William and Kate greet the masses in Ottawa
CP24 @ 3:30 p.m. - Thursday, June 30, 2011
OTTAWA — Prince William and Kate have arrived to huge crowds and loud cheers in the nation's capital as the newlyweds begin their first official overseas tour since marrying in April.
They were greeted by sunshine, a stiff breeze and pleasantly warm temperatures, along with dignitaries and adoring throngs, to launch a nine-day Canadian tour documented by an army of world media.
William was dressed in a blue suit with burgundy tie; Kate in a dark, form-fitting, knee-length lace dress, her cascading brown hair pinned back. Nine-year-old Kellan Schleyer presented the duchess with a bouquet at the airport arrival.
They began their afternoon with a visit to the National War Memorial for a wreath-laying, book-signing and walkabout among the thousands of people lining barricades surrounding the memorial.
People crowded around the memorial a block from Parliament Hill and down a few blocks of adjacent Elgin Street past the National Arts Centre.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper arrived early and greeted several in the audience before accompanying the couple along a red carpet to the monument.
Phone booths, benches and concrete flower beds had been claimed by those craning for a view over the hordes. Almost everyone seemed to have cellphone cameras at the ready.
Before William and Kate were to arrive, the crowd erupted in applause to welcome a group of veterans making their way to VIP seating. It was reminiscent of Remembrance Day services when people salute the sacrifice of veterans by applauding them.
Later, the couple will attend an official welcome at Government House hosted by Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston.
William is expected to make some remarks before they join a youth barbecue on the grounds of the Governor General's residence this evening.
The waiting crowd at Rideau Hall numbered about 3,800, and even before the couple arrived they repeatedly broke out in cheers followed by bursts of flag-waving.
About 200 VIPs flanked the Rideau Hall podium. Women far outnumbered men at the event. Lots of little girls sported the latest craze in headwear -- fascinator hats, many homemade. The delicate, frivolous head decorations, adorned with feathers and the like, have taken off since making an appearance at the couple's wedding April 29.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spend a little over two days in Ottawa -- including Friday's Canada Day activities -- before traveling to Montreal, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Yellowknife and Calgary.
About 30 royal enthusiasts pressed up against a fence at the government airport where the couple landed. Some waved Canadian flags, others lounged in the sun on picnic blankets as they waited.
The plane, a Canadian military craft, was at least two football fields away. No matter. Local resident Irene Nagle said she thought this was her best bet of a view.
"This is more intimate, rather than be with a million people. And this is their actual arrival. It was important to me because when Di was here I was too young so this is a special moment for me."
More than 1,300 journalists have been accredited to cover the royal tour, including more than 200 from countries other than Canada.
That's far more than the 20 foreign journalists who came along for the Queen's visit to Canada last summer. This year's international contingent hails from 13 different countries, including Qatar, Japan, India and China.
The royal couple's presence is expected to draw even larger-than-usual crowds to Friday's annual Canada Day celebration on Parliament Hill.
In a Harris-Decima poll conducted for The Canadian Press, 77 per cent of respondents said they were aware that William and Kate were visiting Canada. A similar survey the previous year found only 55 per cent of respondents aware of the Queen's impending visit.
Not everyone is excited at the prospect of the visit, however.
Protests are expected at some stops along the tour; a small group of people is planning to strum guitars and wave placards outside a citizenship ceremony Friday to protest the mandatory oath of allegiance to the Queen.
In Quebec, the little-known Quebec Resistance Network is planning a protest against the monarchy.
Animal-rights activists opposed to the Calgary Stampede are also liable to make an appearance when William and Kate kick off the Stampede Parade festivities.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Evolution of Buyer-Agent Relationships
By Alan Shafran
RISMEDIA, May 3, 2011—I would first like to thank everyone for the kind words and feedback from my previous article. It’s nice to know that I am touching on some key issues in our industry and I hope that I can continue to be a good resource.
From traveling across the country, lecturing at real estate seminars and meeting professionals from a wide variety of real estate markets, I have become fascinated by the quandary our industry faces as it relates to creating professional relationships with our buyers. To enhance the image of our industry and ensure that we are being compensated for our time, we need to band together as REALTORS® and make the signing of buyer-broker agreements a standard operating procedure.
