... and embarrass the Prime Minister before his meeting with the Pope. I wonder how long this has been going on? I wonder how many other "non-stories" about Stephen Harper have been planted in various news outlets just to win a few more votes?
'Jason', Moncton. Posted on 30/07/09

Prime Minister & Family Meet Pope Benedict Monday, 20 July 2009 Our Prime Minister and family meet Pope Benedict XVI

Stephen Harper became the first Canadian Prime Minister invited to a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI. The face-to-face meeting at the pontiff's office in the Vatican in July was specially arranged, since the Pope usually spends summers outside of Rome.

"It was an honour to meet Pope Benedict and hear his perspective on a number of important issues, including human rights and an ethical response to the global economic crisis," said the Prime Minister. "I expressed my deep appreciation for the Holy Father's moral and humanitarian leadership as an advocate of human dignity, peace and religious liberty, and for the spiritual leadership he provides to Canada and throughout the world."

Pope Benedict, 82, has headed the worldwide Roman Catholic Church since 2005. He is spiritual leader of one billion Catholic Christians worldwide, including more than 14 million Canadian Catholics. The last time a Canadian prime minister was invited to a papal meeting at the Vatican was more than 10 years ago.

After the private audience with Pope Benedict, Prime Minister Harper met with other Vatican officials. He then introduced his wife, Laureen, his children, Ben and Rachel, and a delegation of Canadian parliamentarians to the Pope The Harpers later toured St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest Christian church and home of many artistic masterworks, including Michaelangelo's Pieta.

Ottawa Invests in Scarborough-Guildwood Tuesday, 30 June 2009 Ottawa Invests in the Boys & Girls of Scarborough-Guildwood

One of the most popular places in Scarborough-Guildwood for youngsters and youth is about to get bigger, thanks to major new funding from Ottawa, the province and the community.

At the recent funding announcement held at the Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough, Paul Calandra, Conservative MP for Oak Ridges-Markham, said he was "extraordinarily happy" to be making the announcement on behalf of the federal government.

Long active in the Scarborough community, Paul said he was well aware of the need to expand the Scarborough East Boys and Girls Club. The MP also noted that it's an example of how the Stephen Harper Government is helping create jobs, improve services in Toronto and investing in young Canadians.

The Club, at 100 Galloway Road south of Kingston Road, will receive more than $1 million from the federal government. The funding is part of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The money goes toward expanding the facility by 65% to build a large new gym, create more space for programming and child care, plus modernize the entire existing structure. The result will be a 22,000 square foot building that better serves the more than 16,000 people who regularly use the popular Boys & Girls Club. The facility is so popular that it's unable to schedule formal after-school programs for youth due to lack of space.

Ron Rock, executive director of the local Boys & Girls Club, noted the federal funding for the expansion came very quickly. He said the Club submitted its funding application on May 29th and the formal announcement came June 30th - just one month and one day later. The federal infrastructure funding matches the $1.2 million contributed by the provincial government.

Trichell Primo, president of the Club's Youth Council, thanked all officials for making the expansion possible. Still a teenager, Trichell has been active in Club programs and activities for 13 years. She explained to the group of 80 or so kids and officials attending the announcement just how important the local Boys & Gils Club is to her and the entire community.

Ron credited his staff for running the facility so well that the organization received such accelerated funding. The funding application process was successfully managed by Judene Stewart , one of the Club's employees. Judene said it was the first time she'd ever taken on such a major fund-raising project.

The Boys & Girls Club of East Scarborough provides early learning for children, licensed child care, recreational services, plus leadership and employment programs for youth and young adults. Its mission is to be "a safe, accessible, well-known place where [local residents can]... enhance their growth, personal development and potential as contributing members of society."

The Club is continuing its community fundraising campaign, which is supported by government, companies and individuals, including the City of Toronto, Scarborough Kiwanis, and former local city councillor David Soknacki. For more information about East Scarborough Boys & Girls Club, visit www.esbgc.org or phone 416-281-0262.

Chuck Konkel Acclaimed Monday, 01 June 2009 Chuck Konkel is acclaimed as the Conservative Party of Canada's candidate in Scarborough-Guildwood.

As a first-time candidate in the 2008 federal election, Chuck ran a strong campaign. He was endorsed by a large variety of community and public organizations, including The Scarborough Mirror. He also narrowed the gap noticeably with the Liberal candidate.

"I'm honoured to represent the Scarborough-Guildwood community for the federal Conservatives," said Chuck. "I also look forward to meeting my friends in the riding and making new acquaintances in the coming weeks."

Chuck's connection with the riding began decades ago, when he and his wife, Robin, celebrated their wedding with a reception at the historic Guild Inn. Today, the Guild facility is boarded up -- a vivid example of the neglect our community has received from the current federal MP

Chuck's acclamation comes after the local riding association set up a Candidate Nomination Committee to search for the best person to represent the Conservative Party locally in the next federal election.

Recently Chuck organized a "Day with the Jays" for about 100 local children, youths and their parents. He arranged the group to watch a Toronto Blue Jays game, plus free transportation and lunch. For many it was their first opportunity to see the Jays in action.

Watch for more of Chuck's community actions in the coming weeks.

Take Us Out To The Ball Game Saturday, 23 May 2009 Nearly 100 kids and parents from Scarborough-Guildwood recently got the opportunity to cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre, travel to and from the game by GO Train, and enjoy a Pizza Pizza lunch.

The event was organized by Chuck Konkel, the riding's 2008 candidate of record. Chuck asked the four sponsoring organizations to help families in Scarborough-Guildwood experience a baseball game with all the trimmings.

The Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Centre provided the tickets, plus arranged for the families to watch the Jays take pre-game batting practice. Then after the game, the ball club let all the kids on the field for a special thrill.

Getting to and from the game was courtesy of GO Transit. The Scarborough group travelled from Scarborough's Guildwood GO station to Union Station, and back thanks to the provincial commuter system, which is partly funded by the federal Conservative Government.

And before the game, everyone was treated to an early lunch from Pizza Pizza, which provided dozens of pizzas as part of the event.

Chuck and his wife, Robin, worked with two local organizations that focus on children and youth services. The Guyanese Alliance, which offers tutoring programs for school kids, and Just for Kicks Soccer, which operates a full schedule for various soccer teams in Scarborough. Julian Austen coordinated with the Guyanese Alliance. Brian Rife, along with his wife, Tracy, did the coordinating for the Just for Kicks group.

The day-long event proved memorable for the young people, as well as their parents who accompanied them. More than half of the people who attended said it was the first time they had gone to a live baseball game. Many of the kids had never before travelled on the GO Train.

The game was a low-scoring pitchers' duel and the Jays fell behind early. To the delight of the more than 22,000 fans attending, the home team came back to beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1. To celebrate after the game, many of the Scarborough kids got to meet Ace, the Blue Jays' mascot, then scooted along the base path - from home plate and round all the bases - just like Vernon Wells, Alex Rios, Alan Lind and all the rest of the Jays do.

For more photos, click here to go the the Photo Gallery

Getting ready for their first Jays game.

Getting ready for their first Jays game.

Read our Latest Newsletter Monday, 18 May 2009 Our latest newsletter includes reports on our association's Annual General Meeting, how Prime Minister Harper is dealing with the economy and lots more. Click here to download the newest edition. For previous editions, click here for a full list.

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