John Tory & Priscilla Joy Franklin

In attendance of the 2004 OPCYA Convention in Toronto were Shane Barnes and Priscilla Joy Franklin from Stormont-Dundas-Charlottenburgh. This exciting weekend was not only a chance to be entertained, learn strategy, and elect a new Secretary/Treasurer but also to meet the Premier of Ontario in 2007—John Tory!

Kicking off the Convention Friday night, Tim Hudak and Brian Patterson entertained the crowd as only they could. Tim Hudak, an MPP who can always connect with his audience, presented a spoof of the last year in politics.

The OPCYA Senate, a special group designed to honour former OPCYA members now past the age but not the spirit, has Blair McCreadie among its honourary members today. As President of the PCPO, he provided leadership and direction when it was a necessity. Blair's outstanding devotion to the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario amply deserved recognition.

That night, James Murphy (Eastern Chair) and Andrea Khanjin and Razvan Nicolae (candidates for Secretary/Treasurer) hosted hospitality suites.

Saturday morning the OPCYA Executive gave account of their time in office while providing a vision for the future. A proud accomplishment was the reinstatement of the website by Shane Barnes. Next was a fun-filled session with Janet Ecker, Brian Kelcey, and John Matheson regarding media relations. The biggest lesson learned: Always remember you are representing the Party–not yourself.

New federal MP's, Peter Van Loan and Mike Chong encouraged youth members to expand their base of support while organizing groups federally. Brian Patterson lectured us with the best recruitment method: FRAN (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbours). Shortly thereafter, representatives from the John Tory, Jim Flaherty, and Frank Klees Campaigns gave us an inside look explaining what happened and why they did what they did.

Aaron Campbell, VP & Priscilla Joy Franklin

Dividing into groups, we provided answers to the Rae Report. Then, John Mykytyshyn promoted his Conservative Leadership Foundation, which is committed to training candidates, campaign managers, and volunteers for the 2007 election campaign. Immediately thereafter, Razvan Nicolae and Andrea Khanjin presented their speeches followed by voting.

Just before dinner, Mike Wilson–OPCYA President–announced that Razvan Nicolae had been elected as their new Secretary/Treasurer. Following the speeches, Mike unveiled their Ontario PC Youth Outreach Flyer featuring: "It's OK to be Conservative!"

Then finally, the much anticipated event of the weekend—John Tory, newly elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, arrived to a standing ovation. While dinner was served, Tory chatted with each attendee as he mingled with the crowd. Delivering an intensely motivating, one-hour speech; Tory encouraged the Youth to expand the Association and challenged them to double the convention attendance for next year while pledging to support them in any way he could. Tory further promised that his first bill tabled as a government would be to repeal the Ontario Health Tax.

That evening, Mike Wilson and Craig Stevens, Convention Committee–Registration, hosted a hospitality suite ending the weekend convention. Congratulations to Mike, Craig, and the gang on a job well done! Both Shane and Priscilla Joy thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to the implementation of new ideas learned at the Convention.

Right now, the Conservative Leadership Foundation is training candidates, campaign managers and organizers for deployment in the 2007 provincial election. Included in this package is information regarding the CLF and a registration form for the next conference on 8 January 2005. I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this fantastic offer—as low as $25 for an all-day session. It will be an extremely useful tool for career development. Contact Priscilla Joy (346-1493 or pjfranklin@canada.com) to arrange transportation.

Promote your OPC Youth Association and sell Christmas turkeys to family and friends! For a $100 donation, they'll receive a $75 tax receipt, $25 gift certificate, and a $10 membership. Contact Priscilla Joy as soon as you have an interested donor!

Your membership expires 31 December 2004. Renew your membership today!!!

Check out the OPCYA website: www.pcyouth.on.ca

For Further Information:
Contact Joanna Franklin at 346-1493 (msg) or j_grace@canada.com