Tory Rob Clarke Doesn't Want To Debate David Orchard

What a surprise Rob. That would require being able to speak in public...something Stephen Harper doesn't want his candidates doing.

Gotta love this line:

he doesn't want to get into a debate before the leaders' debate Oct. 2 for fear of contradicting leader Stephen Harper

Here's the rest.

Star Phoenix September 20/08


CLARKE NO-SHOW AT FORUMS

The first candidates' forums in the Desnethe riding won't include the incumbent. Clarke said he has several reasons for taking a pass on the forum planned for Meadow Lake Sept. 25: His schedule is full; he doesn't want to get into a debate before the leaders' debate Oct. 2 for fear of contradicting leader Stephen Harper; and he's not a big fan of forums in any case.

"Usually with a debate, you only get about 20 people to show up. And what happens is it's usually staged. You get people from other camps asking questions and it just turns into support for one candidate."

Clarke has committed to an Oct. 9 forum on MBC radio, which will reach more of the riding.

Marjaleena Repo, the co-campaign manager for Liberal candidate David Orchard, said Clarke has also passed on a second Sept. 25 forum in Spiritwood and one scheduled for La Ronge Oct. 1.

"This is quite shocking to me," she said.

Clarke said he's got a different style than Orchard.

"The one thing I've noticed about David Orchard is all he wants to do is debate," Clarke said. "Debate debate debate debate in every town. My opinion is he doesn't want to go and meet the voters."

ORCHARD WINS NOMINATION - NEXT STOP OTTAWA

And all the doubts are put to sleep. In a fair nomination, David Orchard once again proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he has the ability to organize people better than most I know. Now to kick the pants out of some Conservative prairie dogs!!!

Joan Beatty - David Orchard...Two Days Left

It's time.

One Week Left to Saskatchewan Nomination

That's right folks. We have an open nomination for the riding of Desnethe Missinippi Churchill River. One that involves Joan Beatty and David Orchard. August 14th is the day of reckoning.

I shouldn't have to tell you how I stand on the matter but, just in case you forgot, I am all for David Orchard becoming the Liberal Party Candidate for DMCR. I've explained my reasons over and over again, but the main reason is that the Liberal Party has to do something different in the prairies and I believe David will act as a catalyst in that regard.

As all of you know, campaigns are an expensive proposition. So donate early and donate often. https://www.vttoth.com/ORCHARD/donation.html

Join the Facebook Group http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2383099601

My Two Cents on the By-Elections

Yadda. Yadda.

There are many theories, lots of spin and loads of partisanship out there in the MSM and blogworld about Monday's by-elections. I don't want to be long-winded about the elections, but as my title says, here's my two cents worth.

Alphabetically:

Desenthe-Missinippi-Churchill River

* Most of the entire blogworld, the Liberal Party and the MSM know how I felt about this riding before e-day. You can't tell riding membership who they are going to have as a candidate. It just doesn't make for good campaigning and it sure as hell isn't very democratic. Two more words to point to the problem -RALPH GOODALE.

* We didn't get out the vote. I suspect we had a group of people that chose to stay home.

*Solution - We need to rethink our policy for all of western Canada, and, as Bob Rae pointed out on Don Newman's show yesterday, engage more people. Engage Dippers, Greens and Progressive Conservatives. That would include David Orchard. Wouldn't it Bob?

Toronto Centre

* The team on the ground was solid. Bob didn't take too much for granted and hit the doors and the events.

* The percentage of popular vote rose from the previous election.

* All in all, proof that the LPC(O) and its members are alive and well and battle-ready.


Vancouver Quadra

* Oh boy. Talk about heart attacks! It would appear that some of us Liberals took that riding for granted.

* A loss here in Mark Marissen's backyard would have set off a very different set of conversations than the ones we are having today my friends.

* Again, we need a vision for western Canada. In BC we need to speak clearly and strongly about our environmental and aboriginal plans. Short of Kyoto and Kelowna, what is our new vision. Stephane has begun to hint at it with his carbon initiative.


Willowdale

* I was there for this one, so I guess I can say everything went to plan. Hundreds of willing and capable volunteers were out in full force to help Martha bring out the vote.

* Again, the Liberal Party is alive and well in Ontario. We were ready and we didn't take anything for granted.

* Martha increased the percentage of the popular vote over the 2006 figure.

* The Green Candidate beat the NDP candidate, signalling the fall of the NDP as a place to park a vote.


Overall:

*I can say that as Liberals in Ontario, we were quite satisfied with our brand Monday night.

*I feel Quadra is an alarm bell going off that we can't hit the snooze button on.

*Sask showed us that we can't be the party of yesterday and dictate who the best candidate is for grassroots Liberals in ridings. It's a democracy and in democracies we vote for our leaders.

*The Green party has set the tone for the NDP's next general campaign and signalled that the Dippers can't just attack Liberals anymore. It's getting them nowhere. My guess is the Dippers will lose 10 or more seats and be searching for a new leader after the next campaign.