As agents, we have been taking positive strides in the areas of buyer management and representation, but we still have a long way to go. The lack of loyalty among buyers and buyer’s agents is a source of a great deal of frustration in our industry. Over the past 20 years, I have heard numerous anecdotes from my peers and experienced first-hand the aggravation that comes from poorly-defined buyer agent relationships. The names, faces and situations change, but the themes are always similar:
“Gee Alan, I’m confused. I didn’t realize that you would not be compensated after you spent so much of your time showing me 100 homes, then my sister wrote the offer.”
“Hi Alan, I just called to let you know that I had the listing agent for 209 Madeline write an offer for me. I would have asked you to do it but I felt bad about asking since you already spent 200 hours driving around showing me property. Hope this helps!”
“Hey, thanks Alan for your diligence and patience over the past few years in helping us view condos and homes all over Carlsbad and San Diego. I just wanted to touch base with you to let you know that my wife’s sister’s ex-roommate is a REALTOR® and we will be using her to write the offer, even though we’ve never met her personally and don’t know anything about her experience or skills.”
It could be amusing if it wasn’t so outrageous and irritating. The frustrating thing about it is that, when it happens, we really don’t have anyone to blame except ourselves. Unless we take the time to establish a set of parameters with our buyers, or provide them with an explanation about how we are compensated, we cannot expect them to understand the nature of our business or feel that they should be loyal.
Our business is full of dedicated people who constantly work to further the interests of their clients and increase the integrity of their professional relationships. Their effort and tenacity bring a tremendous amount of success to every transaction in which they are involved. With the number of educated and intelligent people we have working in our industry, it baffles me that there continues to be a lack of guidelines for buyer-agent relationships.
When it comes to listings, we seem to have no problem presenting a legal document for all of the involved parties to discuss and sign. Why not for buyers? Having a listing agreement in place prior to the marketing or sale of a home is the status quo in our industry—it should be a standard business practice when we are representing buyers.
If we took the time to have all of our buyers sign an agreement stating the nature of our relationship, it would not only save us a great deal of time, money and frustration, it would also ensure a superior standard of representation for our clients. With the listing of a property, which person receives a higher level of service? The seller that has a number of agents working for him with no priority, loyalty, or marketing investment, or the seller that has one agent with a vested interest in the sale of the home providing everything?
We all know the answer. Why should our relationships with buyers be any different than our relationships with our sellers?
The competition for listings can be fierce and the terms of the agreement are typically defined in the very beginning. Sellers will usually interview several agents before they choose one to represent them during the sale of their home.
There are numerous consultation meetings where we describe the services we offer and review our payment structure. We compete for the job and everything is up front and on the table. There should be a similar procedure when we are representing buyers.
I’m certainly not saying that I invented buyer broker agreements. About 10 years ago, my frustration with the behavior of buyers led me to seek out and consult with the best buyer agents I could find in the country. I was fortunate enough to learn from them, and then I worked hard to improve the process to the highest possible level.
When I am hired to lecture or speak at real estate conferences and seminars, I teach that buyers should receive a strong initial consultation where the agent helps them review their finances, analyze their needs in real estate and evaluate their long-term goals. We should utilize our people skills and ask questions to learn everything about our buyers that we can, to ensure that we can effectively serve their needs. During the initial consultation, the multitude of services and agencies that are offered in the industry should be thoroughly explained, and the buyer should be pre-qualified to purchase.
All of this should happen prior to looking at properties.
With buyers, I ask them to make decisions about who they would like to work with and teach them about the benefits of having one loyal agent that will fight to the death for them. I explain our payment structure and describe the services I will provide. And similar to when I present a listing agreement to a seller, I present my buyers with a buyer broker agreement, a legal document that outlines the time period in which we will work with each other, commissions and services rendered.
As agents, we would love to get every listing we interview for, but a wide variety of factors, from pricing strategies and personalities, to qualifications and experience, keep us from getting them all. The buyer brokerage process is no different, we simply won’t get them all—we aren’t right now, even without asking for a signed agreement—but at least we will know who is being honest with us and who has good intentions.
