From Pirate Party of Canada
21:02 <+MikeBleskie> Shall we begin?
21:03 <+svulliez> I'd say so
21:04 <~MikkelPaulson> sure
21:04 <~MikkelPaulson> sorry was getting food
21:04 <~MikkelPaulson> and we have quorum
21:04 <+MikeBleskie> HE JUST SAID THE MAGIC WORD
21:04 <~MikkelPaulson> mjarr
21:04 <~MikkelPaulson> so if we're going to make a real meeting of it, sorry Sean
21:04 <~MikkelPaulson> I call the meeting to order
21:05 <~MikkelPaulson> we're here to approve at least three new candidates
21:05 <~MikkelPaulson> since Brent is here we may as well begin with him
21:05 <~MikkelPaulson> hey mate
21:05 <+BrentSchaffrick> hi :)
21:06 <+BrentSchaffrick> So, I met with Mikkel two nights ago, and we chatted for a few hours
21:06 <+BrentSchaffrick> I talked with Mike briefly last night
21:06 <~MikkelPaulson> good stuff
21:06 <+BrentSchaffrick> he said he read my website bio
21:06 <+MikeBleskie> I did
21:06 <~MikkelPaulson> and I know the others viewed your CTV videos from the municipal election
21:06 <+BrentSchaffrick> svulliez, do you have any questions or comments for me?
21:06 <+BrentSchaffrick> great!
21:07 <+svulliez> I saw a couple of them, I liked your attitude
21:08 <+BrentSchaffrick> :)
21:09 <+BrentSchaffrick> so, what else would you like to know about me?
21:09 <~MikkelPaulson> well, the one remaining question I have
21:09 <~MikkelPaulson> why the Pirate Party?
21:09 <+BrentSchaffrick> I believe the most important thing a politician can do is represent his
constituents to the best of his ability
21:10 <+svulliez> Do you have any specific ideas on how you could represent the people in your riding
effectively?
21:10 <+BrentSchaffrick> One of the Pirate Parties major principles is that each representative is free,
encouraged even, to design his local platform to represent the needs and wishes
of their district
21:11 <+BrentSchaffrick> and yes, I type 30 to 35 wpm
21:11 <+BrentSchaffrick> yes
21:11 <+BrentSchaffrick> I want to use monthly mailouts to each constituent to make certain everyone
knows in general what their Federal rep is doing for them
21:12 <+BrentSchaffrick> and I would like to hold weekly online meetings with computer literate constiuents
21:12 <+BrentSchaffrick> as well as putting forward as many decisions as possible for my constituents to
provide input and guidance
21:13 <+BrentSchaffrick> In general, I want our people to become move involved, and take an active interest,
in every level of politics
21:14 <+BrentSchaffrick> we live in interesting times, and we, as a people, need to make sure our
politicians are making the best decisions for our society in the long term
21:14 <+BrentSchaffrick> your thoughts?
21:15 <+BrentSchaffrick> or do you want specific details?
21:15 <~MikkelPaulson> well, I agree with everything you've said
21:15 <~MikkelPaulson> and it's certainly compatible
21:15 <~MikkelPaulson> but it's something you could do just as well running as an independent
21:16 <+svulliez> I disagree with that, actually
21:16 <+svulliez> I think the international prestige of the pirate party elevates our
candidates a bit
21:16 <+BrentSchaffrick> you can accomplish far more as part of a team than as a lone wolf. so you look for
a team that has beliefs similar to your own, and join them
21:16 <+BrentSchaffrick> I agree with that too
21:16 <+BrentSchaffrick> of the people I have been talking to
21:16 <+BrentSchaffrick> the history of the Pirate party intrigues them
21:17 <+BrentSchaffrick> we are a party that stands up for the rights of the people
21:17 <+BrentSchaffrick> that is important
21:17 <~MikkelPaulson> indeed
21:18 <~MikkelPaulson> and you're right, the Pirate Party is the metaphorical foot in the door with a lot
of people
21:18 <~MikkelPaulson> I get "oh I have to hear about this" quite a bit
21:18 <~MikkelPaulson> and when people do hear about it, they're often quite receptive
21:18 <+BrentSchaffrick> yes, and then we have time to explain what we believe and why
21:19 <+BrentSchaffrick> so far, I have found people to be quite agreeable
21:20 <+BrentSchaffrick> people in Canada are tired of the same political parties with the same lines.