*The Conservatives gained a seat. They can crow. They also learned about interfering with a candidate as they finished 4th in Toronto Centre. That's right. FOURTH. And in Willowdale they are still non-existent. A true signal that in the GTA CONS are nowhere near figuring it out yet. Throw that in with Flaherty ruining any other chances they may have had, and most of the 905 seats will come back Liberal in the general election.

*A big thank you to our four candidates. The Liberals ran 75% female candidates, and elected 66% of those, in this by-election. That fit in well with Stephane's plan I'd say.

The only question I guess that remains to be answered now is when is the next election?

They Bet me the Orchard Affair Wouldn't Last

They were wrong. But, is this really the end for Mr. Goodale? Why hasn't Joan Beatty reached out and touched Dorion and Orchard? Would have been tops on my list if I was running her campaign.

But, then again, I'm not.

David Orchard Tells it on Mike Duffy

Have a listen here.

And now you know some more of the story.

When it Comes to Orchard...I Told Ya So....

I knew full well how this would play out. And...it ain't good. Democracy circumvented is never a good thing.


MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, January 8, 2008



An emergency Liberal membership meeting for the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River riding will be held:



Saturday, January, 12, 2008
10 a.m.
PA Inn, Salon A and B
Prince Albert SK


The objective of the meeting will be to set up a riding association executive and to set a nomination date to democratically elect a Liberal candidate for the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River riding for the coming by-election March 17.

We do not intend to extinguish the spirit of the North, nor let the Indian Act mentality impose upon the citizens of the North a candidate and a process which is undemocratic and which insults us.

For further information contact:

Chief Marcel Head, Shoal Lake First Nation cell 306-768-7875 or tel 306-768-3551 (office)

Jimmy Durocher, former federal and provincial Liberal candidate and Past President of the Metis Association of Saskatchewan, cell 306-222-4144 or tel 306-653-0384 (office).

----

http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/story.html?id=3dc8b45f-d129-4400-b8de-95122fef0d4b


Northerners plan protest of Liberal appointment

Randy Burton
The StarPhoenix


Wednesday, January 09, 2008


Disgruntled Liberals in the province's north have organized a meeting for Saturday to protest federal Liberal Leader Stephane Dion's decision to bypass a nomination meeting for an upcoming byelection.

Those involved say the issue has united Metis and First Nations communities in opposition to the appointment of former NDP provincial cabinet minister Joan Beatty as the Liberal candidate in the March 17 vote in the riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River.

The move has pre-empted a nomination meeting that would have seen free trade critic David Orchard facing off against Prince Albert educator John Dorion.

The pair have been campaigning and selling memberships for several months, only to see their efforts short-circuited by Dion's decision last week to appoint Beatty.

This has angered a number of people in the north who see the move as a paternalistic gesture that discounts their democratic right to choose.

Sources say Dion's hand was forced by Saskatchewan Liberal Ralph Goodale, who is dead set against the idea of having Orchard as a Liberal candidate in a winnable riding, in spite of the fact Orchard played a key role in helping Dion win the party's leadership in 2006.

Despite his flair for organization, Orchard is regarded by some in the Liberal hierarchy as a loose cannon whose views on any number of issues might cause problems for the party.

In spite of that, various community and Native leaders say naming Beatty has badly damaged the Liberals' chances in the consituency, which the party won by just 67 votes in the last federal election.

Former Liberal MP Gary Merasty resigned his seat last year and has since taken an executive position with Cameco Corp.

In an interview Tuesday, Bruce Morin, chief of the Big River Band, said he thinks Dion made "a big mistake" by appointing Beatty.

"He's going to lose a lot of votes over this. He won the last time with a slim majority of votes thanks to the efforts of people like us. And now he goes and does this to us.

"This is an insult to the people who live out here. This should have been our choice."

Goodale and Liberal campaign co-chair David Smith have defended the move, saying appointments are sometimes necessary in order to improve gender balance in elections.

Orchard's campaign manager Marjaleena Repo said she expects Orchard to be in the audience of Saturday's meeting, but the issue belongs to the people of the riding.

"The issue is even beyond the candidates. I have this feeling that this is drawing a line in the sand. Or in the forest," she said.

The meeting will be co-chaired by Metis leader Jimmy Durocher, who said he expects most northern community mayors to be in attendance, as well as a number of First Nations chiefs.

"This is one issue that First Nations and Metis speak together on, and they're adamant that not using the democratic process is very offensive to everybody."

Durocher said he also hopes Goodale will be in attendance, since Dion's office has said the decision was taken on Goodale's recommendation.

A spokesperson for Goodale said he has not heard about the gathering and needs more information before making a commitment.

The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Prince Albert Inn.

Durocher said he expects up to 150 people to attend.

