CJPAC Jet Setter Action Party 2013

Last night Cote Saint-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather, Councillors Dida Berku (and masterful mingler husband Jacob Kincler),  Mitchell Brownstein (and elegant party wife Elaine) , Steven Erdelyi and I attended the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) Action Party at the Starlink Aircraft hangar at the Dorval Airport.

MP Isabelle Morin, Cllr. Glenn J. Nashen, MNA Lawrence Bergman, Mayor Anthony Housefather

CJPAC is a unique national, grassroots, independent organization whose mandate is to engage the community in the political process. CJPAC mobilizes the grassroots across the country, builds relationships with elected officials – of all political parties – and works for Jewish community interests, on a multi-partisan basis, during and between elections.

We met with several elected officials and their staff from all levels of government along with many young people interested in engaging with politicians.  You’d think that Mount Royal riding, encompassing Cote Saint-Luc, Hampstead, Town of Mount Royal and a slice of Snowdon was up for grabs as former conservative candidate Saulie Zajdel made the rounds while the current liberal MP’s (Irwin Cotler) Chief of Staff, Howard Liebman, worked the other side of the room.  Meanwhile, former Mount Royal Tory candidate Neil Drabkin was also in attendance easily working his way across the floor connecting with younger voters.

Mayor Anthony Housefather with former Darlington Councillor Saulie Zajdel and Chief of Staff Howard Liebman

The keynote speaker at the dinner earlier in the evening was former PM Brian Mulroney.  Former Senator Leo Kolber warmly maneuvered among the younger crowd as did several community stalwarts including Herbert Paperman and his son Joseph, Elliot Lifson and Jon Wener.

D’Arcy McGee MNA Lawrence Bergman is always a crowd pleaser shaking hands with the younger set, this time with his new chief (and future Premier), Philippe Couillard.  Mount Royal MNA Pierre Arcand was also among friends from TMR.

Liberal MP and Montreal Mayoral hopeful Denis Coderre was out shaking hands and making many new contacts within the Montreal community.

Councillor Mitchell and Elaine Brownstein with Neil Drabkin and Councillor Herbert Brownstein in the hangar at Starlink Aircraft

CDN-NDG Borough Mayor Lionel Perez is a superb local leader who has rapidly risen in power in the West End and is a name to watch. Also in attendance was NDG-Lachine MP Isabelle Morin, with whom I have had a few opportunities to meet. Isabelle is a delightful young woman who has given all of her energy to learn the role of MP and dutifully represent her constituents with passion and devotion. Having worked as a school teacher certainly helped to build her character a a compassionate young leader.

Former ministerial chief of staff and tory candidate Neil Drabkin could toss his hat in the local ring in the next federal election

Another former teacher who made a significant impact at the party, and across the country, was none other than Justin Trudeau.  Partygoers had their smartphones snapping for shots with Justin.

Hampstead Mayoral Candidate Bonnie Feigenbaum considering new transportation options for her town

DDO Councillor Herbert Brownstein, Hampstead Councillor and mayoral candidate Bonnie Feigenbaum, Veteran St-Laurent Councillor Maurice Cohen (31 years on council!!), Hampstead Councillor Michael Goldwax, Snowdon Councillor Marvin Rotrand and Loyola Councillor Peter McQueen were all in attendance representing their cities and districts.

Local liberal love-in: Howard and Heather Liebman greet Justin Trudeau

The Action Party is a terrific opportunity to turn young voters on to voting and becoming involved at all levels of government.  The organizers did a stellar job at setting up a superb venue.  The outdoor terrace area was essentially the runway with flights taking off just over yonder while the jets in the airport hangar were parked like sports cars spit polished for show. Amazing venue, creative decor and superb opportunity to mingle with the next generation of young leaders, influencers, policy makers and shakers.

Kudos to the sponsors and committee for a job well done and greatly appreciated.

CJPAC Action Party 2012

This year Cote Saint-Luc Mayor Anthony Housefather, Councillors Ruth Kovac, Dida Berku,  Mitchell Brownstein, Mike Cohen and I attended the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) Action Party at the Arsenal in St. Henri.

Councillor Mike Cohen and I meet Member of Parliament Tyrone Benskin

CJPAC is a unique national, grassroots, independent organization whose mandate is to engage the community in the political process. CJPAC mobilizes the grassroots across the country, builds relationships with elected officials – of all political parties – and works for Jewish community interests, on a multi-partisan basis, during and between elections.

