Canadian Alliance
Fredericton Constituency Association
Canadian Alliance - Looking Good!
Your Canadian Alliance Members of Parliament continue to provide strong, effective opposition to a worn Liberal government, exposing corruption and widespread mismanagement on a regular basis. With each passing day, more and more people are becoming disillusioned with the Liberals and local M.P. Andy Scott; the scandals in Ottawa, the waste of your tax dollars, continual fighting with provincial governments, sour relations with the United States, same sex marriage, justice, health care – it goes on and on!
Nationally, we continue to maintain our traditional stronghold in the West, and sizeable support in Ontario. A significant shift has come our way since the P.C. Leadership Convention where the outcome has dashed any flickering hope they might have had of reviving their Party. Clearly, the Canadian Alliance is the only credible alternative to the Liberals, and the only true conservative party remaining in Canada.
Election Readiness: A solid strategic plan is in place, we have an excellent research team, and have completed all the preliminary work to successfully contend the next election widely expected in May or June 2004. Our training manuals for campaign teams and candidates are completed and are perceived to be the best of their kind in Canada.
Media Coverage: We are receiving more national newspaper and television coverage and it is more positive than before. Our Leader and his team of Opposition Critics continue to hold the Liberals to account for their dismal performance, and are making news practically every day.
10 %ers: Because of our hard work in the last election campaign, we are now receiving help from other MP’s. You and your neighbours may have received a postcard questionnaire to be mailed back to Stephen Harper. These are 10% of what were distributed by an MP in his/her own riding. They are permitted to send 10% into another riding. Because of our hard work in the last election campaign, we are now receiving help from other MP’s.
In March we hosted a visit from our leader, Stephen Harper. Speaking to a packed room at the Fredericton Motor Inn, Stephen delivered an informative and rousing speech. It was evident to those attending that he has everything that it takes to make an excellent Prime Minister. Earlier in the day he was warmly received during a tour of the Market followed by lunch with N.B. Constituency Association Presidents and some Board Members. After his afternoon address, many of you had the chance to meet and share a few words with Mr. Harper.
Membership: We have increased our numbers by 30% since February. Further increases are expected.
Fundraising: We have a good base to start from and fundraising efforts will begin in earnest by early fall to raise the money necessary to effectively promote the Canadian Alliance and raise its visibility in the Fredericton Constituency.
Candidate Search and Selection: Potential nominees are being contacted. Early selection will ensure our candidate has the time to build a strong campaign team, improve his/her visibility, and take full advantage of the candidate training program. Earlier and better organization will increase the chance of success. All new members signed up in support of and by any candidate must be a member by October 8. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Events: We need the support of all members for this public event. Come join the fun and bring friends and family.
Food & Conversation with
STOCKWELL DAY
Canadian Alliance
Foreign Affairs Critic
Saturday, Sept 20, 3:30-5 pm
Fredericton High School
Priestman Street – Watch for Signs
FREE FOOD EVERYBODY WELCOME
We are also planning visits by other Canadian Alliance MPs, including possible public committee hearings and public forums.
Poll Organizations: We are looking for people to act as the Canadian Alliance permanent representative in each poll (Poll Captains) so we have effective organizations in place well-before the election. This is very important and you will be a very key person in helping to elect a Canadian Alliance MP in Fredericton. Effectively organizing each poll is key to getting the vote out and winning “on the ground”. If you think you’d like to be that person or know someone you think would be good at it, please let us know. After redistribution is proclaimed law, there will be more than 165 polls and over 59,000 electors to be reached and we really do need your help. Please call Georgina McArthur at 446-6101 and she’ll meet with you, show you your poll area and what needs to be done.
Website: The Fredericton Constituency has developed an excellent website which will be operational very soon. The internet is now the preferred medium for communication especially among younger Canadians and our website will provide an excellent means of quickly disseminating information, and gaining new members and volunteers. Go to: http://www.oocities.org/canadianalliance_newbrunswick_ca/IndexFredericton.html
Also check out our national website; www.canadianalliance.ca . Bob Candy, one of our C.A. Members in Nova Scotia puts out an excellent newsletter. Contact him at rcandy@navnet.net and ask to receive the latest copy. It is really good!
Phone Numbers: Our Constituency phone numbers will be listed in the upcoming new phone directory. The telephone number is 472-8683(VOTE). The fax line is down by 1000 at 472-7683. Both of these will appear in the telephone book and in the yellow pages. Until we have a constituency office rented, the phone numbers will deliver a recorded message about upcoming events.
First, a sincere thanks to each of you who have renewed your memberships and continue to support the Canadian Alliance through your contributions. With just a small shift in the vote we could win in Fredericton. Here’s how. Disenchantment with Andy Scott and the Liberals continues to mount. A revitalized NDP is likely to take votes from the Liberals. The PC’s are weak financially, organizationally, and face serious internal issues. In fact, they are having an identity crisis and can’t even agree on what they stand for. By comparison the Canadian Alliance knows exactly what it stands for and increasingly is looking like the best choice to more Canadians.
To capitalize on these favorable circumstances, we need to organize and we need to do it now. Winning in Fredericton… that’s our goal! To make it happen we need your help.
Building Memberships and Contributions: Memberships are our main source of revenue through ongoing renewals and contributions. Do you know someone who might be interested in learning more about what we stand for? If so, pass this letter to a friend or neighbor and urge them to contact our membership officer, Perley Demerchant (452-0274). If you have names you think we should contact, please call Perley and let him know. In a discrete manner, we will contact them and encourage their interest.
Changes to Your Board of Directors: Patrick Lynch has stepped down as President in order to take on the responsibility of Regional Organizer for the Maritime Provinces. Richard Bragdon has stepped down as First Vice President because he has moved to the Tobique Mactaquac Constituency. Richard was also elected as a New Brunswick representative to National Council. In their new positions, both Pat and Richard maintain their ongoing and strong commitment to assure success in the Fredericton riding. We are delighted that Gordon Hughes has joined the Board. Jim Cougle has agreed to act as President until our next Annual General Meeting. We have a great team of Board Members, but we need a few more. Your Board meets every 3rd Thursday of the month at the Fredericton Inn at the top of Regent Street in Fredericton at 7 pm. As a member of the Canadian Alliance you are welcome to attend any Board meeting at any time. Please consider it and joining us on the Board.
Fredericton Constituency Association
Tel: 459-7460; E-mail: cougle@rogers.com