OTTAWA (July 18, 1997) - As a Reform Party volunteer during the last federal election, Fp vice-president William Frampton wrote Reform Party leader Preston Manning to congratulate him "on the Reform Party becoming the Official Opposition in Parliament."

However, his congratulations were accompanied by a criticism of Manning's tacit acceptance of "the theory that Confederation involved two founding peoples."

"You are reputed to be the best educated and most well-read of all the party leaders," wrote Frampton. "How can you not be aware that this two nations concept is a fantasy?"

Frampton pointed at Manning's "weak response" to the media's 'anti-French' labeling of Reform's television ads. Those ads suggested that leaders from Quebec created the problems we have today.

"Simply telling them that 'wasn't what Reform meant by it' isn't nearly good enough," explained Frampton, "because with very few exceptions there certainly IS a valid reason to oppose leaders from Quebec --- namely, their advocacy of the two nations fantasy. The same objection would apply to non-Quebecers (like Joe Clark, for example) who accept the two-nations fraud."

"Your comments and suggestions regarding national unity have been noted," replied Manning, "and your observations and advice are truly appreciated. Constructive feedback, such as yours, is helpful to myself and Reform MPs, as grassroots input is one of the fundamental cornerstones of the Reform Party."

Concluded Frampton: "As leader of the Official Opposition, you have a golden opportunity to stand up for the true principles on which this Dominion was founded. Maybe then more people in Ontario would accept Reform as following the footsteps of Sir John A. Macdonald and you can achieve a meaningful breakthrough in this province."

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