Former party organizers Mike Cohen, Sandie Sparkman and me. We were the leaders of the Jewish Adult Programming Society (aka JAPS) that threw large soirees in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary as well as trips to Israel in the late 80s and early 90s.

We met with several elected officials and their staff from all levels of government along with many young people interested in engaging with politicians.  You’d think that Mount Royal riding, encompassing Cote Saint-Luc, Hamsptead, Town of Mount Royal and a slice of Snowdon was up for grabs as former candidate Saulie Zajdel made the rounds talking up Stephen Harper‘s great support of Israel while the current MP’s (Irwin Cotler) Chief of Staff, Howard Liebman, worked the other side of the room.  Meanwhile, former Mount Royal Tory candidate Neil Drabkin was also in attendance easily working his way across the floor connecting with younger voters.

Mike Cohen and I meet up with former Montreal City Councillor and candidate for MP of Mount Royal Saulie Zajdel. Could Saulie be planning to run yet again?

CDN-NDG Borough Councillor Lionel Perez is a superb local leader who tells me that the Jewish General Hospital has done a marvelous job at promoting the current expansion to the neighbouring residents. Also in attendance were NDG-Lachine MP Isabelle Morin, with whom I recently had the pleasure of meeting one on one with JGH Executive Director Dr. Hartley Stern.  The NDP’s Pat Martin was also in from Winnipeg to experience the Action Party for the first time.  NDP big boss Thomas Mulcair did rounds of the packed industrial party place as did MP Justin Trudeau, DDO Councillor Herbert Brownstein, Hampstead Councillor (and possibly next Mayor?) Bonnie Feigenbaum and longtime political organizers Steve Pinkus, Jonathan Schneiderman and Jonathan Goldbloom.

Could Howard Liebman of the Liberal Party face off against Neil Drabkin of the Conservative Party in Mount Royal riding in the next federal election?

The Action Party is a terrific opportunity to turn young voters on to voting and becoming involved at all levels of government.  One word of advice to the organizers for next year (an I do feel “old” saying it):  Turn down the incredibly loud music so people can hear each other.  There’s hardly any dancing at all but lots of shmoozing where I struggled to lip read what was being said to me (I hope all good things of course).

All in all, a tremendous idea and well organized venture.  Bravo to the sponsors and committee.

Read more on Mike Cohen’s blog.

Read more in the CJN.

`Shadow Tory MP’ leaves job in minister’s office

Seems that Saulie Zajdel is no longer working for the federal Tories.  Just days after the controversy spilled into the dailies in Montreal, media reports indicate he has quit his job.

Is Saulie still with the Conservative Party?  Will he run in Mount Royal again in the next federal election?  I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of this interesting story.

Montreal Gazette:  `Shadow Tory MP\’ leaves job in minister\’s office.

Defeated candidate’s role unclear

Montreal Gazette article about Saulie Zajdel‘s role with the federal conservative party.  Saulie ran against incumbent MP Irwin Cotler in our riding of Mount Royal in the last federal election:

Defeated candidate’s role unclear

Zajdel silent when asked what he does and what he’s paid

By KEVIN DOUGHERTY, The Gazette March 17, 2012

 

When Prime Minister Stephen Harper breezed into Montreal’s Outremont borough Friday to announce a $348,150 grant to Shield of Athena Family Services for an information campaign about so-called honour crimes against women and girls, guests were greeted by Saulie Zajdel, the defeated Conservative candidate in Mount Royal riding in the federal election last May.

Harper recalled the 2009 slaying of the three daughters and first wife of Mohammad Shafia, described by prosecutors as an “honour crime.” Shafia, his second wife, Tooba Yahya, and son, Hamed Shafia, received life sentences after they were found guilty of first-degree murder.

“It is the duty of us all to remember the Shafia daughters,” Harper said.

Zajdel, a former Montreal city councillor, ran second to Liberal incumbent Irwin Cotler in the 2011 election and was named a “regional adviser” to Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore last October.

He told the Suburban weekly his new role would be “going out into the community, in Montreal, in the anglophone and allophone communities, ensuring that what the government is doing is understood, and determining how we, the government of Canada, can help the communities and municipalities within the anglophone and allophone communities.”

Cotler has expressed his annoyance with Zajdel’s appointment, suggesting he is being paid by Ottawa to play an essentially political role for a rematch in the next election, calling him Mount Royal’s “shadow MP.”