Having a buyer broker agreement in place is simply a more professional way of conducting business. Even if a buyer decides to work with someone else after we have described the amount of time, effort, energy and knowledge that goes into effectively serving their interests, at the very least we have avoided wasting our time and money. I have a great deal of faith in the integrity of the buyers that are out there. If we institute this process, where we explain and demand working parameters, we will enhance the image of our profession and earn the business of highly qualified potential buyers.
In addition to demanding more from us as agents, for having the ability and commitment to sit down and consult with our buyers, having a buyer broker agreement in place provides a better overall standard of representation for our clients. Imagine a world where buyers interview three or four different buyer agents and then sign an agreement with one of them. It’s a fantastic concept that could quickly become a reality if we would just unite together as agents and establish this practice as a common procedure.
Technology’s Impact on Buyer Services
Now that we have identified the urgent need to implement buyer broker agreements on a national basis, the question becomes, how do we convince buyers that we are of value to them? What systems should we use to serve their needs?
Consumers are getting smarter and more well-informed every day. They are demanding a comprehensive suite of services from the agents they hire. Learning how to use the best tools that are available and the most advanced technology available today will help you stand out from your competition.
I use a variety of systems and tools, and recently made a strong commitment to increase my mobile IDX technology and services by hiring Mobile Card Cast.
Their advanced solution gives me the ability to offer my buyers IDX on any of the popular cellular Web platforms, including the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry. It allows my buyers to look up anything on the MLS, find the 10 nearest properties according to the GPS on their phones and receive information from anywhere.
Since all of the services and technology I offer can be accessed from my website, all my clients have to do is visit www.AlanShafran.com. To me, the most beneficial aspect of having everything linked to my site is that my clients only have to remember to visit www.AlanShafran.com, no matter what Internet browsing device they are using, and they will either see the full version of my site or the specially built version created for mobile devices—it can’t get much easier than that.
Implementing technology will help you stay on top of the industry by impressing your clients and showing them that you are a valuable consultant. During the initial consultation, all of the services and technology you offer should be carefully explained, as well as the potential impact of your expertise on what is often one of the most significant decisions of a person’s life. If you perform your consultation properly, and express that showing a home is just a facet of the entire process, the buyer will cut you off and ask where to sign…and isn’t that a great feeling.
Last but not least, please remember that change takes time and commitment. If you plan on making this change, you might feel like it is not working out when a buyer does not want to meet with you before seeing property. Be proud that you stood up for what is right for yourself and our industry, and encourage others to do the same. Redefining who you are willing to work with will shape your future happiness and overall success. So don’t give up, and practice your buyer presentations with your friends, family and colleagues until you are 100% comfortable. Then go out there and find buyers that will appreciate what an incredible decision they made in hiring you!
Alan Shafran is the #1 REALTOR® in San Diego for Prudential California Realty, President of ShowingSuite.com and author of “BluePrint for 100 Deals Per Year in Real Estate.”
RISMEDIA, May 3, 2011—I would first like to thank everyone for the kind words and feedback from my previous article. It’s nice to know that I am touching on some key issues in our industry and I hope that I can continue to be a good resource.
From traveling across the country, lecturing at real estate seminars and meeting professionals from a wide variety of real estate markets, I have become fascinated by the quandary our industry faces as it relates to creating professional relationships with our buyers. To enhance the image of our industry and ensure that we are being compensated for our time, we need to band together as REALTORS® and make the signing of buyer-broker agreements a standard operating procedure.
As agents, we have been taking positive strides in the areas of buyer management and representation, but we still have a long way to go. The lack of loyalty among buyers and buyer’s agents is a source of a great deal of frustration in our industry. Over the past 20 years, I have heard numerous anecdotes from my peers and experienced first-hand the aggravation that comes from poorly-defined buyer agent relationships. The names, faces and situations change, but the themes are always similar:
“Gee Alan, I’m confused. I didn’t realize that you would not be compensated after you spent so much of your time showing me 100 homes, then my sister wrote the offer.”
“Hi Alan, I just called to let you know that I had the listing agent for 209 Madeline write an offer for me. I would have asked you to do it but I felt bad about asking since you already spent 200 hours driving around showing me property. Hope this helps!”
