UCL Conservative Society

The Manning Centre for Building Democracy organised a brilliant conservative networking event in Ottawa during the last weekend of February. The first Canada Networking Conference & Exhibition brought together close to 150 conservatives from Canada, as well as several exhibitors which included the Fraser Institute, Democracy 250, the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, Blogging Tories, Institute of Marriage and Family Canada and many others.

Thursday saw a reception with cabinet ministers and MPs, which I sadly missed. Friday and Saturday were dedicated to presentations by eminent public figures and networking, eased by excellent food and frequent breaks which allowed delegates to share viewpoints on the topic of the last speech.

We heard former Ontario Premier Mike Harris, Canada Medical Association President Brian Day and Quebec MNA Joanne Marcotte discuss the situation around Canada’s socialised healthcare system and how it could be improved, mainly through greater competition and the amendment of the funding system to make the patient a customer rather than a cost-bringer under the present arrangement. Mike Harris proved that he hasn’t lost his lustre, streightforwardness or humour, drawing frequent bursts of spontaneous applause.

Federal Health Minister Tony Clement recalled his experience campaigning in a rural riding the size of Northern Ireland against a liked successful Liberal incumbent, earning him a well-deserved majority of 28 votes. His campaign tips and dedication to “going the extra mile” are an excellent recipe for victory and torification. More campaign experience and lessons came from Hon. Bernard Lord, former New Brunswick Premier who happened to be the youngest Premier in Canadian history (elected to office at 33). Friday’s panel on campaign techniques gave us further insight into the nitty-gritty of reaching out to the voters.

The conference also heard from Richard Pebble (New Zealand’s longest serving MP), Mark Textor (Australia’s most successful pollster), Margaret Somerville (McGill centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law), Stephen Taylor (founder of Blogging Tories) and John Hamm (Nova Scotia former Premier). Preston Manning himself wrapped up the works of the conference by outlining how the Centre helps develop the conservative network and promore the small-c conservative cause throughout Canada

I had the chance to meet fellow Conservatives from other universities and several representatives of local riding associations, as well as federal and provincial ministers. This event is to become an annual occurrence, with the next conference scheduled for March 13-14 2009. I look forward to it and would be delighted if any fellow UCL and London Tories decided to share the pleasure.

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