The Liberals have also objected to the tactic of having Conservative workers phoning people in Mount Royal, telling them Cotler is stepping down and asking whether they would vote for Stephen Harper’s candidate in a by-election.

Cotler says he has no plans to resign his seat.

Questioned by reporters Friday, Zajdel confirmed he is on the federal payroll.

“It’s been almost six months,” he said.

But when asked what his job is and how much he is paid, Zajdel, on the other side of a chain cordoning off journalists, threw up his hands in silence and beat a hasty retreat.

In February, Zajdel addressed the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors, on behalf of the Canadian government, on Canada’s relations with Israel.

Moore, on a Montreal visit last December, denied Zajdel has a political role.

“It’s entirely a ministerial staff function,” Moore told the Canadian Press news agency. “People know him, he does a phenomenal job,” said Moore, praising Zajdel’s preparation work for his Montreal visit, which including writing a speech.

kdougherty@ montrealgazette.com Twitter.com/doughertykr

© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Defeated+candidate+role+unclear/6317320/story.html#ixzz1pqeRwNMe

Defeated candidate’s role unclear.

Conservatives’ Cotler poll ‘reprehensible’ but didn’t break rules: Speaker

Conservatives have been blasted by the House of Commons Speaker for “reprehensible” tactics which cast doubt on the future of Liberal MP Irwin Cotler.

This lays to rest the uncertainty over the Mount Royal Member of Parliament which includes the City of Cote Saint-Luc, Town of Hampstead, the Snowdon district of the CDN-NDG borough and the Town of Mount-Royal.

Read more:

Conservatives’ Cotler poll ‘reprehensible’ but didn’t break rules: Speaker.

The Smearing of Irwin Cotler

Most Jews in riding voted Tory, Cotler concedes

Most Jews in riding voted Tory, Cotler concedes

By JANICE ARNOLD, Staff Reporter

Canadian Jewish News

Thursday, 12 May 2011

MONTREAL — Liberal MP Irwin Cotler, who won with 41 per cent of the vote in Mount Royal, acknowledges he didn’t get the support of most Jewish electors.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and wife, Laureen, got behind the counter at a kosher bakery in Mount Royal during a visit in the final days of the campaign.

“Clearly, there was an erosion,” Cotler said in an interview after the May 2 federal election. “I think it’s correct that I lost the majority of the Jewish vote. But I won, importantly, in the cultural communities.”

His closest opponent, Conservative Saulie Zajdel, who trailed Cotler by 2,200 votes, is confident he received at least two-thirds of the ballots cast by Jews, who make up about 35 per cent of the electorate.

Mount Royal comprises Côte St. Luc, Hampstead, Town of Mount Royal and part of Côte des Neiges-Snowdon, and has been Liberal since 1940.

While a win for any Liberal was an accomplishment, Cotler has seen his popularity tumble from 92 per cent when he was first elected in a 1999 byelection. In 2008, he received close to 56 per cent of the votes.

Cotler, a stalwart defender of Israel and Jewish concerns, says he doesn’t take it personally. Many Jews, he understands, feel a debt of gratitude to Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his stance on Israel.

“People said to me directly, ‘Irwin, you’re a great guy, but we have to vote for Harper. He’s there for us. We have to be there for him.’”

He also admits many did not like Ignatieff, but he said he was bothered by what he called “the demonization” of Ignatieff by the Zajdel campaign.

“I had some painful encounters. I would go into seniors’ residences, and they would ask me, ‘Why is Ignatieff an antisemite?’… Negative attack ads do work,” Cotler said.

The Zajdel campaign’s flip-flopping on who was behind flyers making disparaging comparisons between the Harper Conservative and Liberal record on Israel, antisemitism and terrorism, including charges the latter party was sympathetic to Hezbollah and Hamas, left a bad taste in Cotler’s mouth.

“I took Saulie’s word at the beginning of the campaign that the flyers had nothing to do with him, then the ads came out. You can’t have it both ways.”

Cotler is one of only seven Liberals elected in Quebec and 34 in the country. As the “dean” of that greatly diminished caucus, he was asked to serve as interim leader until the party finds a replacement for Michael Ignatieff, he said, but he declined.

Cotler believes the nearly 7,000 votes New Democrat Jeff Itcush garnered was largely at his expense, rather than Zajdel’s.

“Ten days before the election, I was polling at 50 per cent. In the week after that, with the NDP surge, I was down to 40 per cent,” he said.

One of the bitterest personal outcomes of the election was the loss of his close friend and “soulmate,” fellow Liberal MP Ken Dryden, who lost to Tory Michael Adler in the Toronto riding of York Centre.