“Hey, thanks Alan for your diligence and patience over the past few years in helping us view condos and homes all over Carlsbad and San Diego. I just wanted to touch base with you to let you know that my wife’s sister’s ex-roommate is a REALTOR® and we will be using her to write the offer, even though we’ve never met her personally and don’t know anything about her experience or skills.”
It could be amusing if it wasn’t so outrageous and irritating. The frustrating thing about it is that, when it happens, we really don’t have anyone to blame except ourselves. Unless we take the time to establish a set of parameters with our buyers, or provide them with an explanation about how we are compensated, we cannot expect them to understand the nature of our business or feel that they should be loyal.
Our business is full of dedicated people who constantly work to further the interests of their clients and increase the integrity of their professional relationships. Their effort and tenacity bring a tremendous amount of success to every transaction in which they are involved. With the number of educated and intelligent people we have working in our industry, it baffles me that there continues to be a lack of guidelines for buyer-agent relationships.
When it comes to listings, we seem to have no problem presenting a legal document for all of the involved parties to discuss and sign. Why not for buyers? Having a listing agreement in place prior to the marketing or sale of a home is the status quo in our industry—it should be a standard business practice when we are representing buyers.
If we took the time to have all of our buyers sign an agreement stating the nature of our relationship, it would not only save us a great deal of time, money and frustration, it would also ensure a superior standard of representation for our clients. With the listing of a property, which person receives a higher level of service? The seller that has a number of agents working for him with no priority, loyalty, or marketing investment, or the seller that has one agent with a vested interest in the sale of the home providing everything?
We all know the answer. Why should our relationships with buyers be any different than our relationships with our sellers?
The competition for listings can be fierce and the terms of the agreement are typically defined in the very beginning. Sellers will usually interview several agents before they choose one to represent them during the sale of their home.
There are numerous consultation meetings where we describe the services we offer and review our payment structure. We compete for the job and everything is up front and on the table. There should be a similar procedure when we are representing buyers.
I’m certainly not saying that I invented buyer broker agreements. About 10 years ago, my frustration with the behavior of buyers led me to seek out and consult with the best buyer agents I could find in the country. I was fortunate enough to learn from them, and then I worked hard to improve the process to the highest possible level.
When I am hired to lecture or speak at real estate conferences and seminars, I teach that buyers should receive a strong initial consultation where the agent helps them review their finances, analyze their needs in real estate and evaluate their long-term goals. We should utilize our people skills and ask questions to learn everything about our buyers that we can, to ensure that we can effectively serve their needs. During the initial consultation, the multitude of services and agencies that are offered in the industry should be thoroughly explained, and the buyer should be pre-qualified to purchase.
All of this should happen prior to looking at properties.
With buyers, I ask them to make decisions about who they would like to work with and teach them about the benefits of having one loyal agent that will fight to the death for them. I explain our payment structure and describe the services I will provide. And similar to when I present a listing agreement to a seller, I present my buyers with a buyer broker agreement, a legal document that outlines the time period in which we will work with each other, commissions and services rendered.
As agents, we would love to get every listing we interview for, but a wide variety of factors, from pricing strategies and personalities, to qualifications and experience, keep us from getting them all. The buyer brokerage process is no different, we simply won’t get them all—we aren’t right now, even without asking for a signed agreement—but at least we will know who is being honest with us and who has good intentions.
Having a buyer broker agreement in place is simply a more professional way of conducting business. Even if a buyer decides to work with someone else after we have described the amount of time, effort, energy and knowledge that goes into effectively serving their interests, at the very least we have avoided wasting our time and money. I have a great deal of faith in the integrity of the buyers that are out there. If we institute this process, where we explain and demand working parameters, we will enhance the image of our profession and earn the business of highly qualified potential buyers.
In addition to demanding more from us as agents, for having the ability and commitment to sit down and consult with our buyers, having a buyer broker agreement in place provides a better overall standard of representation for our clients. Imagine a world where buyers interview three or four different buyer agents and then sign an agreement with one of them. It’s a fantastic concept that could quickly become a reality if we would just unite together as agents and establish this practice as a common procedure.
Technology’s Impact on Buyer Services
Now that we have identified the urgent need to implement buyer broker agreements on a national basis, the question becomes, how do we convince buyers that we are of value to them? What systems should we use to serve their needs?