we are new, and have a different attitude, and a different belief system
21:20 <+BrentSchaffrick> so far, the people I have talked to have been able to identify with us
21:20 <+BrentSchaffrick> and that is a huge step forward
21:21 <~MikkelPaulson> my only remaining concern with your candidacy
21:21 <~MikkelPaulson> ... is that you'll totally show me up in terms of vote share
21:21 <+BrentSchaffrick> lol
21:22 <+BrentSchaffrick> sometimes that is a good thing
21:22 <~MikkelPaulson> loser buys the winner a beer?
21:22 <+BrentSchaffrick> you have a lot on your plate :/
21:22 <~MikkelPaulson> that I do
21:22 <+BrentSchaffrick> i would agree, if I drank, how about beverage of choice?
21:22 <~MikkelPaulson> gives me an excuse for sitting down when my knee starts acting up
21:22 <~MikkelPaulson> done and done
21:23 <~MikkelPaulson> ready to put Brent's candidacy to a vote?
21:23 <+svulliez> I'm ready
21:23 <+rintaran> I've observed all I need to make a vote.
21:23 <~MikkelPaulson> okay then
21:24 <~MikkelPaulson> I move that Brent Schaffrick be appointed Candidate in Edmonton-Mill Woods-
Beaumont under section 4.3 of the "Selection of Candidates for Member of
Parliament" bylaw
21:24 <~MikkelPaulson> yes
21:24 <+rintaran> yes
21:24 <+MikeBleskie> yes
21:24 <+MikeBleskie> and Nuitari casted a yes
21:24 <+MikeBleskie> earlier today
21:24 <~MikkelPaulson> good to know
21:25 <+svulliez> yes
21:25 <~MikkelPaulson> all right then
21:25 <~MikkelPaulson> passed unanimously
21:25 <~MikkelPaulson> congratulations Brent
21:25 <+BrentSchaffrick> woot! and thanks!
21:25 <~MikkelPaulson> our pleasure
21:25 <~MikkelPaulson> I know you'll do us proud
21:25 <+BrentSchaffrick> now I need to start walking :)
21:26 <+BrentSchaffrick> gonna be a good day tomorrow!
21:26 <~MikkelPaulson> be sure to bring a change of socks
21:26 <+BrentSchaffrick> I am going to wear my workboots
21:26 <+BrentSchaffrick> to dangerous to wear shoes
21:27 <+BrentSchaffrick> Millwoods neighborhoods are flooded and frozen, so slippery
21:27 <~MikkelPaulson> mostly slush around Glenora area where I've been knocking
21:27 <+BrentSchaffrick> workboots and a suit
21:27 <+BrentSchaffrick> will be an interesting look
21:27 <+BrentSchaffrick> ya, depends how high the curbs are
21:27 <~MikkelPaulson> I've been going three-piece and jeans, so meh
21:28 <~MikkelPaulson> most important is that it's comfortable for walking
21:28 <~MikkelPaulson> and JeremyCote is here, so let's move on to him
21:29 <~MikkelPaulson> BrentSchaffrick: we can continue the discussion elsewhere (like in #canada) if
you like
21:29 <+JeremyCote> Thanks; sorry for the tardiness.
21:29 <~MikkelPaulson> okay
21:29 <~MikkelPaulson> no prob, no prob
21:29 <+JeremyCote> fire away
21:29 <~MikkelPaulson> we took the vote on Brent just a few minutes ago, as I mentioned
21:29 <~MikkelPaulson> so you're just on time
21:29 <+JeremyCote> Excellent
21:30 <~MikkelPaulson> https://www.pirateparty.ca/forum/index.php?topic=971.0
21:30 <~MikkelPaulson> I notice you didn't respond to svulliez's questions in your nomination thread
21:31 <~MikkelPaulson> mind doing so briefly now?
21:31 <+JeremyCote> Absolutely.
