Election Day for a Libertarian

by George J. Dance

June 2, 2022 - Today did not start well. I got no sleep last night, meaning I was dead tired and starting to nod off this morning, when my wife woke up and reminded me it was Election Day. Just what I needed! But we make it a point to vote in every election. In my younger days, I used to make it a point to run in every election, and while those days are long gone, I can still at least vote. But I was not looking forward to it this time. 

The last federal election was brutal: we joined the tail of a huge line that snaked all over the property, doubling back on itself at least twice. Fortunately, because my wife uses a cane, we were taken pity on after about an hour in line and allowed to cut in. We decided to try to avoid that again by voting early, but we had no idea what to expect. 

I also had no idea whom to vote for. I did not know who was running, or even what constituency I now live in. I knew the Libertarians were running only 15 candidates, so I did not expect one on my ballot. Nor would I vote for one of the BORG – Blue, Orange, Red, or Green – parties. My biggest issue this year was Doug Ford's Covid mandates, and I knew that all four of those parties had supported them. I had learned that there were at least four other parties campaigning against Covid mandates – New Blue, Ontario Party, Ontario People's Front, and Populist Party – but I knew little about what else each of them stood for. Nor did I know which if any of them would have a candidate on my ballot. 

At the polling station, though, I had a couple of pleasant surprises. First, there was no lineup at all; we showed up and walked right in. Second, scanning the ballot, I saw the magic word "Libertarian". So my wife and I happily cast our votes for Serge Korovitsyn. (Later, when I got home, I looked his name up on the party website, and discovered that I still lived in Scarborough Centre.) 

I cannot describe what a relief it was to see the "Libertarian" name on the ballot. Here was a brand name I could trust; not this year's new fad party, but a group that for decades has supported and articulated ideals I could proudly vote for. I do not expect Serge to win, but helping him get a higher vote was the most productive use of my ballot. More generally, I do not expect Libertarians to form the government in my lifetime; but we can get a high enough vote total that the BORG has to start listening to us and co-opting our ideas. 

I would like to thank and salute all of the Libertarian candidates running in this election. Here is a quick list, alphabetically by riding. Highlighted names link to stories about them on the blog. Pictures and full bios for all 15 candidates can be found on the party website, libertarian.on.ca. May there be many more in elections to come.

Brantford-Brant: Rob Ferguson

Davenport: Nunzio Venuto

Don Valley West: John Kittredge

Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock: Gene Balfour

Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands & Rideau Lakes: Mark Snow

London West: Jacques Boudreau

Niagara West: Stefanos Karatopis

Nipissing: Michelle Lashbrook

Orleans: Ken Lewis

Ottawa-Vanier: Coreen Corcoran

St. Catharines: Judi Falardeau

Scarborough Centre: Serge Korovitsyn

Simcoe North: William Joslin

Sudbury: Adrien Berthier

Timiskaming-Cochrane: Eric Cummings

York-Simcoe: Zachary Tisdale

Why Libertarians run: interview with Gene Balfour

Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock Provincial Candidates Coverage-Gene Balfour Libertarian Party | Kawartha 411 -  Pamela Vanmeer:

May 25, 2022 - "The provincial election is coming up on June 2, 2022. We asked each of the local candidates the same questions and are printing their answers in full in the order received. Here is [Gene] Balfour, Libertarian Party.

"I am a retired business professional with a B.Sc. in Kinesiology ... with a work history beginning in the health and physical fitness sector. My career also included 4 years with IBM Canada ... then the next 36 years as a professional recruiter in the IT sector.... In 2007, I joined the Ontario Libertarian Party (OLP). Since then, have been a Less Government Libertarian candidate in 8 federal and provincial elections and led the OLP’s efforts in the 2018 election as its Chairman; we fielded 116 candidates for the 124 electoral ridings under my leadership. 

"I continue to be a candidate in every election to ensure that all voters have a genuine option to vote for Less Government if they see the wisdom in that choice. Also, as a father of two extraordinary daughters, I ask what kind of a father would I be if I did not try to protect them from the long term burdens imposed on them by excessively large, expensive, impersonal and autocratic governments which have been creeping deeper into our lives for decades?

What are the three top local issues in your opinion?

"Government causes of inflation. The high and rising cost of living has its root causes in government policies and their enforcement institutions. 'Back off government' is a slogan you occasionally see on signs. It advises the best way to unshackle our businesses from government-imposed restrictions and to free up their entrepreneurial abilities to deliver goods and services in a cost-effective manner.

"Government disrespect for our citizens. Our Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms have been ignored repeatedly and we have no way to hold government authorities to account for these violations.  Too many past voters have chosen politicians who planned to expand the role of governments in our lives. This mistake has enabled elected politicians to assume far too much authority and non-elected bureaucrats like public health officials to have too much influence on public policies such as broad lockdowns as well as mask and vaccine mandates. The assumption of pandemic 'emergency powers' by Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford has highlighted the enormous current risks of too much government to Canadian democracy. Just ask a trucker if he thinks too much power resides in the public sector.

"Government’s compulsive need to indoctrinate everyone. It starts with our children in public schools. It continues with our adult population through legacy media and social media corporations. Our public health officials also stepped up to feed the government’s preferred fear-mongering narratives during the pandemic;  the public listened knowing that these officials hold monopoly control over all of the public health institutions upon which they depend exclusively. All of these institutions share two things in common: their funding originally comes from taxpayers;  the people who ultimately control their paycheques are elected politicians like Justin Trudeau and Doug Ford....

What is your stance on those issues and your proposed solutions?