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008


http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=24b7162b-79fa-406a-b6d4-065c664ce995


Dion defaults on debt to Orchard

Randy Burton
The StarPhoenix


Tuesday, January 08, 2008


Say what you will about Brian Mulroney, he knew how politics works.

One of his many expressions was "ya dance with the one what brung ya," a reference to the importance of loyalty in politics.

No one should know that better than Saskatchewan Liberals. Theirs is a history rife with deposed leaders and backroom deals that put personal gain above party loyalty. As a result, they remain mired in the political cellar, living at 10 per cent in the provincial polls and unable to regain much of a foothold on the federal scene.

It's perfectly in keeping with that history for federal leader Stephane Dion to appoint former provincial NDP cabinet minister Joan Beatty to become the Liberal candidate in Desnethe-Missinnippi-Churchill River.

He's following another unwritten rule of politics that suggests the ends justifies the means. However, it's by no means clear that this gamble will pay off.

On paper, the idea of an appointment is eminently defensible as a principled gesture aimed at getting qualified women into Parliament. In this case, Beatty has the additional advantage of having First Nations heritage, so the Liberals can also claim they're standing up for minorities in the democratic process.

In practice however, going over the heads of local party members is extremely divisive and undermines the party's strength at the grassroots level, where they need it most.

If Beatty can actually win the March 17 byelection to replace former Liberal MP Gary Merasty, then the Liberals can claim they were right to "bite the bullet," as Senator David Smith calls it.

If she fails, Dion will not only have reduced his seat count, but he will have alienated one of his most important supporters for nothing. Free trade critic and former Tory leadership candidate David Orchard delivered 150 votes to Dion's leadership campaign in 2006, but apparently that wasn't enough.

He's now in the humiliating position of being shunted aside for a hand-picked candidate with absolutely no base of support within the Liberal party. What she shares with Dion is a disregard for the concept of loyalty.

Former premier Lorne Calvert plucked her from obscurity and made her a cabinet minister, even though she had no visibile qualifications for the job. What's more, he stuck with her, in spite of the fact she was regarded as a lacklustre minister.

As for her constituents, she was re-elected as an MLA just two months ago. You could say she had a contract with the voters who signed on with her in the expectation that she would stay for four years. She didn't last two months.

Her justification is that it's impossible to get anything done in Opposition, which is an interesting comment on the value of the role her erstwhile colleagues are now playing, to say nothing of the entire federal NDP caucus.

But the real story here is Orchard, who has built a national base that will follow wherever he chooses to lead. What does he do next?

He's still not ready to say, but none of his options are particularly appetizing. He could quit the Liberals and take his followers somewhere else, but he's running out of parties. He could play the loyal soldier and run in some other riding, but his image as a man with influence over Dion is now badly damaged, which thus hobbles his electability.

Finally, his supporters across the country could attempt to convince Dion to change his mind, something that is happening now. A number of people in the North are frustrated by the turn of events and talking about some public show of support for Orchard.

"When all's said and done, I feel it was an unfair process," says Duane Favel, the mayor of Ile-a-la-Crosse and an Orchard supporter.

"If they were considering appointing a candidate, they should have indicated that a lot sooner. We feel frustrated that this was pulled from underneath him the way it happened."

More than 500 people have bought Liberal memberships in the North in order to support either Orchard or his opponent John Dorion, only to learn they will have no say in the outcome of the nomination.

And ultimately, this may be the lasting legacy of this decision. People in the North are going to remember this appointment long after Joan Beatty is a footnote in Canadian political history. For proof, you need look no further than the riding of Saskatoon-Humboldt, where Jean Chretien appointed Georgette Sheridan as the Liberal nominee in 1993.

She won that year, but the internal divisions it created have never fully healed. Sheridan was defeated by Jim Pankiw in 1997 and the Reform-Alliance-Conservative metamorphosis has owned the riding every since.

There's no way to know if the same thing will happen in the North where the voting demographic is very different. But we know northern voters prize personal loyalties every bit as much as the rest of us.

That alone should have given Dion reason for pause.

Phone: 657-6212

E-mail: rburton@sp.canwest.com

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

Another Aboriginal Leader Backs David Orchard

Today this article appeared in the StarPhoenix.


Appointment of Beatty would send bad message

The StarPhoenix


Thursday, January 03, 2008


As former president of the Churchill River riding, as it was then called, I believe the intended appointment of Cumberland NDP MLA Joan Beatty to be the Liberal candidate for the federal Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding isn't right or fair to other candidates or constituents.

My understanding is that Ralph Goodale is considering endorsing the appointment, soon to be made by Liberal Party Leader Stephen Dion.

If the appointment goes ahead without the people in the constituency having any say, it would be a slap in the face to the constituents. It would suggest that constituents are not capable of electing their own representative and that the selection has to be made for them by the top Liberal leader.

This would be disgraceful.

We can't let tyranny overstep or overpower democracy and the freedom to elect our representatives. If Dion appoints Beatty, the Liberal party should consider whether its current supporters will be there to back it in the next federal election.