21:33 <~MikkelPaulson> JeremyCote: you can do it in the IRC channel, no need to write a forum post :P
21:33 <+JeremyCote> I have to say, unpopular as it may be, that I admire Harper the most, whether I
agree with his platforms, policies and beliefs or not. He's managed to keep things
together without the kind of support that PCs and Liberals have historically had,
maintained a minority government and accomplished some things.
21:33 <+MikeBleskie> And that's something you can say, as long as you can back it up
21:34 <+MikeBleskie> to the constituents
21:34 <+MikeBleskie> As for me, I have several concerns
21:34 <+JeremyCote> Constituents in this region have been strong conservative (small c), right-leaning
supporters
21:35 <+JeremyCote> Did you want me to address the rest of the questions immediately or should we talk
about them individually?
21:36 <+JeremyCote> Ok.
21:36 <+MikeBleskie> 1. How are your media skills? What is your experience in that, and are you
prepared for debates, TV/Radio, and door-to-door?
21:38 <+JeremyCote> I don't have issues with media, debating, tv/radio, etc. I don't know that I would
do too much door to door -- I know most of the people in my town and I'll be
hitting FSJ/DC/PG in quick trips, hopefully coincideing with specific events to get
some facetime with the general public.
21:38 <~MikkelPaulson> don't ignore the value of door-knocking
21:38 <+JeremyCote> I've done quite a bit of speaking, so it's nothing terribly new. I'm hoping some of
you more seasonsed vets can help me with prep and stuff.
21:39 <~MikkelPaulson> people always appreciate a personal visit
21:39 <+JeremyCote> I'm sure it's valuable, and I intend to visit with many people, but I'm hoping to
do more as introduced visits.
21:40 <+MikeBleskie> 2. You haven't commented at all on your campaign outside of the party platform.
Candidates are constitutionally mandated to plan at least a small platform outside
these issues that are locally oriented.How will you address this?
21:40 <+JeremyCote> I have friends and acquiantences who've been involved in many levels of government
in the Peace region and I intend to lean on them to make some contacts and make
opportunities
21:40 <+JeremyCote> I have not yet, as I've been waiting for this meeting to happen somewhat -- I'm
still relatively new to the party, tho' not the ideals.
21:41 <+JeremyCote> I really believe in the PPoC approach of meeting on some critical nation platforms,
but leaving much to the local constituents, as that's the truest way to actually do
the job of MP and represent them.
21:42 <+JeremyCote> Should I give you an idea of some of the issues facing this region?
21:42 <~MikkelPaulson> of course
21:42 <+svulliez> Yes please.
21:43 <+JeremyCote> As I mentioned in my post, there are telecommunications issues to deal with that
are currently issue as a result of provincial/federal involvement (lack of
competition for carriers, etc).
21:44 <+JeremyCote> There are travel issues, infrastructure maintenance, upkeep, improvement that are
front and centre, especially during the winter months.
21:44 <~MikkelPaulson> speaking of travel issues, your riding is very large
21:44 <~MikkelPaulson> how do you intend to handle campaigning in such a signficant area
21:44 <+JeremyCote> The energy sector is burgeoning in a big way, with both federal and provincial
gov'ts trying to get a grip on how things should play out, so it's a very exciting
time with lots of opportunity to help to guide things through these formative
years.
21:45 <+JeremyCote> I'll be focusing on the areas closer to me, but I'm hoping to have some doors
opened in the more southern regions for speaking events, meet-and-greets,
debates, media coverage etc.
21:46 <+JeremyCote> so that I can cover all the areas in as balanced a way as possible.
21:46 <+JeremyCote> I've got some business trips to the areas upcoming, so I'll be taking advantage of
that for sure.
21:47 <+JeremyCote> Another big issue, and one that the municipalities in the region have been dealing
with is ensuring that a proper % of all the taxes taken in by the govt from the
energy industry is given back to these areas, especially considering the wear and
tear that the region is incurring as a result of the busyness
21:49 <~MikkelPaulson> what about international policy?