Both had recorded phone messages for each other’s constituents during the campaign in an unusual exchange.

Cotler notes that all of the members of the Liberal Parliamentarians for Israel, including Dryden, were defeated, except, of course, himself. Cotler is now the only Jewish Liberal in the House of Commons.

The turnout in Mount Royal was 57 per cent, below the national average of 61 per cent. Cotler thinks the relatively low showing in his riding, when the race was thought to be close and an indicator of the extent to which Jews were shifting to the Tories, reflects people’s growing cynicism about “negative” campaigning.

Cotler, who turned 71 this month, is now, he believes, Canada’s oldest MP. But he said he doesn’t feel his age, and vows “to hit the ground running” when Parliament resumes.

The former justice minister in Paul Martin’s cabinet and most recently his party’s human rights critic doesn’t think the Liberals’ demotion to third-party status will affect his advocacy on the international level.

Cotler plans to work with the government and other parties, and hopes that Harper, who now has a secure majority, will co-operate more with the opposition.

His priorities in foreign affairs are passing legislation holding Iran accountable for “incitement to genocide” and adding the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to Canada’s terrorist list, as well as urging the government to endorse the Ottawa Protocol drawn up at last November’s international parliamentary conference on combating global antisemitism.

Zajdel feels that making up 8,000 of the 10,000 votes that separated Cotler and his Tory opponent in 2008 is “a moral victory,” especially in a province where just six Conservatives were elected. “I think the people of Mount Royal have made clear they can no longer be taken for granted.”

His only regret is that he perhaps did not focus enough on the concerns of non-Jewish residents. Otherwise, he is proud of his campaign, including his criticism of the Liberals and especially Ignatieff on Israel and other issues of specific Jewish interest, going back to Cotler’s participation in the 2001 Durban conference.

Harper made his first visit to Mount Royal as prime minister on the Friday before the election at a party event held at the Ben Weider Jewish Community Centre. He made no reference to Israel in his address to the 400 registered participants. He received an effusive endorsement at the event from Suburban newspaper publisher Amos Sochaczevski, who said that, although Cotler was his friend, he would vote Conservative because of Harper’s strong support for Israel.

Itcush is also satisfied with his showing – close to 18 per cent of the vote – the best for the NDP in Mount Royal since 1965, when the candidate was Charles Taylor, the distinguished scholar who co-chaired Quebec’s commission on reasonable accommodation a few years ago.

Itcush said he found non-Jewish voters, who come from a wide variety of ethnicities and religions, felt their concerns were overlooked because of the “obsession” with Israel, which Itcush found inappropriate, even though he’s Jewish and pro-Israel.

Itcush received the most support from pluralistic Côte des Neiges-Snowdon and TMR to a lesser extent. He estimated that 12 per cent of Jewish voters backed him.

“I spoke in synagogues, mosques and Hindu temples,” he said.

If there was a shift among Jews to the Tories, it had little effect in other ridings with significant communities. In Outremont, New Democrat MP Thomas Mulcair was easily returned over second-place Liberal Martin Cauchon, who had the endorsement of some haredi community leaders, while Conservative hopefuls Agop Evereklian, Neil Drabkin and Svetlana Litvin came third, respectively, in Pierrefonds-Dollard, Westmount-Ville Marie, and St. Laurent-Cartierville. Pierrefonds-Dollard was taken by the NDP in an upset over a longtime Liberal incumbent.

Guess who served up Challah last Shabbat?

After a major surprise visit into Mount Royal riding for a campaign rally with conservative party candidate Saulie Zajdel a bigger surprise took place when the campaign busses and police escort stopped on Victoria Avenue in Cote des Neiges and Prime Minister Harper jumped out to grab a Challah (and a few votes) in time for Shabbat at the Kosher Quality bakery at the corner of Bourret.

And when Harper went behind the counter the crowds drifted in to be served a traditional loaf of bread for the Friday night dinner table by the Prime Minister of Canada.

Where else in the world (other than Israel of course) will you find a Prime Minister doubling as a Kosher baker?  The Challah stunt wasn’t quite enough to push Zajdel and the conservatives over the top in this riding, with just 2261 votes separating them from incumbant liberal Irwin Cotler, maybe next time they should try serving some chicken soup?  It may not help… but it couldn’t hurt!

Nail-biter in Mount Royal and across Quebec

Stunning. Unprecedented. Remarkable.

