FC 2011-03-31 transcript

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