"If Big and Bigger Governments are the root cause of most society’s ailments, then Less Government is the only realistic antidote. Libertarians would repeal every piece of legislation that has awarded monopoly powers to government services in Education, Media, and Health-related sectors. This will allow competition in these sectors on an unbiased playing field. The Libertarian Non-Government Options plan will establish a vibrant market of strong competitors in those sectors providing every citizen with the choice to patronize which of many governments and non-government service providers will meet their needs best and pay accordingly. This plan is described in greater detail here https://libertarian.on.ca/platform/2022."

Read more: https://www.kawartha411.ca/2022/05/25/haliburton-kawartha-lakes-brock-provincial-candidates-coverage-gene-balfour-libertarian-party/

Snow leads Libertarians in Ontario election

Five candidates woo disenchanted voters | Brockville Recorder & Times - Wayne Lowrie:

May 28, 2022 - "Along with the four mainstream parties, five candidates of lesser-known parties are campaigning for votes in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes for the June 2 provincial election. Stephen Ireland is running for the Ontario People’s Front, Daniel Kitsch wants to represent New Blue, Glenn Malcolm is the Ontario Party candidate, Dave Senger is on the ballot for the Populist Party and Mark Snow is the local candidate and provincial leader of Ontario’s Libertarians.

"The five candidates are mostly trolling for votes in the same political pond. They are on the right wing of the political spectrum, oppose COVID-19 mandates, advocate smaller government and are fishing for the votes of Ontarians who have become disenchanted with the major political parties, particularly the Progressive Conservatives....

Mark Snow

"Libertarian Party candidate Snow is retired after 30 years in the Canadian military and lives on an acreage near Oxford Mills. 

"Snow is also the party’s provincial leader, meaning he has spent part of the campaign travelling the province to support the 15 other Libertarians running for election.

"Unlike the other four small parties that were formed within the last four years, the Libertarians have been around since the mid-1970s, advocating smaller government and less interference in people’s lives.

"'We believe that government has grown too big with too many regulations that interfere with property rights, individual rights, medical choices, education choices, land-use choices,' Snow said in an interview. Government red tape, a myriad of regulations and high taxation interfere with people’s ability to earn a living and retain more of their income, said Snow, who acknowledged that some rules on health and safety are necessary.

"Snow said the Libertarians would end all subsidization of green-energy projects and get rid of carbon taxes. Climate change is real and is a naturally occurring phenomenon, but 'you can’t tax your way out of climate change,' he said. Snow said that when the business case for wind and solar power is there, then business will pursue them. There’s no need for government subsidies, said Snow, adding that the party’s opposition to subsidies extends to large corporations and others that get taxpayers’ money."

Read more: https://www.recorder.ca/news/five-candidates-woo-disenchanted-voters

Libertarian Berthier says Ontarians losing rights

Sudbury Libertarian candidate touts rights and freedoms as motivators | Sudbury.com: 

Adrien Berthier

May 11, 2022 - "Sudbury’s Ontario Libertarian Party candidate is espousing the virtues of individual rights and freedoms as his key motivators to seek public office. 

"Their loss during the last couple of years, said Adrien Berthier, has driven [him] 'to stand up for the rights of Sudburians.'

"'For those that feel that the big three political parties have either remained silent or complicit in the loss of individual rights, voting Libertarian can send a powerful message to the politicians at Queen's Park,' he said in an email to Sudbury.com.

" 'I would like to make it impossible to bring back vaccine passports, and would like to explore out of the box thinking on fixing our broken health-care system.'

"New solutions to the rising cost of living is important, he wrote, adding that removing impediments and interference with small businesses will also be key. 'I would like to bring in landlord rights to protect people’s private investments and encourage projects to restore the forest and lakes surrounding the city,' he said.

"If elected, Berthier pledges to donate 25 per cent of his MPP salary to the Sudbury Food Bank, and challenges other candidates to do the same."

Read more: https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/sudbury-libertarian-candidate-touts-rights-and-freedoms-as-motivators-5355367

Ontario 3rd parties protest ACM debate exclusion

Libertarian Party, New Blue Party and Ontario Party get chance to meet public | North Bay Nugget - Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles:

Michelle Lashbrook. 

May 9, 2022 - "Michelle Lashbrook, Nipissing candidate for the Libertarian Party, was joined by candidates representing the New Blue Party and the Ontario Party Saturday afternoon at the 406 Squadron RCAF Alliance. All three candidates spoke about their party's positions and goals, however they expressed frustration and disappointment in the fact they haven't been invited to election debates being held throughout Nipissing.

"Ontario Libertarian Party leader Mark Snow asked Nipissing candidates from the three parties how many local debates they’ve been invited to.... Lashbrook .. was only invited to the candidates’ debate hosted by North Bay Pride. Other candidates weren’t invited to any. 

"'They are using community organizations to set the rules which are private venues to say who and what person is allowed on stage,' Snow told about 75 people Saturday at the 406 Squadron RCAF Alliance. 'This is the suppression that is happening.' Lashbrook agreed....

"'I decided to run for the Libertarian Party. As much reach as we’ve had with Northern Freedom Alliance, our voices need to reach further out,” Lashbrook said. 'I encourage everyone to look at municipal elections, run for council, board, committees, use our tactics to get involved. I don’t want this to be our world. We need to reduce government.'

"Action4Canada hosted the session, giving each candidate a chance to speak to the crowd to outline their party’s position and goals.