Locally, in Mount Royal riding, the numbers were too close to call for most of the night.  This was Irwin Cotler’s political fight of his life. Despite the best showing in living memory the conservatives could not take the riding. In the end, Saulie Zajdel’s momentum was just not powerful enough to take soft votes from the liberals before they slipped over to the NDP, who deprived the conservatives of a historic opportunity in this riding.

While many local voters said the singular issue of Israel was enough to swing them to support Stephen Harper’s conservatives, Zajdel just didn’t have enough leverage over the eloquent and legendary human rights activist.  Cotler, many say, transcends party and riding politics and serves the greater good of Canadians and society in general. A good man in a losing party.  Not a winning solution for Mount Royal, now part of the third national party and shut out of any meaningful influence.

For Quebec, the annihilation of the Bloc, defeat of Gilles Duceppe, and loss of party status is absolutely incredible – unthinkable just weeks ago - and the major success story of this election for federalists.  Quebecers of all stripes have had it with the neverendum referendum debate and obviously will no longer be held hostage to a party with such an angry leader.  Quebecers want the possibility to be represented in government, and at this point in the official opposition.

The demise of the Bloc is great news for Jean Charest’s liberals as well as the ADQ and Francois Legault’s fledgling maybe-party. Quebec has succumbed to the Orange Crush of the NDP.  If that’s what it takes to re-engineer the political network across this great province, so be it. Hopefully, this will deflate the PQ too, and allow Quebec to begin a new era.  Maybe the NDP will push the conservatives to finally bring Quebec into the constitution.

I said at the outset of this campaign that it was an expensive going away party for Michael Ignatieff.  This was en election that most Canadians didn’t want. Ignatieff triggered this election which resulted in his own downfall, the demise of the Bloc and Jack’s Orange Crush.

I’m very pleased to see Elizabeth May elected to Parliament.  I hope she brings many green initiatives to the House of Commons and launches a national debate on proportional representation (something the Bloc would embrace at this new low in their history).

The results will have major implications for our country, our province and our riding. Canadians have spoken and now it’s up to Prime Minister Harper’s government to unify us, to lead us and to work with all parties, particularly the official opposition NDP, to benefit all Canadians.

***

Liberal Cotler survives tough race in Mount Royal

Read more: http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/decision-canada/Liberal+Cotler+survives+tough+race+Mount+Royal/4714173/story.html#ixzz1Ld3rkQmi

La communauté juive va-t-elle tourner le dos aux libéraux?

La communauté juive va-t-elle tourner le dos aux libéraux ? | Martin Croteau | La Presse

via La communauté juive va-t-elle tourner le dos aux libéraux ? | Martin Croteau | Élections fédérales.

Mike Cohen: Prime Minister Harper rallies Mount Royal riding

Reposted from Mike Cohen’s blog on The Suburban.com

Mike Cohen attended this morning’s rally in support of Saulie Zajdel of the Conservative Party with a special guest appearance by Prime Minister Harper.  Click the link below:

via The Suburban.com – The Suburban – Mike Cohen: Prime Minister Harper rallies Mount Royal riding.

Zajdel and Cotler spar but no knockouts

Debate in CSL draws sparks but lights no fire

About 200 people filled the hall at Beth Zion Congregation Thursday night for the Mount Royal riding candidates debate.  The candidates participating in the debate were: Irwin Cotler, Liberal Party of Canada; Jeff Itcush, New Democratic Party of Canada; Brian Sarwer-Foner, Green Party of Canada; and Saulie Zajdel, Conservative Party of Canada.

A portion of the debate was devoted to written questions from audience members. The debate was moderated by Anthony Housefather, Mayor of Côte Saint-Luc, and Beryl Wajsman, editor of The Suburban newspaper.

For a heated campaign that has garnered much interest, the political opponents were well-mannered, respectful and courteous.  Oh, so Canadian!

Many party faithful clapped feverishly after their favorite candidate commented but most in attendance had open ears to the information that was offered by all four.

The Green candidate focused, as expected, on all things green.  “The environment is married to the economy,” Sarwer-Foner said again and again.  He expressed great concern about nuclear risk from the Gentilly 2 plant up the St. Lawrence River, advocated for a renewal of the economy in order to develop sustainable energy initiatives that are environmentally friendly and called for higher taxation to industry that creates pollution, such as the Alberta tar sands.

