Perspectives September 2016

Former Prime Minister, the

RH Paul Martin, headlines

second Bridge Forum

evening … Page 2

‘Round the riding … Page 3

A different kind of door-

knocking … Page 4

Message from the President

… Page 5

MP Constituency offices;

How to reach us … Page 6

In This Issue…

A regularly published newsletter for Liberal Party members, supporters, donors and others interested

in the Bay of Quinte Federal Liberal Association

Association kicks off Bridge Forum series with Greg SorbaraOur annual Bridge Forum series of speaker events for 2016/17 features four leading, influential people who'll explore Canada's heritage, present, and future. On September 15th, Greg Sorbara, a former Ontario politician and cabinet minister, lawyer, current Chancellor of York University, and author, will share his views about our country and the Liberal Party's rich heritage. He’ll also discuss how governments can address issues such as income inequality, single-tier social programs, foreign policy, and Senate reform. Joining Greg will be MP Neil Ellis. TIME: 5:30 to 6:30 pm - Munch 'n mingle 7:00 to 8:00 pm - Speaker/Q&As (Doors open to the public) WHERE: The Belleville Club, 210 Pinnacle Street, Belleville COST OF FOUR-SERIES PACKAGE Victory Fund members: $400 (for all four events). Income tax receipt provided General Admission: $500 (for all four events) Single Event tickets: $150 each; Guest tickets, $50 each PAYMENT OPTIONS: Online: http://quinte.liberal.ca/donate/ By Mail - Cheque payable to: Bay of Quinte Federal Liberal Association, P.O. Box 20084, Belleville, ON K8N 5V1 At the door: Cheques, no cash please RSVP: info@quinteliberal.ca or contact Ian Batt ianbatt9@gmail.com

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We’re delighted to announce that our fall line-up of Bridge Forum events for the Bay of Quinte riding will also feature the Right Honourable Paul Martin. The former Prime Minister of Canada from 2003 to 2006, and long-time Minister of Finance (1993 to 2002), Paul Martin will highlight the valuable work he is now doing on Aboriginal initiatives.

“We’re thrilled to have Paul Martin as part of our 2016/17 Bridge Forum series,” says Dennis Buckley, President of the Bay of Quinte Federal Liberal Association. “Our annual Bridge Forum series of speaker events is designed to give people in the Bay of Quinte and beyond, insight on what’s going on in the Liberal party and, more broadly, politics in general. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for attendees of all political stripes to learn about the Martin Aboriginal Initiative which is identifying important issues impacting Aboriginal Canadians.” The Martin Aboriginal Initiative is currently targeting:

• the education opportunities for Aboriginal students (through the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative)

• developing business expertise and mentoring for Aboriginal business (through the Capital for Aboriginal Prosperity and Entrepreneurship Fund)

You can learn more about the outstanding work of this former Prime Minister: http://www.paulmartin.ca/biography/#fullBio Watch your email for further event details including the date, time and location

for In Conversation with Paul Martin. We’re also working on other speakers for 2017 so be sure to stay tuned!

Upcoming Bridge Forum: In Conversation with the Right Honourable Paul Martin

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In the nine months since Neil Ellis was elected MP in our Bay of Quinte riding, he’s been involved in a number of initiatives and hosted a range of public consultations on a variety of issues. After the House recessed in June, Neil’s agenda included everything from participating in Canada Day festivities, supporting the 2016 Belleville Pride Parade, and connecting with constituents at the door, to gathering constituent feedback on national defense, the environment and climate change, veterans affairs and innovation. The locally focused town halls in particular are proving to be a great forum for larger groups to share ideas and interests. Insight from these sessions also allows Neil to be an effective voice in Ottawa and a strong advocate for Bay of Quinte residents.

Integrated Personnel Support Centre In late August, Neil joined the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defense to open the new Integrated Personnel Support Centre in Trenton. This centre will provide high-quality care and support for ill and injured members of the Canadian Armed Forces. “The women and men of 8 Wing Trenton and their families will highly benefit from this new facility. In a building best suited to their needs, they will be able to receive support and benefits from the range of care, compensation and benefits provided by the Department of National defense, the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans Affairs Canada and their partners,” said Neil.

Youth Council deadline, September 30th

Young people aged 15 to 24 years are invited to apply to the Bay of Quinte Youth Council. As part of the Liberal’s commitment to meaningful youth engagement in Canada’s government, this program will give local youth the opportunity to have their voices heard and be part of the decision-making process.

The Bay of Quinte Youth Council is open for applications until September 30th and will include youth from different schools, neighbourhoods and local associations. Once selected, the council will meet several times throughout the year to discuss issues that matter to young people, their community and Canada. Visit this site to learn more. http://nellis.liberal.ca/news-nouvelles/bay-of-quinte-youth-council/

‘Round the riding

Town halls and youth engagement, two of many riding initiatives for MP

Neil (centre) discusses the afternoon’s door-to-door plan with Association volunteers Kirsten Busse (left) and Sharon Lafterty-Roberts (right). This is one of the many ways that Neil stays connected with constituents.

Neil Ellis, Member of Parliament, Bay of Quinte

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Connecting with constituents: A different kind of door knocking By Kirsten Busse

At the beginning of August, MP Neil Ellis and his dedicated team of riding association members, including some from the board of directors, various committees, and other volunteers, embarked on

a new outreach program in the Bay of Quinte. It’s an initiative modeled after a canvassing program created by the late Mauril Belanger, former MP in Ottawa-Vanier.