"Joe Jobin, Nipissing candidate for the Ontario Party, thanked the other parties – the New Blue Party and the Libertarian Party – for standing up for Canada. He said he hopes all three will come together as one party.... 'Don’t be discouraged, we will have victory. It may not happen overnight. Good things take time and it’s going to take time, step-by-step, brick-by-brick and legislation-by-legislation we will restore what we lost.'

"The businessman and ordained minister said he sat back in hopes the leaders of the province would 'straighten things out'.... 'I kept thinking maybe things will [get] straightened out and let someone else take care of it, but then when they weren’t getting straightened out I couldn’t remain silent any longer,' Jobin said Saturday. 'For a number of years I’ve started to realize something is wrong and the rules aren’t making any sense. We’re in a changing world and it’s not changing for the better. We can’t vote for self-serving politicians.'"

Read more: https://www.nugget.ca/news/libertarian-party-new-blue-party-and-ontario-party-want-to-be-included-in-local-debates

Pandemic showed need for freedom message, says Libertarian Tisdale

Libertarian candidate hopes to ‘increase freedom’ of York-Simcoe residents | Bradford Today - Rob Paul:

Zachary Tisdale

 May 6, 2022 - "With the provincial election just under a month away and [Ontar]ians set to head to the polls on June 2, Zachary Tisdale is hopeful to offer those in the area a candidate they feel more aligned with politically. Representing the Ontario Libertarian Party, Tisdale believes the key to prosperity in Ontario is through reducing the size and cost of the provincial government.

"Formed in 1975, the party is running on a platform that focus[ses] on the freedom of choice behind party leader Mark Snow. 'It promotes the ideas and the political philosophy of libertarianism, which upholds freedom and liberty as core values that are ideals we should strive for,' said Tisdale. 'That means having individual rights and autonomy over the state, protecting individual rights, standing up for freedoms like speech, freedom of association, and bodily autonomy.'

"It wasn’t always Tisdale’s plan to run in a provincial election, but after seeing what happened throughout the pandemic, he felt it was his obligation to get involved.... 'I’ve always been interested in politics, but throughout the pandemic I saw time and time again, instance after instance of government overreach. They stepped over the line and violated people’s civil liberties, violated property rights, violated bodily autonomy and medical rights. I grew concerned over the increase in censorship through the mainstream media and government by vilifying and silencing any dissenting voices'....

"Tisdale’s platform focuses on both economic and social freedom. 'To me the only way to achieve that is with less government,' he said. 'That means deregulation, striking down unnecessary laws and laws that restrict mobility rights and zoning laws that prevent development. We have a housing supply crisis in the region with housing becoming more and more unaffordable for young people and new arrivals to Canada. The price of housing has gone way up, and I believe it’s fundamentally a lack of supply to meet the demand. A key part of my platform is encouraging development of new housing and reducing red tape to build the infrastructure needed to support the high population growth we’re expected in the region.'

"With economic recovery at the forefront as Ontario works to rebound from the impact of the pandemic, Tisdale says it starts with the issue of inflation.... 'We have an inflationary crisis going on across the country, and particularly in Ontario. We’re looking at generational level highs with inflation, especially the prices of the day-to-day items that we need—food and gas.' To help balance the issue of inflation, Tisdale suggests cutting taxes would do wonders for the wallets of Ontarians.... 'I believe cutting taxes like the provincial sales tax portion of the HST from eight per cent down to five (bring the HST down to 10 per cent), would allow us to give more money back to people and eas[e] the burden. I’d also look at cutting additional punitive taxes that are embedded in various products. I’d fight back against the carbon tax—I see it as a program that will have little impact on reducing climate change — I believe fighting back on some of the consumption taxes on beer and wine, and fighting back on the gas and fuel taxes permanently to give more purchasing power back to the people.'

"Having spent part of his childhood in Bradford, Tisdale wanted to come back to represent the like-minded people of York-Simcoe. 'I grew up in Bradford, it was my hometown and some of my oldest memories are of growing up there going to school and playing hockey,' he said. 'That’s why I felt compelled to run in the area, to stand up for the rights of the residents in the region. I wanted to come back and make a statement to say that there are other ways to approach some of the problems we face....

“'The big establishment parties all kind of have the same idea and approaches to problems,' he said. 'One of the reasons I wanted to represent the Libertarian Party ... to say that there is a different way we can be looking at our issues and different types of solutions that we can bring to the table while promoting that sometimes the government is the problem and creates some of the issues. That’s why it’s important to push the idea of the party and get it out there to inform others of the political philosophy.'

"Learn more about the Ontario Libertarian Party here. Follow Tisdale on social media @ZTisdale."

Read more: https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/provincial-election-news/libertarian-candidate-hopes-to-increase-freedom-of-york-simcoe-residents-5338470

Libertarians step up to run in Ontario election

Eric Cummings 

Eric Cummings is running for the Libertarian Party | Timmins Today:

May 2, 2022 - "Temiskaming Shores resident Eric Cummings has announced his candidacy for the upcoming provincial election as a candidate for the Ontario Libertarian Party in the Timiskaming-Cochrane riding. Cummings grew up in the Temagami area and has an education background in natural resource management and work experience in both the public and private sectors.

"He ... is an advocate for conservation and has sat on the Fisheries Management Zone 11 Committee and has been a long-time member/supporter of Ducks Unlimited Canada. In a news release he says he 'is adherent to the principles of the Ontario Libertarian Party, individual freedom, personal responsibility, respect, and fairness.'"
Read more: https://www.timminstoday.com/local-news/libertarian-party-candidate-enters-race-in-the-timiskaming-cochrane-riding-5318912

Ontario election officially on | Brantford Expositor - Michelle Ruby:

May 4, 2022 - "It’s election time in Ontario and races in Brantford-Brant and surrounding ridings are underway. In Brantford-Brant, six candidates are registered so far for the June 2 election, attempting to unseat incumbent Progressive Conservative Will Bouma, who is seeking his second term as MPP. They are Liberal Ruby Toor, Harvey Bischof for the NDP, Karleigh Csordas for the Green Party, Tad Brudzinski for the New Blue Party of Ontario and Libertarian Rob Ferguson.... 