Consumers are getting smarter and more well-informed every day. They are demanding a comprehensive suite of services from the agents they hire. Learning how to use the best tools that are available and the most advanced technology available today will help you stand out from your competition.
I use a variety of systems and tools, and recently made a strong commitment to increase my mobile IDX technology and services by hiring Mobile Card Cast.
Their advanced solution gives me the ability to offer my buyers IDX on any of the popular cellular Web platforms, including the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry. It allows my buyers to look up anything on the MLS, find the 10 nearest properties according to the GPS on their phones and receive information from anywhere.
Since all of the services and technology I offer can be accessed from my website, all my clients have to do is visit www.AlanShafran.com. To me, the most beneficial aspect of having everything linked to my site is that my clients only have to remember to visit www.AlanShafran.com, no matter what Internet browsing device they are using, and they will either see the full version of my site or the specially built version created for mobile devices—it can’t get much easier than that.
Implementing technology will help you stay on top of the industry by impressing your clients and showing them that you are a valuable consultant. During the initial consultation, all of the services and technology you offer should be carefully explained, as well as the potential impact of your expertise on what is often one of the most significant decisions of a person’s life. If you perform your consultation properly, and express that showing a home is just a facet of the entire process, the buyer will cut you off and ask where to sign…and isn’t that a great feeling.
Last but not least, please remember that change takes time and commitment. If you plan on making this change, you might feel like it is not working out when a buyer does not want to meet with you before seeing property. Be proud that you stood up for what is right for yourself and our industry, and encourage others to do the same. Redefining who you are willing to work with will shape your future happiness and overall success. So don’t give up, and practice your buyer presentations with your friends, family and colleagues until you are 100% comfortable. Then go out there and find buyers that will appreciate what an incredible decision they made in hiring you!
Alan Shafran is the #1 REALTOR® in San Diego for Prudential California Realty, President of ShowingSuite.com and author of “BluePrint for 100 Deals Per Year in Real Estate.”
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Is it time for Real Estate Idol?
By Ronn James
Ryan Seacrest: “Tonight our sales reps will put their abilities to the test. Panel, what do you have to say about our sales rep’s listing presentation?
Randy: “Naw, dawg, I wasn’t feelin it. It was too low for me.”
J-Lo: “I love how you looked tonight. The Prada shoes and Kate Spade bag were a nice touch.”
Steven: “You need to take it higher, much higher. That’s where the true superstars are…”
No, it is not a singing competition but a sales test. Listing presentations, offer negotiations, open house conversion and finally obtaining a listing on the spot. How would you fair amongst your competition?
On American Idol, young singers express their life-long passion for their craft. They bring a fan base with them and mom and dad often lead the cheers as those who sing in the shower compete against those who have been trained all their lives to do one thing; sing.
Imagine that our business had such a competition where equal opportunity existed for young and old, new and seasoned, skilled and not skilled to show their stuff in front of three potential clients for a live audience. What would you do? More importantly HOW would you do?
I recently spoke to a new Phase 3 graduate in Ontario. This young man with 12 years of new home sales experience under his belt confided to me that he didn’t know the first thing about selling a house right out of the course. He’s not alone.
How do these new agents compete? I know many brokers who must grin when faced with the fresh enthusiasm that brand new real estate agents bring. Poor new souls hoping to shadow or be mentored by a senior agent, these newbies look to train and spar in a friendly environment to hone their new skill and craft. Imagine that same new salesperson optimistically looking at future financial reward, coupled with the potential perils that a CRA audit can bring when that financial reward is not well managed.
Survival of the fittest has always been the underlying theme of any sales culture. The strong survive and the weak perish. It is imperative that we take a good look at what is involved in earning our stripes. I see three challenges:
First is education. In my most recent Real Estate Council of Ontario update course it became obvious to me that we hear what we want to hear and know what we want to know. The instructor read out a scenario and asked the participants (experience levels ranged from two years to 30+) to comment. I am sure it comes as no surprise that despite the many years of combined experience at the table, we were unable to come up with a consensus. Regardless of the scenario, this is a common issue in our industry.