While similar to canvassing during elections, our focus now is on:

• learning about important issues facing constituents in the Bay of Quinte

• what we can do as supporters of the democratic process and MP Neil Ellis to address issues expressed by people at the door

We’ve been busy visiting many areas of the riding to introduce Neil as MP for the Bay of Quinte. This door-knocking initiative allows Neil and the team to connect directly with residents of the Bay of Quinte riding. talk and listen to people who might be housebound, or unable to make it to any of the issue-specific town halls. To provide constituents with contact information for Neil’s offices so that they’re aware of the services available, and know where and how he can be contacted.

What’s especially exciting is discovering just how valuable and truly appreciated this one-on-one face time with Neil is.

The door-knocking effort in August alone resulted in 44% response at more than 200 doors. Neil and the team are receiving a lot of positive comments and support, with many constituents pleasantly surprised that their MP would make time to “hit the pavement” to listen to their opinions and hear their concerns.

Some of the issues that Neil and his team are discovering include infrastructure, transportation, marijuana, healthcare, climate change, debt, the Department of National Defense/Veteran’s Affairs, along with comments about municipal and provincial concerns.

If you have time to help support this program, please contact me, kirsten.busse@gmail.com. Whether your interest lies in being a coordinator, or (once a month) accompanying Neil on his door-knocking walks – we need your support. I’d also like to extend a big thank you to everybody who has gone out to put democracy

into action! It’s truly a rewarding experience.

Neil is joined by Association volunteers, Jen Hindson and Zenon Lewycky as they set off to meet and chat with constituents

Kirsten Busse (right) was one of the volunteers staffing the Liberal booth at this year’s Picton Fall Fair.

Once again the ever-popular button machine was a big hit with the little ones. While the youngsters make their own buttons, Liberal volunteers take the opportunity to engage in dialogue with the “older” generation

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After what has been a hot and sunny summer in the Bay of Quinte, your Association is now gearing up for the cooler fall temperatures, and what promises to be a busy season. Like youngsters embarking on another school year, we too are looking forward with excitement to 2016/17.

For the Association, our “back-to-school” plan involves ensuring that the federal Liberals maintain a strong presence in the riding, and this includes developing programs and initiatives, and hosting and attending events that support that goal.

Bridge Forum, a key focus this fall

As we’ve highlighted in this issue of Perspectives, we have two extraordinary speakers for our fall Bridge Forum series.

Greg Sorbara will be speaking on September 15th at the Belleville Club. He will be followed later this fall by the former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Paul Martin. Both gentlemen will bring unique and enlightening views to our speaker series and I personally can’t wait to hear their study of Canada’s past, present and future. In fact, this look back and forward is the main thrust of our 2016/17. Not only it is an apt theme, but what a fitting way to celebrate our country’s 150th birthday than with two outstanding Canadians! We’re also in the planning stages of booking two more great speakers for winter/ spring 2017.

Federal Liberal’s success relies on financial support

The Bridge Forum series is a major fundraising initiative for the Bay of Quinte Federal Liberal Association, and is one that will help all of us as Liberals mount another successful campaign in 2019. Regular contributions through the Victory Fund give you a great option and helps to ensure your financial gift remains in your local riding. We look forward to your support.

Excitement builds for Canada’s 150th birthday

For most of us, birthdays are important milestones in our life journey. For a country as large and diverse as Canada, celebrating our 150th birthday will be a truly memorable event and there are many initiatives underway or planned.

This site offers ideas to help you participate, celebrate and explore our great country during our Sesquicentennial. http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1468262573081

Dennis

It’s always great to present g

Dennis Buckley, President, Bay of Quinte Federal Riding Association Greg Sorbara, author of

Greg Sorbara, The Battlefield of Ontario Politics, headlines on September 15th at first

Bridge Forum of 2016/17

Message from the President

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Constituency

offices located across the Riding

Belleville, open five days a week 100 Station Street (inside the Quinte Pediatrics Bldg) Tel: 613 969-3300 Hours: 9 am to 4 pm Picton, Prince Edward County 280 Main Street (Edward Bldg) Tel: 613 476-7901 Ext. 207 Hours: 9 am to 4 pm (Mondays only)

Connect with the BoQFLA Bay of Quinte Federal Liberal Association

P.O Box 20084

Belleville, ON K8N 5V1

Toll-free: 1 888 554-2372

Email: info@quinteliberal.ca

Website: quinte.liberal.ca

Bay of Quinte Federal Liberal Association: Board of Directors Dennis Buckley, President

John Brisbois, Past President

Sue O’Brien, Vice President

Norah Buckley, Treasurer

Maggie Norris, Secretary

Ian Batt, Fundraising

Dianne Raniowski, Membership

Isaac Howe, Youth Director

Jennifer Hindson, Outreach

Lorraine Willson, Communications

Sharlene Weitzman, Policy

Belleville Directors

Michael Harris

Joyce Hume

Walter Raniowski

Prince Edward County Directors

Lenore Begley

Sharon Lafferty-Roberts

Zenon Lewycky

Quinte West Directors

Shawn Ellis

John Murphy

Devon Taylor

The Liberal movement needs your support!

Please help build the Liberal movement, and donate directly to the Bay of Quinte Federal Association. It’s quick and easy! http://quinte.liberal.ca/donate/. Be sure to also check out how to donate as a Victory Fund contributor (see article on page 4 in this edition).

Did You Know? Effective January 1, 2016, you can donate up to $1,525 per year - both nationally and at the riding level - for a total maximum contribution of $3,050. The maximum possible tax credit remains at $650.

Trenton, Quinte West 7 Cresswell Drive (City Hall, Multi-purpose Room) Tel: 613 969-3300 Hours: 9 am to 4 pm (Mondays only) Email: neil.ellis@parl.gc.ca

facebook.com/quinteliberal @QuinteFLA

Find a constituency office near you