"Ferguson served as the interim Libertarian party leader in 2019. He has been a candidate municipally, provincially and federally. In 2019, he withdrew from both the federal election and the leadership race for the Ontario Libertarian Party due to health reasons."
Read more: https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/ontario-election-officially-on

Gventer seeks NDP nomination ahead of provincial election | Owen Sound Sun Times - Postmedia News:

May 3, 2022 - "Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound’s runner-up in 2018 ... Karen Gventer is seeking the local NDP nomination ahead of the 2022 Ontario general election.... If successful in the nomination bid, Gventer will join a field that includes Grey County Warden Selwyn Hicks, who is running for the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Liberals. Rick Byers has been appointed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford as the Progressive Conservative candidate. Grey Highlands Coun. Danielle Valiquette is running for the Green Party, paralegal Suzanne Coles will represent the Ontario Party, while Great Lakes freighter engineer Dan Little runs for the Ontario Libertarian Party and Vince Grimaldi has entered the race for the New Blue Party of Ontario."
Read more: https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/local-news/gventer-seeks-ndp-nomination-ahead-of-provincial-election-3

Provincial election: Who are the candidates? | Sudbury.com

May 5, 2022 - "With the Ontario Legislature dissolving yesterday, it’s official provincial election season in Ontario between now and voters hitting up polling stations on June 2. That is, in addition to the 10 days of advance voting that have been allowed this election season. Although candidates have until 2 p.m. on May 12 to file their nomination paperwork, the following are Greater Sudbury’s candidates as of today.... 

Sudbury.... 
Ontario Libertarian Party – Adrien Berthier....

"The Ontario Libertarian Party follows the libertarian mindset of independence from government and 'challenges the right of government to restrict trade in any way, or to force citizens to support through taxes projects they will not willingly support on the free market,' according to their website."
Read more: https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/provincial-election-who-are-the-candidates-5334765

Ontario Election Roundup: Who will represent ridings across Simcoe Muskoka | CTV News - Kim Phillips:

May 5, 2022 - "Campaigning is underway for the June 2 provincial election, with several familiar faces vying for a seat at Queen's Park....Here's a look at the candidates in Simcoe Muskoka and surrounding areas....

YORK-SIMCOE....
Zachary Tisdale - Libertarian."
Read more: https://barrie.ctvnews.ca/ontario-election-roundup-who-will-represent-ridings-across-simcoe-muskoka-1.5890687

Ontario LP asks town to stop mass eviction

This is shameful. There is snow on the ground in Ontario. Nightly temperatures are below zero. People can die outside in this weather. Yet Napanee town council wants to evict 20 formerly homeless people living in an unlicensed, unzoned trailer park - just in time for Christmas! Kudos to the Ontario Libertarian Party for speaking out. -George J. Dance

Advocate asks Napanee town council to allow homeless trailers, for now | The Kingston Whig-Standard - Meghan Balogh:

November 29, 2019 - "The leader of the Ontario Libertarian Party spoke to Greater Napanee town council on Tuesday on behalf of a man offering illegal housing for homeless people. Keith Komar ... spoke in support of what he and others are calling the Stepping Stone Homeless Shelter — a collection of trailers that Napanee resident Scott Drader has assembled to house homeless individuals on his property.... In a letter dated Nov. 15, 2019, the Town of Greater Napanee told Drader to stop using his property as a trailer park, and gave him a deadline of Nov. 25 to remove the trailers....

“'I’m here today to ask the council to provide a stay on the order of cease and desist until at least April 1, to allow Scott to work towards a more permanent solution to this very grave situation,' Komar said to council. Drader currently has five trailers housing 13 people without homes. Another seven are living in his house. The individuals pay him $390 per month to cover hydro and heating costs.

"Komar described a 'groundswell of support' behind Drader’s cause, including a petition with more than 1,500 signatures in his support.... Komar acknowledged that Drader is breaking a zoning bylaw by housing people in trailers on his property. Komar said he is going to be assisting Drader in applying for a minor variance to the zoning bylaw.

"He pointed out that what Drader is doing isn’t costing the Town of Greater Napanee or its taxpayers any money — Komar referenced crowdfunding and said he would also be helping Drader set up a non-profit organization. According to Komar, Drader’s end goal is a 'tiny home park,' either at his current location or in a new location.

"Komar told council that he knows Drader’s setup is 'not a perfect solution,' but that it’s better than nothing. 'I understand it’s not an ideal situation for these people, but for now in the interim, until we can work together to put something together that works better, it’s better than on the street,' Komar said. 'I want you guys to consider that'....

"Coun. Dave Pinnell Jr. asked that people stop referring to the property as a trailer park.... Coun. John McCormack ... pointed out that Drader was told at a council meeting in June 2018 that his property was nonconforming.... 'You here tonight, knowing him for five days, asking for us to make changes to the situation … who’s to say that next year we’re not five extra trailers, 10 more trailers?'...

"Council members [also] raised concerns about safety, including heat, water and sanitation. Komar said the trailers have had health inspections and have been examined by the fire inspector.... 'I would ask you to think on what is a greater health risk: being at the trailer park where Scott has a roof over their heads, or to sleep on the streets,' Komar said."