The second challenge I see is transparency. Real estate people do not often play nice in the proverbial sand box. This is due, in many cases, to the generational gaps in real estate professionals. If you are a boomer, your formal education likely involved covering your work and ensuring you weren’t caught cheating off another paper. Those who followed later, however, often studied in more collaborative settings. A group approach demonstrated that “we” was stronger than “me” and newer real estate professionals continue to crave this in our industry. Poor preparation and few mentoring opportunities make it a difficult road for this group. The closest thing they find is a modern day team where leadership and business operation struggles couple with micro management and instead create adversity in the group setting.
The final challenge is what I call the “one set of rules” struggle. It is difficult to observe the policy makers in our industry shape things to suit their needs. Most sales reps you speak to today can share an experience where rules and policy have been ignored. If the rep winning all the prizes does so at the expense of everyone else, who then is responsible to create change in a largely self-regulated industry?
I do believe that salespeople would perform differently if they were being judged by three potential clients all wanting to hire the best representation for their needs. Considering these same sales reps would also be seen by both live and social media audiences, the stakes would inevitably be higher, flaws would be amplified and brilliance would likely hit some pretty high notes.
With a track record that spans 27 years, Realtor Ronn James says his ambition is to educate the public and Realtors alike. He has landed appearances on Breakfast Television, CityLine, Real Life and a host of radio shows. James has also been a regular contributor to New Homes and Condos For Sale Magazine, Toronto Sun and Canadian Homeplanner. Website: www.RealEstateCommissionMatters.ca, phone 289-242-9050.
Ryan Seacrest: “Tonight our sales reps will put their abilities to the test. Panel, what do you have to say about our sales rep’s listing presentation?
Randy: “Naw, dawg, I wasn’t feelin it. It was too low for me.”
J-Lo: “I love how you looked tonight. The Prada shoes and Kate Spade bag were a nice touch.”
Steven: “You need to take it higher, much higher. That’s where the true superstars are…”
No, it is not a singing competition but a sales test. Listing presentations, offer negotiations, open house conversion and finally obtaining a listing on the spot. How would you fair amongst your competition?
On American Idol, young singers express their life-long passion for their craft. They bring a fan base with them and mom and dad often lead the cheers as those who sing in the shower compete against those who have been trained all their lives to do one thing; sing.
Imagine that our business had such a competition where equal opportunity existed for young and old, new and seasoned, skilled and not skilled to show their stuff in front of three potential clients for a live audience. What would you do? More importantly HOW would you do?
I recently spoke to a new Phase 3 graduate in Ontario. This young man with 12 years of new home sales experience under his belt confided to me that he didn’t know the first thing about selling a house right out of the course. He’s not alone.
How do these new agents compete? I know many brokers who must grin when faced with the fresh enthusiasm that brand new real estate agents bring. Poor new souls hoping to shadow or be mentored by a senior agent, these newbies look to train and spar in a friendly environment to hone their new skill and craft. Imagine that same new salesperson optimistically looking at future financial reward, coupled with the potential perils that a CRA audit can bring when that financial reward is not well managed.
Survival of the fittest has always been the underlying theme of any sales culture. The strong survive and the weak perish. It is imperative that we take a good look at what is involved in earning our stripes. I see three challenges:
First is education. In my most recent Real Estate Council of Ontario update course it became obvious to me that we hear what we want to hear and know what we want to know. The instructor read out a scenario and asked the participants (experience levels ranged from two years to 30+) to comment. I am sure it comes as no surprise that despite the many years of combined experience at the table, we were unable to come up with a consensus. Regardless of the scenario, this is a common issue in our industry.
The second challenge I see is transparency. Real estate people do not often play nice in the proverbial sand box. This is due, in many cases, to the generational gaps in real estate professionals. If you are a boomer, your formal education likely involved covering your work and ensuring you weren’t caught cheating off another paper. Those who followed later, however, often studied in more collaborative settings. A group approach demonstrated that “we” was stronger than “me” and newer real estate professionals continue to crave this in our industry. Poor preparation and few mentoring opportunities make it a difficult road for this group. The closest thing they find is a modern day team where leadership and business operation struggles couple with micro management and instead create adversity in the group setting.
