NAPANEE (November 30, 1996) - Concerned Canadian and Fp supporter Ralph Gentile was the driving force behind a highly successful gathering of Canadians who met to share their unique perspectives on the state of the Canadian political scene. Held at the Napanee and District Secondary School on Belleville Road, the full day event's entrance fee of $25 included lunch and beverages. "I'm trying to make it a non-partisan event, a day of education on how Canadians feel about social/political issues," Gentile told the local media a month earlier.

24 organizations were represented among the 70 attendees. Though others were invited, Freedom Party was the only political party officially participating. Both Fp president Robert Metz and Fp Regional Vice-president (Eastern Ontario) William Frampton addressed the audience during the morning session of the all-day event.

There was never a dull moment during the entire day. With a strictly-timed agenda that did not permit speakers to exceed their five to ten minute speaking limit, participants were forced to focus on their most urgent priorities, and to state their case and cause as succinctly as possible. For the audience, the pace was lively and stimulating, as they listened to individuals and group representatives who were often as humorous and entertaining as they were informative.

Ron Leitch of the Association for the Preservation of English in Canada (APEC), was given a well-deserved standing ovation following his turn at the podium. Attendees also heard from Canadian author and historian Joe Armstrong (see Freedom Brief, elsewhere in this issue of Freedom Flyer), Dick Field, of the Voice of Canadians, John Thompson, of the MacKenzie Institute, Janet Hicks of Dialogue Magazine, Paul Fromm, of Canadians for Foreign Aid Reform (C-FAR), John Furedy, of the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship (SAFS), Tom Giglione of the Progressive Group for Independent Business (PGIB), and from many, many others.

"What does freedom have to do with the various political issues that you've heard raised here today?" asked Fp president Robert Metz during his address to the audience. "Everything. Freedom of choice is at the heart of every political issue: official bilingualism, high taxes, official multiculturalism, and even our healthcare and education issues. In fact, freedom of choice is usually the solution to the problem."

Our unofficial award for the most entertaining presentation of the day (and the only presentation allowed to run overtime) must go to Ronald Wilson of Kitchener. Mr. Wilson singlehandedly took on the unions in Ontario when he formed 'Taxpayers For Harris' in reaction to their forced shutdown of his community. While humorously relating his often scary adventures to the audience, Wilson changed garb from his civilian clothes into his 'union-fighting uniform', complete with helmet and shrill whistle to sound an alarm if attacked by union thugs. We leave the rest to your imagination.

Our appreciation for his efforts and hard work are extended to Ralph Gentile, the man behind the day's event. Congratulations on a tremendously successful day; we look forward to yet another in the not too distant future.

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