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Tories 'represent renewal' says McFadyen

By: Larry Kusch

7/11/2009 1:55 PM | Comments: 24

WINNIPEG — Welcomed by the roar of 50 pairs of thundersticks and the music of the Black Eyed Peas' I've Got a Feeling, Hugh McFadyen delivered a 45-minute campaign-styled call-to-arms to the provincial Conservative party faithful today.

Manitoba Conservatives are holding their annual general meeting in Winnipeg this weekend. And their main task is to get ready for the next provincial election, which must be held under new fixed election rules on Oct. 4, 2011.

"We represent renewal. We are the party of change," McFadyen told the 300 delegates assembled at the Radisson Hotel.

They are discussing some 87 resolutions this afternoon as the party gears up for 2011.

Speaking with a backdrop of blue-shirted party members thumping together their thundersticks, McFadyen spoke about common Tory themes such as tackling crime, reducing the province's debt and making health care more efficient.

He also attacked new NDP party leader Greg Selinger as someone who knew about problems with the failed Crocus Investment Fund early on but failed to alert Manitobans and, more recently, as the man charged with overseeing Hydro at at time when a whistle blower has raised alarms about the crown corporation's future.

But the main topic of this year's convention is election readiness. That was symbolized by the blue T-shirts many delegates were wearing with the slogan, "Building to win in 2011" and sporting the number 696 -- the number of days until the next election.

The convention concludes on Sunday.

 

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24 Commentscomment icon

Hugh McFadyen has to do something in 2011. He needs to show some growth, otherwise the long knives of the Tory party will be out. He's really done nothing to make his party seems like a government in waiting. Really - who would want him as Premier? I know some die-hard tories who refuse to vote because they think he would be an awful premier. The other challenge the party has is that they don't appear to have any depth to their benches. They only have one or two MLA's that seem to be cabinet material (not saying there isn't more - just saying they don't show it). They are about as effective right now as the federal Liberial Party.

remember... recycled facts spun in any direction you like to make your party more attractive doesn't make you smart... just biased.

when is everyone going to stop degrading the party they don't like? you all show your "party colors" and knock what the other party hasn't done until your party gets in and does the same old nothing.. then the allegations come back at your party. Start looking at what they've done well and have some faith in someone. For crying out loud...Mcfad-who promised to bring back the Jets in his last election campaign!!? that was one of his MAIN campaign issues to steal votes from the uneducated public. this is who you want? Fine. Although NDP did some great stuff the last 10 years, they made some mistakes as well. that's life people. If Mcfad-who becomes premier, I will hold him responsible but I will also point out what he's done well. For those who know so much more than me, Get into politics or be quiet.

Ten years ago, there were two "have-not" provinces in the West.

Today, our neighbours in Saskatchewan enjoy lower income and sales taxes than us, a higher consolidated GDP, a hotter housing market, we lose people to Saskatchewan (we lose people to every province except New Brunswick & Newfoundland, actually) and Manitoba is now the only province in the West that still needs welfare handouts from Ottawa (i.e. equalization payments) in order to stay afloat.

It's painfully obvious that it's time for renewal and recovery.

Oh and Brian, Crown Corporations are not meant to fund government -- that's what taxes are for. Crown Corps are meant to charge just enough to sustain themselves properly. Don't forget, Hydro had to increase its rates a couple of years ago specifically because the NDP government raided Hydro's bank account. Taxpayer is right and people should be angry that the NDP resort to this style of back door taxation.

Hugh's better half was conspicuous by her absence.....
Anyone else notice all the Praznik operatives in the room......?????

Back to the main point, never mind ideologies, Hugh McDuck has simply not shown one bit of competance or vision to lead this province. Most people in Canada think and value Liberal positions, but they didn't vote that way because they didn't believe in Dion. Doesn't matter if most Manitoban's are conservative, they won't vote that way because Hugh has not, and cannot, capture the confidence of Manitobans. He has no future, and the Tories have no future with him at the helm.

cappuccino_17:

Read the blog, and it appears to be just another silly opinion piece and nothing more. Facts are screwed and mistruths spewed.

You gotta love McFud....the guy who never gets his facts straight.

The tories are:

- the party who created hallway medicine.
- the party who screwed up the H1N1 vaccination program. Yes it was the fedral party but they come from the same party.
- the party who privatized MTS and tried to privatize the MLCC and Hydro.
- the party who gave millions to their friends when they created private wine stores.
- the part who were convicted of charges trying to fix a provincial election.

McFud is an idiot who hasn't worked a day in his life. He is a disgrace and is no better than a used car salesman...no, on second thought, he is worse!

avatar

The Blackrod?

ahhh yes, a "citizen-journalist"....

uuuhhhhh, thanks.

Perhaps you may wish to check out my offering

http://justdamnstupid.blogspot.com/

Good Grief! I hope the party ditches Hugh before it's too late or at least ditch his bad handlers. Who is advising this guy? Hugh, return to your red tory roots. Filmon and Aunty Linda must be shaking their heads.

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