Sarwer-Foner repeated that the “Green Economy” is not being talked about by the other parties.  He particularly stressed that democratic principles should teach us that the Green Party ought to have seats in Parliament based upon proportional representation.  I agree fully on this point.  Does it really make any sense that the Bloc Québécois (they declined to attend the debate) who only run in one province takes 50 odd seats in the House of Commons when the Greens got similar total numbers of votes in the last election but get no seats whatsoever?  Something isn’t right here.

The NDP’s Jeff Itcush said that health care is the primary concern.  His party wants to hire 1200 doctors and 6000 nurses across Canada. “Enough about the “C” word, ’coalition’,” he said.  “We should use a different “C” word for ’cooperation’.  He obviously took a page out of Jack Layton’s speaking notes.

Incumbant Liberal MP Irwin Cotler spoke eloquently about his “action agenda,” listing his many pieces of legislation he and his party stick-handled through the House.  Your MP, after all, is a “Public servant and public advocate,” Cotler said.

Tory candidate Saulie Zajdel, fighting laryngitis began with an assessment that the current conservative government is ”Doing a fine job. No need for change.”   Zajdel went on to say that the F35 fighter jets that the conservatives are planning to purchase were introduced by the liberals under PM Paul Martin. While he is technically correct, I take issue with the conservatives on this issue, not for the plan to purchase but with the notion of not going through a bidding process to solicit the lowest possible price.  This system is imposed upon municipal government for good reason.  The feds ought to do the same thing.

Zajdel stated with pride that he did a great job for 23 years on City Council and can do similar for Mount Royal riding.

The candidates were then asked about their position on Israel, which has tuned out to be such a hot button in this riding, with many voters proclaiming they’ll support Harper for his unprecedented remarks in support of the Jewish State.

Zajdel said on Israel that the Tories are on the right side and the other parties are not at the same level.

Cotler, heavy on the offence on this issue, said Israel is a just cause not a partisan cause and that we should be pleased we have all party unanimity in support of Israel.  Surely he wasn’t talking about the NDP whose deputy leader dumped all over Israel leaving Layton to go into major damage control.

“I stand shoulder to shoulder with PM Harper in support of Israel,” Cotler said, as though he had to defend his own lifelong commitment to the Jewish homeland?  Cotler took another shot at Zajdel that while Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff worked and lived in Israel (I didn’t know this either), “We’re waiting for Harper to make his first official visit there.”

Next the candidates were asked what they would specifically do for Mount Royal in particular and were asked to give two concrete examples.  As a City Councillor my ears perked right up.

Unfortunately, none of them really gave specific examples.  Itcush said he’d fund programs to fight discrimination among the local visible minorities.

Cotler said he worked to obtain a federal grant for Cote Saint-Luc towards the $18 million Aquatic and Community Centre now under construction.  This lead to a jab by Zajdel who said “You didn’t do anything to secure these funds!  It was Mayor Housefather who went to Ottawa.”  

Cotler also spoke about immigration policy and issues of national importance and finally added that he would work to get Cavendish opened up.  Zajdel shot back, “You didn’t do anything on this for 12 years!  Why now?”  Cotler replied, “I spoke about this in public forums many times.  Why didn’t you ever attend?”

The Green’s Sarwer-Foner said he would meet with local opinion leaders to determine how to make the area greener, create more parks that are pesticide free and close Gentilly 2.  I guess he didn’t know that CSL was already a leader in banning pesticide well ahead of provincial legislation and that we have lots of parks in CSL but what we need is federal legislation and funding to secure Meadowbrook as Montreal’s first National Urban Park.

With written questions from the audience, the candidates were asked how they would deal with the Bloc’s demand to extend Bill 101 language restrictions to federal institutions in Quebec.

Itcush, like the others, said he was against.  I didn’t hear Jack say that in the leaders debate!  Zajdel said he was against further intrusion by Bill 101 and would do all in his power to protect minority language rights.  Somehow I didn’t feel any comfort in any of their sympathetic double-speak on boosting Anglo spirits here in Quebec.

Wrapping up Sarwer-Foner said that he believes in the Hebrew notion of ’Tikun Olam’ or healing the world. “We have a responsibility to repair the world,” he said.  “We must transform society into natural bounds, invest in renewable energy and tax polluting industries.”  Global issues for all parties to consider.

Zajdel ended off with a plea to support Stephen Harper, as endorsed in this week’s Suburban.

There was no TKO in this debate.  Cotler is a brilliant professor and spoke with a high degree of intelligence and clarity.  Zajdel came off as a man of the people who would extend his councillor experience to the federal level.  He repeated several times that he has great respect for Cotler but this is really a race between Harper and Ignatieff.  This was a smart strategic move considering Cotler’s legendary status and Ignatieff’s inability to connect. 