Read more: https://www.thewhig.com/news/local-news/advocate-asks-napanee-town-council-to-allow-homeless-trailers-for-now
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12 Ontario Libertarians running federally

Ontario Libertarian Party, Facebook:

October 20, 2019 - The Ontario Libertarian Party would like to take the opportunity before voting day this federal election, to recognize the hard work of all the men and women within our membership who have taken it upon themselves to carry the torch of liberty high within federal politics, and give the constituents of their ridings a liberty minded choice on the ballot.

• Patrick Bernier - PPC [People's Party of Canada] - Kitchener Centre - @ppcpatrick
• Jacques Boudreau - LPOC [Libertarian Party of Canada] - London West - @voteboudreau
• Coreen Corcoran - LPOC - Ottawa Centre
• Darcy Neal Donnelly - LPOC - Glengary-Prescott-Russell
• John Kitteridge - LPOC - Don Valley West
• Keith Komar - LPOC - York-Simcoe - @libertykkomar
• Serge Korovitsyn - LPOC - Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill
• Dan Little - LPOC - Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
• Michael Staffieri - PPC - Eglinton-Lawrence - @staff_ieri
• Richard Styve - LPOC - Elgin-Middlesex-London
• Sabile Trimm - PPC - Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry - @sabiletrimm
• Markian Wojo Wrzesniewski - LPOC - Etobicoke Centre

"Ontario Libertarian Party would like to applaud your efforts federally, and appreciates your continued support fighting for liberty provincially.

"Good luck to you all!"

https://www.facebook.com/Ontario.Libertarian.Party/posts/2640582319340163

Komar running for LP of Canada in York-Simcoe

York-Simcoe Libertarian Party candidate Keith Komar says "government is upside down" - BradfordToday.ca Natasha Philpott:

September 13, 2019 - "Keith Komar is a Barrie resident representing the Libertarian Party for the York-Simcoe riding in this election. Originally from British Columbia, Komar is a bricklayer by trade, travelling ... between BC and Ontario.... His start in activism started in the early '90s, fighting for gay rights. His brother was gay and one of the first men to be married in Ontario. Since then, [Keith] has become an advocate for equality and human rights and joined the BC Libertarian party in 2016....

"He believes it’s time for the government to look at the root cause of the problems in our country. 'That’s the problem with politics today, no one talks about the root problems. We’re talking about these surface issues,' he said. He is aware that his party may not have the numbers to win the election, but his goal [is] for their message to be heard among the politicians in power...

"The ideal role of federal government for the Libertarian Party would be a small one.... Military, currency and trading within the provinces are the only issues the Libertarians believe the federal government is needed for, with everyhing else being handled on a provincial and municipal level.  In terms of the economy, Komar says there are too many layers of government that need to be taken out in order to give people more control over their money....

"The Libertarian Party would also re-evaluate victimless crimes and in the federal criminal code: sex work and the war on drugs. Their plan would be to repeal the cannabis act. 'It makes [cannabis] more illegal now than it was when it was illegal,' he explained.

"Privacy rights are another pillar of the Libertarian platform. They believe the government has no right to be in the bedrooms of Canadian citizens. They would put an end to warrantless searches and repeal Bill C-51, which gives the government authority to share private information about individuals.... Regulatory agencies are also a point of contention with the Libertarian Party. They would like to repeal the powers of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)....

"In their platform, the Libertarians would make responsible gun possession legal for hunting, self defence and recreation.

"Environmental issues are also a major concern for the Libertarians. They would enforce property rights so owners would be made responsible for all the land and natural resources on and below it. And any damage done to property through pollution would be dealt with in the judicial system. .... They would like to end all restrictions and obligations on indigenous territories and replace the Indian Act with a guarantee of sovereignty for all indigenous people."

"Komar is confident that he will be the leader of the Libertarian Party of Ontario. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer for the provincial party and is running against two other candidates for the title. The vote takes place on Nov. 2, 2019."

Read more: https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/canadavotes/york-simcoe-libertarian-party-candidate-keith-komar-says-government-is-upside-down-1689114
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Ferguson running for LP of Canada in Brantford

Candidates off and running! | Brantford Expositor - Vincent Ball:

September 11, 2019 - "Voters in Brantford-Brant will have plenty of choice when they cast their ballots on Oct. 21. With the official start of the federal election campaign on Wednesday, there are five candidates so far challenging incumbent Conservative Phil McColeman.... Sabrina Sawyer, of the New Democrats, Danielle Takacs, of the Liberal Party, Bob Jonkman, of the Green Party, Dave Wrobel of the People’s Party of Canada and Rob Ferguson, of the Libertarian Party....

"Ferguson has run unsuccessfully at the municipal level, as well as provincially and federally. He said he intends to talk a lot about leadership during the campaign.

“'When I look at the leaders of all the other parties, I see a sad state of affairs,' said Ferguson, who is the Ontario Libertarian Party leader. 'I don’t think any of them have earned the trust of Canadians. We’re offering Canadians something different, a different platform and clearly Tim Moen, our leader, is the only one to lead our country.'

"Nationally, the Libertarian Party has been hurt by the emergence of the People’s Party of Canada, Ferguson said. But he noted that the Libertarian Party has been around for a long time and is not a populist movement."

Read more:  https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/local-news/candidates-off-and-running
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Gene Balfour declares for Ontario LP leadership

Leadership
by Gene Balfour

'Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results' is the definition of insanity - Albert Einstein 

I have been a libertarian candidate in six elections (2 by-elections) and have never attained more than 1.36% of the popular vote. Until December of last year, I planned to run my seventh for the Libertarian Party of Canada.