It's definitely Beatty's choice whether she crosses over to a federal Party, whether it's the Liberal party or the NDP. But whether her provincial faithful supporters cross over with her to the federal level remains to be seen.

Roy Head

Red Earth First Nation

© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2008

The West Coast for David Orchard

A couple of letters that floated in in support of David Orchard's right to a free nomination. It should be noted how very passionate these ladies are with their support of both our leader and David Orchard.

From Margo Elfert


Dear Mr. Dion,

Thank you for your Christmas greetings, and for your message to Avaaz signers. I am very concerned about the environment, and am embarrassed at the stand our present Government took at those talks.

First, let me admit, I am not a long term Liberal. I joined the party after listening to David Orchard speak highly of you, and then doing some research on my own. I have known Mr. Orchard for over 10 years now. We took our sons, then in their early teens, to hear him speak in Vancouver, and were all impressed with his earnestness and honesty, and his vision for a Canada that was “ours”.

When I had a chance to be your delegate in Montreal, I went feeling that, for the first time, I could have a say in someone who I trusted being, perhaps, my, and my sons', Prime Minister some day. I listened closely to what you had to say throughout that conference and you did not let me down.

I also had the privilege of sitting next to a 5th Generation Liberal through that day who was very active in the party. He had come as a Dion delegate from the outset as well. He spoke of his concerns with the top down way the party was devolving. He voted for you because he saw in you a spirit that could bring the grass roots back to the fore. I came back from that conference elated, feeling hope for the first time in a long while for my country and for the it's role in the world.

So it was with a heavy heart that I see what is happening in northern Saskatchewan riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River. I understand you are considering parachuting a delegate into that riding, when there are 2 candidates already vying for that position. I see the “top down” party policies coming to the fore. Mr. Orchard has a strong reputation in that riding, and should be given a fair shot at it.

I want to see the Liberals back in power, with you at the helm. But this can only happen if you stick to your leadership campaign promise to be a truly “independent man of the people”.

Wishing you and your family all the best for 2008,

Margo Elfert
Vancouver, B.C.


And From Karin Clark



December 30, 2007



Dear Mr. Dion:

1. I was proud to be your delegate from Vancouver Island North Riding at the Montreal Convention last year.

2. I am also proud of the tireless energy and faithfulness to your stated beliefs that you have exhibited in your many public appearances. I still think you are the best leader for Canada.

3. I was encouraged by David Orchard to become involved in the Liberal Party and Leadership Convention because of your integrity, experience and platform. I would never have considered spending my money or my time in politics (leaving many other personal commitments) at all if not for his personal encouragement. I helped to elect you. Because I waited for 7 hours in a locked room without food or water to become a delegate when I came on faith as an alternate delegate, I believe I was one of the 2 votes that kept you in the running.

4. The intimidating, wealthy, powerful “Suits” in the Liberal Party had given me a life-long aversion to the Liberals. It was only seeing, in person, the numbers of grass-roots, common folks in sweaters and jeans at the Leadership Convention plus the crushing blow of the Party defeat in the last election, that gave me the hope that the arrogance shown by the Party might have been replaced by humility and willingness to serve the people of Canada.

5. I know of no one who has greater amounts of humility and willingness to serve the people of Canada than David Orchard. Please act to allow the democratic process to take place in Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River and give Mr. Orchard the chance to represent this Riding.

6. I can’t begin to imagine the kind of pressures being brought to bear upon you– all the various special interests from outside and within your party. I would like to expand my “mustard seed”-size grain of faith in the political process. Unfortunately, that will not withstand what I can only call the betrayal of David Orchard, a loyal supporter and asset to the Liberals. I cannot continue to work as secretary in my Riding, provide financial support to the Party, nor encourage the four voters in my family if I am so deeply disappointed by political expediency.



With respect and concern,

Karin Clark
Union Bay, B.C.
Vancouver Island North



P.S. I am writing to you with both broken wrists in a cast, and my broken ankle swelling in its cast because I believe this issue is so important. I thank you and your family for your personally signed Christmas card. I guess your hands feel broken after all that, as well. :)

The Orchard Movement Continues

Two more letters. I continue to get emails and calls of support for David Orchard. I hope the nomination in Saskatchewan gets called soon. Not that there's any hurry. The by-election isn't until March.

Here's a letter from Pat Barclay.

December 29, 2007


Dear Mr. Goodale,

Since I have been writing letters in my head to you for at least a week now, it's about time I committed one to e-mail! Thank you very much indeed for your time and attention to this post, and I will do my best to make my comments brief and to the point.

Re the Liberal seat in north Saskatchewan formerly held by Gerald Merasty: This seat recently made headlines when it was reported that Mr. Dion is considering appointing a woman candidate, Joan Beatty, over the heads of two Liberal men campaigning to contest it in the next federal election. The story made national news because one of the men seeking the candidacy is David Orchard.