The choice in Mount Royal comes down to Cotler and Zajdel with many (traditional liberal voters) still undecided. On that score, Mayor Housefather closed the event by reminding everyone to go out to vote on Monday.

PM Harper to visit Mount Royal riding Friday

In a surprise announcement the Prime Minister will make an appearance Friday, April 29 in our riding in support of candidate Saulie Zajdel.  The Tories have raised their hopes even higher as the polls tell us strange things are about to happen on the political landscape, particularly here in Quebec.

Stephen Harper will appear at the conservative’s rally for Saulie Zajdel at the Snowdon Y.

Meanwhile, the Mount Royal debate takes place tonight (Thursday, April 29, details below).  The room should be packed and the energy higher than Game 7 as Irwin Cotler faces off against Saulie Zajdel.  This will be an exciting event.  While the Professor is a seasoned debater with wide credentials the former City Councillor has 23 years of sparring at council meetings under his belt.

So, whether you are a single issue kind of person (I’m meeting lots of them this time around), or have an opinion even on thing you know nothing about, this is your chance to get informed and to get out and vote!

Related Articles

• Why Tories think they can take Mount Royal (gjnashen.wordpress.com)

Tensions on display in Mount Royal federal debate

By Joel Goldenberg, The Suburban, April 27, 2011

The tensions inevitably arising from a campaign between candidates well known to the community were on display during a Mount Royal riding CJAD radio debate between Liberal incumbent Irwin Cotler, Conservative candidate Saulie Zajdel and NDP hopeful Jeff Itcush.

The campaign has been marked by a scrap over a flyer alleged by Cotler to have been put together by Conservative supporters raising allegations about Liberal support for Israel, which Zajdel said he had nothing to do with; and tensions over issues taking place in the national campaign, including Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s charge that some sort of coalition or arrangement will take place between the three opposition parties if a Conservative minority government is elected.

The first spark was ignited when host Tommy Schnurmacher asked about the Conservative minority government scenario, and whether it was “legitimate to have the three opposition parties seek the confidence of the House [of Commons].”

Cotler said his party is in the election to win.

“We’re not speculating about a post-election outcome,” the MP added. “What eventually emerges will be appropriately addressed through parliamentary procedures and norms of responsibility.”

“You know that’s not true, Irwin!” Zajdel shot back. “You know damn well that you’re not going to win this election, your party’s not going to win this election. There’s no question about it — [Ignatieff] is looking at a backhanded way of doing it. We’re here to win a majority government, we want stability in this country, as we need it, in the next four years.”

“Given your record as a minority government, I’d hate to see what this country might be like under a majority government,” Cotler shot back. “Systematic violations of the Charter, continued contempt of Parliament, violations of the rule of law…”

“This is not the part where you interrupt each other, that’s coming up next,” Schnurmacher said jokingly.

Itcush, who remained calm throughout and who is riding high on CROP poll results placing his party first in Quebec, said no one has a crystal ball. “The Conservative Party keeps using this ‘horrendous’ c-word coalition… I would want to use another c-word, cooperation,” the NDP candidate said.

During a segment in which the candidates asked each other questions, Zajdel said that Cotler has been “above reproach” on an international level.

“But on a local level, having met with the councils of Côte St. Luc and Hampstead in caucus, and the mayor of TMR and having been in close consultation with a good friend of mine, [Côte des Neiges/NDG mayor] Michael Applebaum,” Zajdel said, “I’ve asked them all and asked people on the street, wherever I’m going door-to-door, [and they are saying] there’s not one thing in 12 years we can point to that you’ve brought to the riding of Mount Royal. I’m not talking about the local issues you deal with, with people.”

Cotler responded that “this has been a kind of ongoing politics of smear on your behalf. Michael Applebaum — who you’ve mentioned — happens to be supporting me in this campaign, so that speaks to that issue.

“With regard to the municipal councils, I have met regularly with them, and held regular public meetings,” Cotler said. “I haven’t seen you at any of these public meetings. If you care that much about Mount Royal, you could have come as a citizen…. We’ve helped thousands of residents — you’ve dismissed this  — with regards to immigration, seniors and veterans. I’ve legislated more than any other member of Parliament on these matters of concern to people in our riding. When I was minister of justice, we introduced the first legislation ever related to the protection of children and other vulnerable persons. That helps people in the riding.”