21:49 <+JeremyCote> There are also concerns surrounding the softwood and farming for export industries..
things have slowed down as a result of global factors and ramping up the industries
again and/or finding news ways of doing business, bringing plants back online,
retrofitting them, new crops and all that kind of stuff are issues that need to be
dealt with and not put on backburners.
21:49 <~MikkelPaulson> health care and environment?
21:50 <+JeremyCote> I haven't gotten a firm temperature of the feelings surrounding international
dealings in this area yet -- or at least any more so than armchair critics who
postulate but never DO anything about it.
21:50 <~MikkelPaulson> that's the problem
21:50 <~MikkelPaulson> we're an issue-based party
21:50 <+JeremyCote> Exactly.
21:50 <~MikkelPaulson> you should have opinions of your own
21:51 <+JeremyCote> Oh, I do... believe me.
21:51 <~MikkelPaulson> then go to the voters and say if you agree with me, you should vote for me
21:51 <+JeremyCote> I certainly do regarding all of the PPoC party issues.
21:52 <+JeremyCote> I've been giving you some insight into the issues facing this region, at the moment.
21:52 <+MikeBleskie> Quick question, promise it will be my last
21:52 <+JeremyCote> Go for it.
21:53 <+MikeBleskie> How will you be securing your $1000 bond for the candidate's deposit?
21:53 <+JeremyCote> Is it not usually done with a cash/cheque payment of some sort?
21:54 <~MikkelPaulson> yes
21:54 <+MikeBleskie> Yes, but do you have the amount on hand?
21:54 <+JeremyCote> Yes.
21:54 <+MikeBleskie> Okay.
21:54 <+svulliez> I'm assuming that you've read up on the elections requirements and there shouldn't
be any problems with signatures etc, right?
21:55 <+svulliez> I just ask because I haven't interacted with you much because you are new to the
party.
21:55 <+JeremyCote> I don't foresee that being an issues. I've been chomping at the bit to get
started.
21:55 <+JeremyCote> Yes, I feel like I'm jumping into the deep end of the pool, but I much prefer it
that way.
21:56 <+svulliez> I like your maverick style. I like how the Pirate Party is bringing out the
mavericks.
21:56 <+JeremyCote> It's inherent in how the MO is written up...
21:57 <+JeremyCote> Several key national issues and the rest is very much based on your constituents.
21:57 <+JeremyCote> Very different than (all of?) the incumbants
21:58 <+JeremyCote> Mikkel, did you want me to finish answering the rest of Shawn's post?
21:58 <~MikkelPaulson> please
21:59 <+JeremyCote> As for convincing everyone, it's what we've just been talking about -- we need to
get back to each person (as a whole, "the people") having a voice and not just
taking a lesser of two evils, or voting for someone who'll maybe help our region
on a couple things, but the rest will be toeing the party line and politiking
22:00 <+JeremyCote> As we've seen many of the different populations in the middle east rise up and
say enough is enough, we need to do that here.
22:00 <+JeremyCote> I know us Canadians typically respond passive agressively, but it's time to take
the bull by the horns, and that starts with each individual voter.
22:01 <+JeremyCote> What compelled me to run for office is the combination of being ready to take the
bull by the horns, and seeing that there's a party where I can further the common
good with collective issues I can get behind.
22:02 <+JeremyCote> And I'm not blowing smoke -- I've been proselytizing these causes for years
22:03 <+JeremyCote> As for transparency, I plan to do it by not shying away from what I've said on
tv/radio -- owning it. And fiscally, I have a bookkeeper who I will use who's
involved with many non-profits and will be able to keep the campaign up to the
highest standards.
22:05 <+JeremyCote> And the empowering goes back to the same thing again -- everyone NEEDS to vote,
everyone should WANT to vote and if I can effectively communicate that I will
truly be representing their interests with more than lip service, I hope that
people will be spurred to register and get out there and vote! At the very least
it will get more people voting, at the best it will result in supporting our/my
platform(s)
22:06 <+JeremyCote> I'm sure there a things I've glossed over, and so I'm counting on you to share your
wisdom/knowledge so that I can bring good stuff to the table.
22:06 <+JeremyCote> Anyway. I could go on for pages.. I'll work on that ;)
22:06 <+JeremyCote> Anything I haven't answered that I should?