Further, the same news story reported that Mr. Dion is considering interfering in the normal grassroots process of selection because of pressure from you yourself, who have some objection to David Orchard. Because I have heard no more news on the subject, I am hoping an honourable solution is being worked out that will allow Mr. Orchard to continue seeking the nomination. However, should this not be the case, I would like to make the following points:

1) Mr. Orchard cannot be objected to as a comparatively "Johnny-come-lately" Liberal, when Mrs. Beatty is an NDP!

2) James Curran's blog is currently making a very strong case for Mr. Orchard as the candidate of choice in the riding. (Details can be forwarded on request.)

3) If/when elected, Mr. Orchard would be a staunch and effective defender of the Canadian Wheat Board against attacks by the Conservative gov't. and aggrandizement by US corporations.

4) As with Stephane Dion, David Orchard's hallmark is his personal integrity. (This, by the way, is the principal reason for his continuing success with his supporters. To get the picture, think of Diogenes setting out with his lantern to find an honest man :) .)

If Mr. Dion declines to appoint Ms. Beatty and instead supports Mr. Orchard's right to contest the nomination, the public will be sent a clear message that the LPC is once again worthy of its trust. It is impossible to overstate the importance of this!

5) The "dirty trick" played on you by the RCMP--apparently in collusion with the Conservatives--during the last election, Mr. Goodale, was a shocking display of inappropriate behaviour that must be difficult to forget. So it is not much of a stretch to imagine you finding common cause with Orchard in the pressing need to return the Liberals to power! To that end, allowing--and possibly even helping---him to retain Mr. Merasty's seat would be an excellent beginning, and a fine outcome for the province of Saskatchewan.

With best wishes and high hopes for the next federal election,

(Ms.) Pat Barclay
Saanich-Gulf Islands

Letters For David Orchard

The momentum continues. I can't tell you just how overwhelmingly positive the response has been for my friend David Orchard's campaign. Lots and lots of letters and emails. Here's another letter from the left coast.




December 29, 2007

Dear Mr. Dion,

I am writing to you regarding the recent press reports regarding the candidacy for the Liberal Party of Canada of David Orchard in Saskatchewan. It is true one cannot always believe what is written in the press but if there is any truth to the report that you are possibly thinking of appointing a provincial NDP woman to run in his desired riding I wish to comment.

I was your very enthusiastic delegate from Victoria a year ago at the leadership convention. During that time I stayed at the apartment hotel in Montreal along with about 150 of your delegates who were inspired by David Orchard. His brother Grant had looked after all the bookings for us. Each day in the morning and evening David Orchard would invite us to gather and discuss how we could best get you elected. He was/is without doubt one of your greatest advocates and supporters. He is also a very proud, committed and loyal Canadian, deeply concerned about the environment as well as the country. It is for this reason that I am shocked to think you would consider replacing him as candidate. I realize that one must remain open to running a " winnable" candidate in a riding but this is certainly not the case with David Orchard. He is well known and respected and has a long and admirable history in this Saskatchewan riding. Somewhere in this picture there must be a place for loyalty. Mr. Orchard has demonstrated great loyalty to you Mr. Dion and I am encouraging you to return that to him as well. Without his 150 delegates it is very possible that you would not be leader to-day.

I have been acquainted with David Orchard for several years now and know of no greater Canadian. He deserves a seat in the House of Commons and will be an outstanding member of parliament for Canada and in Saskatchewan. I encourage you to offer him your full support on getting there.

I look forward to working hard in the next election to ensure that you become our next prime minister. My comments are written in the utmost concern and with great respect. Wishing you and your family a very happy and successful year in 2008.

Most Sincerely,
Patricia Houston
Victoria B.C.

Metis for David Orchard

If you were wondering just how much support David Orchard has from the aboriginal leaders in his bid to run as a candidate in Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River, I've decided to post an open letter to Stephane Dion.

I'm again asking for more support from all of you out there that stop by this little ole blog to help in our larger-by-the-day Liberals for David Orchard campign. Write a letter, send an email, join his facebook group.



December 23, 2007

The Hon. Stéphane Dion
Leader, the Liberal Party of Canada
Liberal Party of Canada
81 Metcalfe Street, Suite 400
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 6M8

Dear Stéphane Dion,

I write to you with a heavy heart and mixed emotions today. Perhaps it is best to begin with an introduction.

My name is Jim Durocher, although often people call me simply Jimmy D.

I’ve been involved in the Métis movement in Saskatchewan for almost thirty years. I twice served as an executive member of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and for eight years as its president. I’m a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and a life long active Liberal. I am proud of my record on both fronts.

In 1983, I stood as the federal Liberal candidate in Battlefords-Meadow Lake and as the provincial Liberal candidate in 1985. I currently serve as CEO of Saskatchewan Native Rentals, the largest Aboriginal property management company in the province.

My partner, Wanda McCaslin, is a legal research officer at the Native Law Centre of Canada and among other things editor of Justice As Healing, Indigenous Ways; Writings on Community Peace Making and Restorative Justice.