Today, I am one of 312 candidates for the People’s Party of Canada in the federal election. I have also registered for the November 2nd election for Leader of the Ontario Libertarian Party. I have been enormously inspired by the accomplishments of Maxime Bernier and the book Right Here, Right Now by Stephen Harper.

Max is a “minarchist” (Less Government) Libertarian like me. I am aligned with his policies and can confidently speak to the public about them. I see no conflict in being a Libertarian and running for the PPC.

Last month, I attended the first People’s Party of Canada Convention which hosted nearly 500 candidates and their riding association executives from across Canada. This event was superbly organized! The election training and workshops were excellent. The speakers were fabulous. Max’s closing speech was historic! He delivered it with such skill and passion that I got goosebumps. Every person I met  at the Convention was positive and energized to succeed. Max has convinced me that he is the best choice for Prime Minister of Canada by far.

So, why am I writing about my personal experience with the PPC and Max?

Speaking as an OLP member since 2007, I know clearly now what kind of leader I wish to follow going into the next provincial election. My wish list is a tall one, but I like the advice of Norman Vincent Peale: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

I want the next OLP Leader to inspire me to reach beyond my own limits in an effort to bring Libertarian principles and values to the residents of Ontario.

This Leader must:

• Lead by example - to demonstrate consistently that he or she has thoroughly  embraced our Libertarian Constitution and ByLaws,  and is committed to interact with every one of our OPM Members and the public in accordance with them. 
• Unite  all OLP members under a political platform of ideas that will inspire a commitment to Party goals. It is urgent that we put aside our differences and approach the next election in solidarity as ‘one voice’. 
• Inspire others to join the OLP Executive and Ethics Committees. Vitally important is the need for the Leader and Executive Committee Chairman to work closely and effectively in order to achieve consistent and steady progress towards preparing the OLP for its best ever showing in 2022.
• Build a large and engaged Membership community. To this end, the OLP Leader must become a recognized public figure. This means being publicly visible, attracting media attention, Internet followers and crowds of people at regular public events. 
• Become an expert fundraiser and magnet for volunteers. Every election campaign is constrained by funding and help. We can change this.

As of this writing, our Convention delegates will have 4 choices for Party Leadership as presented by Rob Ferguson, Keith Komar, me and NOTA (‘none-of-the-above’ has always been a valid option for electing OLP Party Officers).

May the words of Norman Vincent Peale guide your choice. 

Keith Komar declares for Ontario LP leader

Longtime Libertarian Party of Canada activist, and (full disclosure) occasional GDPA columnist, Keith Komar has declared his candidacy for the position of Ontario Libertarian Party leader, up for election this November. Komar, currently running for the LPC in Bradford in the 2020 federal election, supplied GDPA with a biography, which reads in part: 

"Keith is a single father of 2 originally from Cranbrook B.C.... He is an activist for many causes and has supported marriage equality since the early 1990s.... Keith’s activism for the Cannabis industry began in 2015.... Keith is a staunch supporter of property rights and freedom of speech.

"Keith was first introduced to Libertarianism in 2008 while following the U.S. election. He was immediately captivated by Dr. Paul and his unapologetic stances on property rights and personal freedoms. Keith is well-read on many topics, has read all of Ayn Rand's books, and is a follower of Milton Friedman and Frederick Hayek.

"In September 2015 Keith found Tim Moen and the Libertarian Party of Canada and supported the local candidate in Grand Prairie for the 2015 election.  In 2016, Keith became involved with the BC Libertarian Party and helped grow its membership and candidate numbers for the 2017 provincial election. Keith himself garnered the 2nd highest percentage of votes for the party in that election (2.5%) and the 3rd highest vote total (410).

"In 2018 Keith moved back to Ontario and became involved with the Ontario Libertarian Party.... Keith represented the Libertarian Party of Canada in the York-Simcoe riding in Bradford during the 2019 federal by-election, and will run there again in October for the general election."

Ferguson seeks new term as Ontario LP leader

August 26, 2019 - Rob Ferguson, leader of the Ontario Libertarian Party, announced on Facebook on August 11 that he will be seeking another term as leader, with the goal of leading the party in the 2022 provincial general election.

Ferguson, a 10-year party veteran, was elected deputy leader at the 2017 Ontario LP convention, and became leader following the 2018 election after the resignation of Allan Small. The following is Ferguson's Facebook announcement in full:

"I have been in the trenches with our candidates and members for 10 years promoting liberty. I have spent the last year rebuilding the party now it is time to move forward. We have a stronger foundation to build on. If elected party leader will start on the road to 2022 which includes platform development, candidate recruitment & promotion of the Ontario Libertarian Party. The biggest part of being leader is respect, I respect our members. I ask for your support, vote but most importantly your trust. Vote Rob Ferguson Ontario Libertarian Party Leader. To join the party of choice visit us https://libertarian.on.ca Feel free to email me at leader@libertarian.on.ca"

https://www.facebook.com/ferguson4liberty/photos/a.10150243549931523/10156902039716523/?
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Ontario LP leader Rob Ferguson interviewed

Interview with the Leader of the Libertarian Party of Ontario · 71 Republic - Brennan Dube:

November 11, 2018 - "The Libertarian Party of Ontario has seen impressive growth over the past several years.... The party only fielded 5 libertarians in the 2003 election..... In the 2011 race, the libertarians fielded 51 candidates out of a possible 107 and garnered 0.45% of the popular vote.... 2014, ... the libertarians ran 74 out of a possible 107 and scored 0.81% of the vote. [This year the] Ontario libertarians were able to field 117 candidates (94.3%).... Even though the party only got 0.75% of the popular vote, they nonetheless picked up a record high of 42,918 voters....