Schnurmacher then asked a question from a listener — “how does turning Israel into a wedge issue affect Canada’s Jewish community?”
Zajdel said Israel is not a wedge issue.

“You have to look at the leadership of the parties,” the Conservative candidate said. “If all the parties were equal in this regard, I wouldn’t be saying anything. There’s not equality there at all. Mr. Ignatieff has not shown himself to be trustworthy and reliable in relation to that and other issues. He accused Israel of war crimes and compared it to an apartheid state. That’s not what the Conservatives and Mr. Harper have done.

There are major distinctions between our party and other parties. It’s not a wedge issue at all.”

Cotler countered that the Conservatives have made Israel into a wedge and partisan issue.

“If you really care about Israel, you wouldn’t want to say ‘we’re the only ones who care about Israel, no one else does,’” the MP said. “If you care about Israel because it’s a just cause and not simply a Conservative cause, then you don’t go ahead and try to undercut the justice of that cause by saying, ‘we’re the only ones and only the Conservatives support Israel.’”

“I didn’t say that,” protested Zajdel.

“And in terms of the politics of smear, I’ll quote one thing from Michael Ignatieff, ‘we may differ on many things with Prime Minister Harper and the Conservatives, but on Israel we stand together as one.’ The Conservatives should have welcomed that statement rather than make it into a wedge issue.”

Itcush also weighed in, saying “there’s no stronger advocate for Israel in this region” than Outremont NDP MP Thomas Mulcair.

“This is not specifically a Jewish issue,” the NDP candidate added. “Mulcair is not Jewish, but he lends consistent support to a viable peace in Israel and the surrounding territories. And that’s not lip service, it’s him going out on a consistent basis and, I would suspect, in any committee work that he would touch as well. I’m proud to be working with someone of that ilk who is supporting something on the basis of principle as opposed to identity.”

“What’s wrong with identity, Jeff?” Zajdel asked. “I’m a proud Jew.”

“There’s nothing wrong with identity,” Itcush responded. “I’m a proud Jew and I think we’re all proud Jews… [But] we’re becoming a laughingstock internationally because we’re narrowing our focus. The best way Canada can be an advocate for Israel or any other state that faces conflict is by reestablishing its position as an international broker.

“Any of us three who are sitting here who imagine and are pretentious enough to believe that we will be able to do a magical thing to snap our fingers like that to move towards a resolution, I say let’s rely on negotiators on the ground in the region who are knowledgeable,” Itcush said.

via Tensions on display in Mount Royal federal debate.

Cotler gets praise but Tory opponent may get votes

The federal election is just days away on May 2nd.  Press coverage, local and national, continues to show our riding, Mount Royal, as a close call. The Liberal strong hold on the riding may be coming to an end with many people I’m hearing from saying that Irwin Cotler is with the wrong party, that they are not voting against the highly-respected human rights activist (Cotler) rather they are voting for Harper, and that Prime Minister Harper deserves support for taking a courageous stand in supporting the State of Israel.

Whatever your position it is important to get out and vote on Monday.  Too many take our democratic process for granted and too few are left to make the ultimate choice for all.  Perhaps it should be mandatory to vote?

Be sure to join in the local debate this Thursday evening at Beth Zion Congregation. The debate, co-sponsored by the City of Cote Saint-Luc takes place from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at 5740 Hudson Avenue, corner Kildare Avenue.

Read more about Zajdel vs. Cotler in the Gazette: Cotler gets praise but Tory opponent may get votes.

Candidates debate in the Mount Royal riding

The City of Côte Saint-Luc, B’nai Brith Canada-Quebec, and Congregation Beth Zion are co-sponsoring a debate on Thursday, April 28, 2011 between candidates wishing to represent the Mount Royal riding in the House of Commons.

The debate takes place that evening from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at Congregation Beth Zion, 5740 Hudson Avenue, corner Kildare Avenue.

The candidates participating in the debate are: Irwin Cotler, Liberal Party of Canada; Jeff Itcush, New Democratic Party of Canada; Brian Sarwer-Foner, Green Party of Canada; and Saulie Zajdel, Conservative Party of Canada.

A portion of the debate will be devoted to written questions from audience members. The debate is being moderated by Anthony Housefather, Mayor of Côte Saint-Luc, and Beryl Wajsman, editor of The Suburban newspaper.

The federal general election takes place on Monday, May 2, 2011. Visit http://www.elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868 for information on voting eligibility.

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