Joanna Franklin and Shane Barnes

OTTAWA:Five SDC Youths - JJ Hollister, Joanna & Priscilla Franklin, Shane Barnes, and Eric Duncan attended the immensely energizing PCPO 2005 Convention at the Westin, Ottawa.

Saturday morning kicked off early with the regional breakfasts. We attended the Eastern Regional Breakfast hosted by Judy Bobka. John Baird, John Yakabuski, Bob Runciman, and Norm Sterling delivered a QueenÂ's Park update and answered questions from the floor. John Tory dropped by and also answered questions praising the excellent work of the Eastern Team.

Immediately thereafter, we attended a session on Teambuilding, Leadership, & Enthusiasm. Encouraged to stay positive, we learned and practiced tips for building a cohesive team atmosphere among volunteers.

Over lunch, Tim Hudak and Laurie Scott amused the audience with their comedy routine. Judy Bobka and Bonnie St George hosted the Trillium Awards Ceremony. Congratulations to Chris Savard and Gerry Flaherty who each won a Trillium Award for Outstanding Website and Outstanding Newsletter respectively.

The afternoon was full of stimulating, educational sessions. They included an outline of the Policy Development Process; prioritizing Health, Education, Northern & Rural Issues, Economy, Energy and Environment; as well as E-campaigning. John Tory hosted a question and answer Session with the Leader, which many felt was the best part of the weekend. Then, he laced up his skates and led overjoyed attendees outside for an Ottawa Adventure.

James Murphy, "fresh, inclusive, and ready" candidate for OPCYA President, launched his "Tories for Tory" campaign Saturday afternoon. After giving an excellent speech, he introduced two of his team members - Joanna Franklin (Secretary/Treasurer candidate from SDC) and Jonathan Amor (Membership candidate from Ottawa-West Nepean).

Finally, the highlight of the weekend - the Leader's Dinner. The Tory MPP's showcased broken Liberal promises with an entertaining performance assisted on-stage by Joanna & Priscilla Franklin. John Tory then entered to a thunderous applause from over one thousand participants. The enthusiasm projected from his speech is evidence that the Ontario PC Party is alive and well and ready to win the 2007 election. Blair McCreadie, Mike Wilson, James Murphy, Georgina Blanas and many others hosted hospitality suites throughout the night.

Sunday morning, acclaimed new Executive members accepted their positions. Blair McCreadieÂ's acclamation as PCPO President was cheered by a standing ovation. We volunteered as election officials for the vote and count. After candidate speeches and voting, Vic Gupta was elected Treasurer and Janet Browes Secretary. Rob Stark and Ryan Sydor were elected Regional VP's.

The theme of the weekend "Building Towards Victory" was clearly demonstrated throughout all the speeches and events. It was a chance to meet new friends, reunite with old ones, but most importantly learn how to "Build Towards Victory".