I was born and raised in northern Saskatchewan and know the area like the back of my hand, which brings me to the purpose of my letter to you.

I’m appalled — and there is no other expression I can use — at what I observe unfolding in my beloved northern homeland of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River.

By way of background, the North has been for decades on the receiving end of colonial attitudes and unforgiveable arrogance coming from the south and centre of our country. In my life I have seen many examples. We have had candidates selected and foisted upon the riding. We have had nomination meetings held outside the riding itself. I could go on, but I’m sure you are an intelligent man and understand something of colonialism and racism.

The central point is that the people of this riding resent, and I personally resent mightily, the attitude of certain southerners that they know what’s best for our riding.

I’ve followed with keen interest the race unfolding for Gary Merasty’s old seat for several months. In fact, this year I was asked to chair our major, annual Remembrance Day celebration held in Ile-a-laCrosse on November 11th. During the social event afterwards, I introduced the two candidates running for the Liberal nomination, John Dorion and David Orchard. I also chaired a Métis veterans’ event in Prince Albert about a month ago which featured David Orchard as a guest speaker. I observed the reaction to his presentation and afterwards interviewed him in my office.

I have noted with interest the number of memberships being sold in the party and the grassroots’ interest being kindled, not to mention that being expressed by chiefs, mayors and residents alike. Significantly, the vast majority of these memberships appear to be purchased by Métis and First Nations people. One can almost start to feel a rebirth stirring in the Liberal party in Saskatchewan and, heaven knows, it is long overdue.

So, I was stunned to read in my local paper that all of this is about to be shoved aside in Desnethé and a candidate imposed by the elite powerbrokers of our party.

To say that I am angry is an understatement, to say I am insulted conveys only a part of what I wish to say.

My people know in their bones about colonialism and I believe that you as a French-Canadian Québecer should be able to understand something of that.

I really do object to the idea that Ralph Goodale, sitting in Regina, can attempt to impose a sitting NDP MLA on our riding and expect the people to swallow that and play along.

There is an Indian Affairs mindset and this is it to the core, the old Indian Agent mentality we all know too much about. The idea that “we” know better than “you,” the people, what is good for you. It would be too much to expect those poor people who shelled out their precious $25 to join the Liberal party to be able to select their candidate. Mr. Goodale will choose one for us.

Let me tell you something bluntly. If you impose Joan Beatty, the Liberals will lose this riding. How do you think Ms. Beatty will be able to draw votes from the roughly 50% of the voting population that inhabits the white farm belt? How do you expect her to fare on the west side of the riding?

If I may ask, who exactly is it that you get your information about our riding from? This is a riding that is winnable by the Liberal party. It cannot be won by imposing a candidate in the middle of a functioning democratic process. The resulting controversy will blow her right out of the race and hand the riding to Mr. Harper.

If the democratic process is short circuited — and for no good reason other than the ambition of one provincial politician — then I can assure you that our people will stay home, they will give up on the hopeful process we have watched unfold here in the past months. They will simply not show up to vote.

Last time the riding was won by Gary Merasty by 67 votes and this with an all out united effort by the Métis and First Nations alike. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that many constituents were not happy that all their effort ended up for nought after a few short months when Gary Merasty stepped down to take a job in the corporate sector. Our riding for many years has not had a strong voice helping us deal with the overwhelming array of issues our people face every day.

If this travesty occurs in Desnethé, if you, Sir, lose sight of the basic proposition that the people of the north, be they my people, white, or First Nation, have the basic right to select their own candidate, unless some emergency, I personally will not vote Liberal. For those who know my history that is a significant statement. I suspect many others will in fact vote Conservative or stay home.

If you allow yourself to be led around by politicians with their own axes to grind, you will, I believe, live to regret it profoundly. I suspect how you handle this situation could have a major influence on your leadership, your career and the future of our party.

I urge you to recall words you yourself have been quoted as uttering about integrity, about citizens’ rights, about respect for our democratic processes and institutions and then act accordingly.

I strongly believe heads should roll in your inner circle over this, but I am writing in the hope that we don’t have to lose this seat for you to find that out.

In closing, may I say that I regret this letter and I regret the necessity for it.

I would appreciate an early reply.

I am, sincerely yours,

Jim Durocher (Jimmy D.)
CEO Saskatchewan Native Rentals
1940 Ave C North
Saskatoon, SK
S7L 1M1
Tel 306-653-0384 (Office)
Cell 306-222-4144

David Orchard for Liberal MP

With the call of four by-elections by the soon-to-be ex-PM Stephen Harper, we need to face the reality that David Orchard is our best hope to win Gary Merasty's seat in the House back for the Liberals.

Call the nomination Sask Liberal Party. Call it today. I'm betting Ms. Beatty wouldn't dare enter the race at this late stage. We need organized, seasoned veterans ready to fight in the trenches. David Orchard is that person.

