Earlier, we reported the federal Liberal's British Columbia president's council would be meeting at the Plaza 500 Hotel to debate two executive motions: one raising membership fees from $10 to $20 and the other increasing the number of membership forms available to party members. As expected, both passed. And so did a motion from the floor proposing those forms no longer be riding-specific. But MP Hedy Fry successfully lobbied to have the motion (which was introduced by Vancouver Quadra president Craig Munroe) reconsidered and it was subsequently defeated. That means, for example, that Vancouver-Centre constituents wishing to join the Liberals will still be required to use a membership form stamped with the riding's name. And that, in effect, makes it more difficult for party organizers outside a constituency to take over its riding association.
Fry's fortress secured
March 9, 2006
And after the President's council, there was the reception for Stephane Dion at Mark Marrisen's house. It was attended by all the people one would expect at a Mark Marissen gathering. This time there were some sitting MP's there in the persons of Sukh Dhaliwal and Joe Volpe as well as MLA John Nuraney. Suprisingly Mark Marissen did not invite Joe Volpe to give a speech. Dion gave a speech and answered a few questions, while Joe Volpe worked the audience.
No shows from amongst attendees of the Brison Event included:
Greg Wilson
Amar Randhawa
Bruce Young
Mike Drummond
Adam Johnson
Roy Bornman
Hamish the Gladiator
and
Christy Clark
There's no secret to Hedy's ability to get re-elected time and time again in Vancouver Centre. She operates, ... or at least she did operate, ... a very large patronage machine. However, now that she is in Opposition along with the rest of the Natural Governing Party we will find out what her real political staying power is, unassisted by huge pots of federal cash.