"I had the privilege of interviewing former deputy leader and now current leader of the Ontario Libertarian Party, Rob Ferguson....

"Ferguson: 'I grew up in a Conservative family and ... I can even remember our families home was turned into a campaign HQ on some occasions. As I grew up I decided to become a member of the New Democratic Party.... My stint with the party lasted less than a year.... I found myself then exploring the Family Coalition Party.... During the time leading up to the provincial election in 2011, ... I left the party and just hours later found myself in contact with some executive members of the Ontario Libertarian Party. I ended up coordinating and training 12 candidates in the 2011 provincial race, and I ran myself as well. I have always been about family values and the party’s positions on individual liberties, property rights and personal responsibility fit me perfectly....

"'From a philosophical standpoint, libertarianism is so unique and when you start to apply the basic principles of libertarianism to issues we see brought up every election you see that yes, this makes sense. The notion of personal responsibility and property rights are key points within the libertarian ideology. One of my biggest influences is former Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier. He is a prime exemplar of classical liberalism in Canadian politics. I also find myself often quoting Margaret Thatcher. One quote of hers I often find myself repeating is, "The problem with socialism is that eventually, you run out of other people’s money."

"'Allen Small did a ton for this party as its leader, and he has left us in a very good place going forward ... he was always on top of things and he put a ton into his job. Now that I have taken the mantle from him I think that the number one priority should be to amend our party’s constitution and make it more coherent with the digital age....

"'[I]t’s refreshing to see more and more liberty minded people putting their names out there.... However, I am skeptical of the [People's Party], what I say is simple, you can either join a new party that may or may not last or you can stick with a movement that’s been growing for 40 years and is seeing its absolute best growth now. I welcome Bernier and his new party to the table but ... as for me, I’m sticking with the Libertarian Party.

"'We’ve seen incredible growth; over the last few elections we’ve seen votes go up, membership go up and candidates go up. To maintain our growth, we need to continue to aim towards running full slates. By updating our party constitution and by-laws and fixing internal policy we can ... modernize the party. A few of the ridings that we weren’t able to fill candidates in were up in Northern Ontario and by targeting those areas in 2022 and continuing to run full slates we can continue to see solid growth and work towards winning seats in the next few election cycles....

"'In the age now of social media when you spread the message to a few it can reach many so just getting out and speaking to as many people as possible is truly the way to best engage voters. Here in Brantford I think I have succeeded in that, just recently I was out at a store and an individual turned to me and said, "hey, aren’t you Rob Ferguson?" and I laugh because my wife says it seems like we can’t go out anymore without people coming up to me or recognizing me.'"

Read more: https://71republic.com/2018/11/11/interview-libertarian-party-ontario-rob-ferguson/
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Ontario vote result may be a win for libertarians

Marni Soupcoff: The real winners of Ontario’s election? Libertarians! (Wait, what…?) | National Post:

June 8, 2018 - "Thursday’s election may prove to be a hidden victory for libertarians. I’m not saying that because ... the Ontario Libertarian Party won any seats (I’m sober, and it hasn’t). And I’m not saying that because ... Doug Ford ... is a principled champion of freedom.

"To me, the hope comes from the recoiling I’ve been watching, especially on social media.... Ford has won the hearts of about 10 per cent of the people I follow on Twitter and perhaps even fewer media commentators and columnists. The rest of them are horrified, repelled or at the very least disheartened by the notion of Doug Ford as premier of Ontario, and not without good reason. But having people with influence and prominence horrified, repelled or disheartened by a political leader can be a very healthy thing....

"For every bill that gets tabled that gives government room to overreach, there’s a warning from a cranky libertarian about all the terrible things that could result. Then there’s always a patronizing rejoinder from the bill’s supporters about how no leader or government would ever do those terrible things. It would be unthinkable. They just wouldn’t.

"While Doug Ford is an entirely different man and phenomenon from Donald Trump (operating in an entirely different political system), one virtue Ford shares with the U.S. president is that he evokes such visceral negative reactions in establishment types that they’re forced to rethink their hypotheticals. Suddenly the terrible things no leader would ever do ... have to be revisited with the reviled actual leader in mind. And so, the instinct to limit and balance government power — which so often lies sadly dormant in academics and mainstream policymakers and Toronto Star columnists — is suddenly awakened."

Read more: http://nationalpost.com/opinion/marni-soupcoff-the-real-winners-of-ontarios-election-libertarians-wait-what
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Toronto Guardian gives 2018 Libertarian platform

Libertarian and Green Party 2018 Ontario Election Guide:

May 28, 2018 - "Whether it is being excluded from debates or not spoken about in the news, less known candidates should have an equal voice to allow citizens to vote the party that they most agree with. Two of these parties that are often pushed aside are the Ontario Libertarian Party and less so the Green Party....

"A recent Maclean’s article allowed each of the 3 main parties to showcase their standings on several topics. We are going to add to that with responses we received by the Ontario Libertarian Party....

"Deficits
· we intend to Reduce the Size and Scope of Government
· we intend to reduce spending within government where possible
· initiate a balanced budget and debt repayment plan over 30 years....
· we would end all Government subsidies....

"Taxes
· end Corporate income taxation, of course Corporations will still collect and remit HST
· Reduce the Ontario Land Transfer Tax to be a flat fee of $275....
· we will repeal the job-killing Cap & Trade Carbon Tax and opt out of any National carbon pricing scheme....