David Orchard - From the Outside In

Having been a part of Dion's delegate accumulation during his leadership bid, I can attest to the fact that David Orchard can mobilize the troops better than anyone. Here's a nice little reflection on David.

Join DAVID'S FACEBOOK GROUP here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2383099601

Orchard's strategic influence

Randy Burton
The StarPhoenix


Thursday, December 07, 2006


If delivering support to the winning candidate means anything in politics, then David Orchard's star must surely be on the rise in the Liberal party.

The longtime critic of free trade, two-time candidate for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative party and new Liberal can be credited for playing a significant role in Stephane Dion's rise to the Liberal leadership.

Exact totals are unclear at the moment, but Orchard's organization managed to deliver close to 150 delegate votes at the Montreal convention -- 32 of which came from Saskatchewan.

In fact, every Dion delegate from Saskatchewan but one was part of the Orchard camp.

Some were prior Liberals, but many were personal supporters of Orchard from past campaigns. The Orchard camp helped many of them raise the money to go and most of them stayed together at the same hotel, where they had booked a block of rooms.

If Dion was the outsider from within the Liberal establishment, then it seems somehow fitting he should have the support of a consummate outsider like Orchard.

Their partnership could not have been more successful. As the record shows, Dion garnered 854 votes on the first ballot, beating out rival Gerard Kennedy by just two votes on the first ballot. As a result of their prior agreement, Kennedy wound up throwing his support to Dion, which sealed his win. Had the first ballot gone the other way, Kennedy might be the leader today.

There were many reasons why Dion won, but he obviously would not have had the horses to overtake Kennedy without Orchard's support.

Once again, the man many dismiss as a political gadfly has proven it's a mistake to underestimate his influence.

Through organizations dating back to the mid-1980s, from the free trade wars to two runs for the Progressive Conservative leadership, Orchard has built a huge list of contacts. His chief organizer, Marjaleena Repo, estimates they now have some 39,000 names in their databank.

There may have been other people supporting Dion with this kind of reach, but certainly no one who reaches the variety of people who tend to support Orchard. Some are environmentalists seeking pesticide bans; others want to promote organic farming and the Canadian Wheat Board. Still others believe Canadian foreign policy is tilted too far in favour of Israel.

What they have in common is that they see Orchard as a means of empowering ordinary people. In an era where party affiliation means little, Orchard has managed to construct a portable power base that has now influenced the outcome of three different national leadership campaigns.

This turn of events raises some very interesting questions about Orchard's future. There's no doubt he intends to remain active in Liberal politics, and there are a number of issues he intends to press.

The Canadian Wheat Board issue is one of those, as is tighter controls on pesticides and the ongoing problem of low farm income. At the convention, Orchard was rubbing shoulders with former agriculture minister Eugene Whelan, and he's now in conversation with John Turner's former ag minister, Ralph Ferguson, who wants his help on farm policy issues.

If Dion should eventually become prime minister -- and every elected Liberal leader since 1896 has -- Orchard will be well-positioned to play a role in a Liberal government.

How intoxicating the prospect must seem for him. The perpetual outsider who had so much diffi culty gaining the respect of the Progressive Conservative hierarchy now fi nds his opinion sought out by players in the Liberal party.

Should he decide to run for the Liberals and actually win a seat, he might even have a shot at a cabinet post.

Many will blanch at this prospect, but stranger things have happened.

Orchard is noncommittal at this point, but admits he's considering running.

In an interview this week, he said he has had invitations to run for the Liberals in a variety of ridings across the country.

"I have to take a look at all of them and decide where to go," he said.

However, his farm and his history are in Saskatoon Wanuskewin, where he recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of his family's farm.

Wanuskewin remains firmly in the grip of Conservative MP Maurice Vellacott, but Orchard is clearly tempted by the prospect of running against him.

Whether it's the Conservatives' efforts to undermine the wheat board, or Vellacott's "whole-hearted support for the bombing of Lebanon," Orchard says his current MP leaves plenty to be desired.

As other high-profile candidates such as Chris Axworthy have learned, Vellacott is not easy to beat. But there's a certain symmetry to the idea. Who better to take on the ideologically driven Vellacott than the equally hard-nosed Orchard? It would pit Vellacott's disciplined group of evangelicals and pro-lifers against Orchard's coalition of greens, anti-free traders and social democrats.

In many ways it would be a microcosm of the national campaign, right here on our own doorstep.

You could sell tickets to a contest like that.

What on God's Green Earth!!! Is this a Joke???

Imagine my total disbelief when I read this article this evening. As many, many of you know, I am a very strong supporter of Mr. David Orchard. I'm also a very strong supporter of seeing David get to Ottawa as a Liberal MP.

To that end, this blog will become an unofficial campaign blog for Mr. Orchard's nomination campaign...and there better be a campaign dammit. Peter MacKay screwed David Orchard, and I'll be damned if it happens to him in our party.

