Democratic Values: The Torch

Democratic Values, practices and processes have been a guiding light in my life, instilled into me by my father. Liberty, equality, and fraternity, and self-government are central and enduring components of democracy.

I can only offer the voters in Guelph inclusive, free and respectful choice. A useful Vision and an appropriate strategic plan can only be formulated through consultation, discussion, and respectful debate. This is how I have facilitated government of the people, by the people, and for the people in many environments of all sizes through the course of my lifetime.

Some politicians seek to tamper with and adjust our institutions, processes, and democratic values. Often this is because they do not grasp the sublime operation of our lumbering institutions, nor the finely balanced processes we have employed in building a great nation. Some do not embrace the Values of democracy and self-government.

I embrace it all with the heartfelt gratitude to our Canadian forbearers. They’ve handed us a Torch. We should hold it high…higher. And pass it safely to those who follow. With this Torch we can illuminate the world.

Have Your Say – The Future of Canada

“Democracy is the idea that people have the Right and the ability to govern themselves.”


The vast majority of Canadians are kind, bright, literate, educated, thinking people with expertise in one or more areas. This is our national human resource. Our citizens operate at the highest levels of functionality in their various professions, occupations, activities and pursuits. The complexity of our society enables and requires us to be complex, informed and intelligent.

As we are aware, in many places in the world people cannot go to school, nor own a car and drive it. They have never flown or read a novel or watched diverse television programming. They do not enjoy the benefits of peace, good government, stable employment, wide open spaces and mass communications. In many places they don’t have an operational free press as we do, to guard our democracy along with the Rights and Freedoms we enjoy.

Our life is different in so many ways from that of all people (including queens, kings, or emperors) in every previous generation. These are the Canadian people. They’re of every national, cultural, linguistic and religious origin. They share a love of liberty with each other and with other citizens of the world.

These remarkable people should and must have a say in the evolution and operation of our democratic government – ‘self’ government. I have the proven ability and desire to enable your participation in the decision making that affects you, your family, and your future.

Support me and I will make sure that you have your say.