22:07 <~MikkelPaulson> no, I think you've covered our questions
22:07 <+svulliez> If you could convince every Canadian of one thing this election, what would it be?
22:07 <+svulliez> Ah, covered
22:07 <+svulliez> I'm blushing
22:07 <+JeremyCote> heh
22:07 <+JeremyCote> eh, you're human.
22:07 <+svulliez> I went from tickled pink to radish red
22:08 <+MikeBleskie> Now he's Pirate Party Sweden Purple
22:08 <+JeremyCote> haha
22:09 <+svulliez> Are we ready to vote?
22:09 <+MikeBleskie> I think so.
22:11 <~MikkelPaulson> I would like to postpone the vote, but we can proceed if you prefer
22:11 <+rintaran> I'm ready to vote.
22:11 <+svulliez> I'm ready, postpone until when? and why?
22:11 <~MikkelPaulson> I'm concerned that the limit of our conversation with Jeremy has been limited to
a brief IRC discussion and a brief forum discussion
22:12 <~MikkelPaulson> frankly, as I see it, I don't think he's made much effort to make himself known
outside of the application, which troubles me
22:13 <+svulliez> He's new to the party.
22:13 <+svulliez> Look, I'll admit we don't know much about him, but he seems to have the right mindset
for a Pirate MP candidate.
22:15 <~MikkelPaulson> okay, well let's proceed then
22:15 <+JeremyCote> Can I address that?
22:15 <~MikkelPaulson> of course
22:16 <+JeremyCote> I only decided to get back involved with the party the day I put my nomination up.
I am typically a wallflower until I decide to get involved, and although I've been
a member basically since you started offering membership (save one lapse), I
haven't been vocally active.
22:17 <+JeremyCote> I have made every effort to attend every meeting for candidates and personal
meetings you and I scheduled, Mikkel, but that appears to be a timing issue.
22:17 <~MikkelPaulson> okay
22:17 <+JeremyCote> I don't however, intend on keeping to myself henceforth and I apologize if it's
made me seem standoffish or w.h.y.
22:17 <~MikkelPaulson> yeah, sorry about yesterday, ended up triple-booked
22:17 <+JeremyCote> It's no problem at all.
22:18 <~MikkelPaulson> very well
22:18 <~MikkelPaulson> I'm willing to give you a chance
22:18 <+JeremyCote> I appreciate that.
22:18 <+svulliez> I'm enthusiastic about you as a candidate
22:18 <~MikkelPaulson> I move that Jeremy Cote be appointed Candidate in Prince George-Peace River under
section 4.3 of the "Selection of Candidates for Member of Parliament" bylaw
22:19 <~MikkelPaulson> yes
22:19 <+svulliez> Aye
22:19 <+MikeBleskie> Yea
22:19 <+rintaran> Yes
22:19 <+MikeBleskie> Nuitari is a "Oui"
22:19 <~MikkelPaulson> passed unanimously
22:19 <~MikkelPaulson> thanks for showing up, JeremyCote
22:19 <+svulliez> I look forward to seeing what you can do for us, Jeremy.
22:20 <+JeremyCote> Thanks for your time, folks.
22:20 <~MikkelPaulson> hope to hear more from you in the future
22:20 <+svulliez> and what you can do for Canada
22:20 <+JeremyCote> Please keep in touch -- I want to get all the low down on what you guys are doing
and ideas etc.
22:20 <~MikkelPaulson> well, keep an eye on the forum
22:20 <~MikkelPaulson> that's where the action happens
22:20 <+JeremyCote> sure will.
22:21 <+svulliez> Do you want to go through some of the other candidates?