So, let the games begin shall we.

Here is a letter from a new member of the Liberal Party of Canada. He joined because he believes in Mr. Orchard. Understandable.

Following is a letter sent from a well-known member of the Canoe Lake First Nations (and well-known family in the North), and supporter of David's candidacy in the riding of Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River. He sent this letter which he entitled, "Liberals beware", to the Liberal Party to warn them on hearing that the incomprehensible was about to take place (as you read in this morning's Globe).
----

Canoe Lake
December 16, 2007

My name is Joseph D. Iron. I live in Canoe Lake with my wife Dianne and family. When I heard that Gary Merasty was stepping down I was worried. It was a very close election last time. Gary won by only 60 some votes, I think, and we don’t like Harper and the Conservatives.

When I heard Dave Orchard was running I felt good. I said I’d help right away. I joined the Liberal party with my wife and two boys. I paid 40 dollars for a family membership. This is the first time I paid for a membership in a political party. It’s the first time I’ll be voting in a federal election.

Each of my girls also paid for their memberships. This is the first time I ever saw that. It’s the first time they took any interest in politics. They did that because Dave is well known and because we know him in the north.

We had a blockade in 1992 when they were clear-cutting our forest. Two hundred police were coming in that time with guns and dogs and everything. The police put a perimeter, a 50 mile radius all around our camp, so nobody could come in to help us. The elders phoned Dave to ask if he would help us. He came up from his farm in his truck and got through 3 police roadblocks to our camp. They arrested 31 of us, my wife and I included, and put us in a bus, handcuffed behind our backs. We were almost all Aboriginal. Dave stood with us. Two of the women arrested were pregnant. Dave told the police to take the handcuffs off at least the pregnant women. In the end, they moved the handcuffs from behind their backs to the front so it was a little less painful. At the police station in Meadow Lake they took all the Aboriginal people off the bus and left Dave alone and handcuffed inside. Then about 8RCMP took out their sticks and went to the bus for Dave. We all thought he was going to get a bad beating but a head RCMP ran out from the office and the police talked a while. Then they just threw Dave into the cells with the rest of us for the night.

The next day they let us out. They later dropped the charges. Dave and his adopted brother Tyrone Tootoosis contacted David Suzuki and the three of them came up in an airplane to support us. There was lots of media there that time. We have the photo of David Suzuki, myself, Dave Orchard, Tyrone Tootoosis, Irene Durocher and others. Quite a few families in Canoe have that photo.

Our elders say that we were right. The courts have now ordered that there is a duty to consult First Nations. We were protecting our forest, our land, our rights and Mother Earth.

My oldest daughter was 17 then, she remembers Dave coming. My other girls were 6, 7 and 9 and my boys 2 and 3, but everyone still talks about that. One of the pregnant women was Irene Durocher. After her baby was born she and her husband Joe named him Tyrone David because of Dave. He is now 15 and his whole family bought memberships to help Dave. The people here still talk about how the RCMP treated Dave that time.

When we heard about two months ago that Dave was running, our community put on a soup and bannock for him and lots of people bought memberships. They paid from their own pocket. Forty dollars for every family is not easy to find on the reserves. Joe Iron Sr. was there. He is about 93. He bought a membership. Leon Iron is about 80. He was the first one at the hall. He was there before Dave got there. He took out his money and bought the first membership.

Now lots of young people want to buy memberships for Dave. Some cannot afford 10 dollars. They are asking if they can put in one or two dollars, as much as they have, and pay more as they get it.

My wife said to me “what other white person would have went to jail with us?”

I saw one of the chiefs from north of Meadow Lake the other day. He gave me forty dollars. He told me to give it to Dave to pay for a membership for him and his family. He is a long time chief, very well liked. He told me “we’re going to send a white guy to Ottawa this time. He knows our issues, he’s a strong voice and he is a fighter.” Several of his councillors bought memberships too. “We like that white boy,” one told me.

On that chief’s reserve they remember that Dave came up over 10 years ago to warn them about the plan to bury American nuclear waste in our territory. Dave came and spoke in their band hall that time. That plan was stopped. And they want to take memberships to help him now.

The other day I heard people saying that some big people in the Liberal party are going to try to stop Dave, that they are going to appoint an NDP woman who I never heard of over top of Dave. We were in a restaurant in Meadow Lake. I said Dion is not stupid. One other guy said, Dion appointed his friend in Montreal and he lost. If they do this and they hurt Dave I won’t bother with the Liberals anymore. I will go with the NDP. And my family too. I think the chiefs will have something to say
about this too. And that is without even talking about democracy.

If the NDP woman wants to run she should sell memberships just like everybody else.

The people bought memberships because we believe in Dave. If they block him I think we will organize for a refund of our money.

But right now, this just makes me want to go out and sell memberships for Dave. Lots of people want to buy them now. We sold 11 memberships this afternoon.

Joseph D. Iron
Dianne Iron