"Hydro
· repeal the Green Energy Act
· eliminate time of use billing
· end discriminatory delivery charges crushing rural residents
· remove all subsidized power from the grid....

"Health Care
· Patients will be able to choose the OHIP system or a non-government alternative
· average per person healthcare funding will be attached to the individual and not to OHIP
· allow non-Government insurance options in addition to OHIP....

"Marijuana
· allow existing (and new) private operators (Pot Shops) to operate competitively within Provincial regulations not unlike the way that cigarettes are currently sold in Ontario
· Ontario government should NOT be involved with retail distribution of marijuana....

"Education
· Parents will be able to choose the school their children attend, government or non-government schools
· per student funding will be attached to the student and not the school...."

Read more: https://torontoguardian.com/2018/05/ontario-election-guide/
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Thunder Bay man runs so he can vote Libertarian

Meet the Candidates: Libertarian's Gallo wants less regulation in government - TBNewsWatch.com:

June 2, 2018 - "Tony Gallo has a pretty good reason for jumping into the 2018 provincial election race. The Libertarian candidate for Thunder Bay-Superior North, the 47-year-old candidate said he didn’t like the other options on the ballot.

"'I wanted someone I could vote for,' said Gallo, a second-time candidate who also ran under the Libertarian banner in 2011, when he garnered 133 votes and finished fifth in a race of five....

"No fan of big government, Gallo said it’s time for politicians to stop their overreach and govern by the people and for the people, instead of what’s best for big business and other special interests.

" Take property rights, he said. 'I don’t like the idea that the government can take your property if they want to,” Gallo said....

"Gallo would also like to see a lot less red tape, which he said hamstrings businesses and individuals alike. 'There are too many regulations,' he said. “Drugs, anything – anything you want to [do to] your own body, you should be able to. People can make their own choices and do what they want.'

"Gallo would also like to see alternatives be available in the health-care field, suggesting the public isn’t best served by a fully government-run system.... 'If a doctor wants to do his own private thing and charge more, and I want to do it, I should be able to pay that,' Gallo said....

"Gallo is realistic about his chance on June 7. But the Libertarian Party is trying to build its name across Ontario and he said he figured [he'd] file his nomination papers to run to help ensure they have candidates in every riding."

Read more: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/ontario-election/meet-the-candidates-libertarians-gallo-wants-less-regulation-in-government-931051
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Kingston Libertarian wants power returned to people

Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston candidate Steve Gebhardt | The Kingston Whig-Standard - Eliot Ferguson:

May 30, 2018 - "Among the six people vying for the Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston seat, Libertarian party candidate Steve Gebhardt said he has the easiest job. In part, it's because many of the people he talks to end up seeing things as he does, he said.

"'It seems everyone I talk to about the platform, being a Libertarian, ends up self-confessing to being a Libertarian,' Gebhardt said. 'That's actually how I came to be a Libertarian.'

"The Ontario Libertarian Party is fielding its biggest ever slate of candidates, with 117 people running in ridings across the province..... Gebhardt ... said he hopes his message will resonate in the traditionally Conservative rural area north of Kingston.

"'The Libertarian mantra seems to be a good fit for the area,' he said. 'There is definitely a thirst for change, and we are hoping to capitalize on that and show the people that the change can be them as opposed to having to follow an autocratic government that dictates to them how the change is going to be. We believe the people should actually be the ones dictating the change, not their representative.'

"The Libertarian party is committed to a smaller role for government.... It advocates the elimination of almost all government programs and policies that intervene in peoples' lives.

"Instead, the party espouses a greater reliance on individual freedoms above all else.

"Prior to this election call, the Libertarian party voted to eliminate its party whip, meaning its elected members will vote as individuals and not as a block.

"'It's time to change party politics and it's time to give the power back to the people who put us there as their representative,' he said. 'It's going to be a big surprise on election day.'"

"Hand in hand with the proposed reduction of government services is a big reduction in the tax revenue the government collects and spends. Gebhardt said that when the government talks about granting money to different agencies or investing money in programs and projects, it is actually spending taxpayer money.

"'The Libertarian party is all about bringing the taxpayers' money back to the taxpayer,' he said."

Read more: http://gdspoliticalanimal.blogspot.com/2018/06/kingston-libertarian-wants-to-give.html
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Big gov't fosters victim mentality says ex-principal

Big government fosters 'victim mentality': Simcoe North candidate | Simcoe.com - Frank Matys, Orillia Today:

"Cynthia Sneath’s dislike of big government is rooted in her time as an educator. Now retired, Sneath, the Ontario Libertarian party’s candidate in Simcoe North, taught for 15 years in York Region before becoming a vice-principal and then a principal.

"'I really noticed a shift in the last, maybe, five or six years in some of the curriculum changes, where the Liberal government really got involved in taking over parts of education that parents used to deal with,' she said.... 'Character education, how to eat properly, being physically active … and then the sex-ed curriculum,' she added by way of example.

"The answer, as Sneath sees it, lies in smaller, less intrusive government. ''There are 380,000 regulations that govern our lives and they just keep passing more and more bills,' she said....

"If elected, a Libertarian government would remove regulations to allow for 'non-government options along with government options' in a broad spectrum of services, health care included, she said....

"Growing government involvement in people’s lives has fostered 'a victim mentality to develop in a lot of people,' Sneath added. 'Where they feel that if something goes wrong and they can’t solve it themselves, they need the government, they need a bailout,' she said."

Read more: https://www.simcoe.com/news-story/8630954-big-government-fosters-victim-mentality-simcoe-north-candidate/
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