22:21 <~MikkelPaulson> well, let's deal with Ric for sure
22:21 <~MikkelPaulson> we've already discussed him, but he wasn't certain if he would be running
22:21 <~MikkelPaulson> he's confirmed that he's interested now
22:22 <~MikkelPaulson> so I think we can go right to a vote
22:22 <+MikeBleskie> Yes
22:22 <+MikeBleskie> We can
22:22 <~MikkelPaulson> I move that Ric Lim be appointed Candidate in Provencher under section 4.3 of the
"Selection of Candidates for Member of Parliament" bylaw
22:22 <+rintaran> Yes
22:22 <+svulliez> Aye
22:23 <+MikeBleskie> yea
22:23 <~MikkelPaulson> yes
22:23 <~MikkelPaulson> passed unanimously
22:24 <~MikkelPaulson> I'd like to wait on the Kitchener candidates for a few days
22:24 <+MikeBleskie> Agreed
22:24 <~MikkelPaulson> hopefully have the chance to speak with them, or better yet have scshunt meet them
22:25 <+svulliez> Steven was particularly interested in getting passed, he sent me an e-mail today
22:26 <+MikeBleskie> He called me this afternoon
22:26 <+svulliez> Did you talk to him MikeBleskie ?
22:26 <+MikeBleskie> Yes, I have a desision on him
22:26 <~MikkelPaulson> well it's good to hear that he's interested in pushing for it
22:26 <~MikkelPaulson> what was your impression?
22:27 <+MikeBleskie> very high. Very tech-oriented individual who finally bit the bullet in going into
politics.
22:27 <+svulliez> That's good to hear. I had a good impression from my e-mail correspondence with him
22:27 <+MikeBleskie> Well-versed on our issues, passionate fan of democratic values, and had a good
hold on other issues, and assured me on his media skills
22:28 <+MikeBleskie> He also meets Nuitari's criteria.
22:29 <~MikkelPaulson> okay
22:29 <~MikkelPaulson> well I'm willing to go on your recommendations
22:29 <~MikkelPaulson> do you want to vote on him tonight anyway?
22:30 <+MikeBleskie> If anyone objects, we can hold it
22:30 <+MikeBleskie> rintaran?
22:31 <+rintaran> No objection.
22:31 <~MikkelPaulson> svulliez?
22:31 <+svulliez> lets vote on him now, it will help him kickstart his campaign
22:31 <~MikkelPaulson> okay
22:31 <+svulliez> approval is inevitable
22:32 <~MikkelPaulson> I move that Steven Bradley Scott be appointed Candidate in Kitchener-Waterloo
under section 4.3 of the "Selection of Candidates for Member of Parliament"
bylaw
22:32 <~MikkelPaulson> abstain
22:32 <+svulliez> aye
22:32 <+rintaran> aye
22:32 <+svulliez> nuitari says aye
22:33 <+MikeBleskie> yea
22:33 <~MikkelPaulson> righto
22:33 <~MikkelPaulson> does that qualify as passing unanimously?
22:33 <+MikeBleskie> Why not.
22:33 <~MikkelPaulson> well, I abstained
22:33 <~MikkelPaulson> but passed, anyhow
22:33 <+svulliez> It would be great if we could talk to the other kitchener candidate by tomorrow's
meeting
22:34 <~MikkelPaulson> so only Greg left to approve
22:34 <+svulliez> so we could make decision sooner rather than later
22:34 <~MikkelPaulson> one last thing
22:34 <+svulliez> We're still having a meeting tomorrow, correct?
22:34 <~MikkelPaulson> yeah
22:34 <~MikkelPaulson> maybe brief, but better to keep the usual schedule going
22:34 <+MikeBleskie> Me and rintaran will participate in one laptop
22:34 <+MikeBleskie> We're meeting up for local strategy
22:34 <~MikkelPaulson> how intimate
22:34 <+MikeBleskie> Yes
22:35 <~MikkelPaulson> Shawn V and I were talking earlier about the candidates coming out of the
woodwork
22:35 <+MikeBleskie> He doesn't get to "flip my bits"
22:35 <~MikkelPaulson> and we agreed that we need a hard deadline for them
22:35 <~MikkelPaulson> so I suggest that we accept nominations no later than this Sunday
22:35 <+MikeBleskie> Understood, we can consider that.
22:35 <~MikkelPaulson> which leaves a week to get the election materials together
22:36 <+MikeBleskie> Has anyone else have a pending application?
22:37 <~MikkelPaulson> only Greg at the mo
22:39 <~MikkelPaulson> so adjourn?
22:40 <+MikeBleskie> Yea