The final challenge is what I call the “one set of rules” struggle. It is difficult to observe the policy makers in our industry shape things to suit their needs. Most sales reps you speak to today can share an experience where rules and policy have been ignored. If the rep winning all the prizes does so at the expense of everyone else, who then is responsible to create change in a largely self-regulated industry?
I do believe that salespeople would perform differently if they were being judged by three potential clients all wanting to hire the best representation for their needs. Considering these same sales reps would also be seen by both live and social media audiences, the stakes would inevitably be higher, flaws would be amplified and brilliance would likely hit some pretty high notes.
With a track record that spans 27 years, Realtor Ronn James says his ambition is to educate the public and Realtors alike. He has landed appearances on Breakfast Television, CityLine, Real Life and a host of radio shows. James has also been a regular contributor to New Homes and Condos For Sale Magazine, Toronto Sun and Canadian Homeplanner. Website: www.RealEstateCommissionMatters.ca, phone 289-242-9050.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Adversity Gives You Strength
By John Boe RISMedia, June 11, 2011—
How can you stay self-motivated and productive in the midst of turbulent times and a sluggish economy? How do you persevere as a salesperson when times are tough and customers seem to be holding on to every penny in fear of economic uncertainty?
Every challenge, setback and personal difficulty you encounter in life also brings with it the seed of equivalent or greater benefit! The key to overcoming adversity is to avoid the temptation of panic and instead, focus on finding the greater benefit. Adversity will never leave you where it found you; it will either strengthen your character or weaken your resolve.
During the early years of WW II Nazi submarines, operating in wolf packs, roamed the frigid waters of the North Atlantic with impunity sinking an alarming number of British military and merchant ships. Hitler was confident that his U-boats could blockade England and eventually starve the British people into submission.
In the summer of 1940, while the Battle of Britain was being played out over London, the Germans unmercifully sank over 300 British military and merchant ships. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, fearing the negative impact these devastating losses might have on the nation’s morale, ordered the information withheld from the public. In an effort to reduce the appalling number of casualties lost at sea, Churchill instructed the British Royal Navy to begin a study to determine what, if anything, could be done to save more lives during sea rescue.
While interviewing the survivors an interesting discovery was made. To their complete astonishment, the researchers noted that the survival rate for the younger, presumably more physically fit sailors was remarkably lower when compared to their older shipmates. The study concluded that the older sailors had a significantly higher survival rate due to the fact that they had overcome more adversity and therefore, had developed greater confidence in being rescued than the younger, less experienced sailors.
The head of the research project, Kurt Hahn, was so moved by this discovery that he created the Outward Bound program. Hahn designed the Outward Bound program, utilizing a series of progressively rugged challenges, to mentally and physically prepare young British sailors to cope with the adversity of naval combat. Today, the Outward Bound program works with troubled youth to help them develop greater confidence and self-image.
I find it interesting that people faced with similar adversity often experience remarkably different outcomes. Some people become weakened, some become hardened and some become stronger. If you place a carrot, an egg and a coffee bean into a pot of boiling water, each reacts in a completely different manner to their conditions. The carrot goes into the boiling water firm and comes out soft; the egg goes in fragile and comes out hardened; while the coffee bean turns the hot water into coffee by releasing its flavor and aroma!
Selling in these challenging times demands determination and personal fortitude. Having the will to persevere when times are tough is a characteristic commonly found among self-made millionaires. Are you a quitter? The last time you failed, did you stop trying because you failed or did you fail because you stopped trying?
Thomas Edison documented 10,000 failed attempts to develop the electric light bulb. A reporter asked the great inventor how it felt to have failed 10,000 times trying to invent the light bulb. Edison responded, “Young man, I didn’t fail 10,000 times trying to invent the light bulb, I simply documented 10,000 ways that it wouldn’t work.” Imagine how different our world would be today if Edison had been a quitter.
You must expect to encounter detours, roadblocks and potholes of adversity along the road of life. The next time you are faced with adversity, learn from it and know that you are becoming a much stronger person because of it!
John Boe presents a wide variety of motivational and sales-oriented keynotes and seminar programs for sales meetings and conventions. John is a nationally recognized sales trainer and business motivational speaker with an impeccable track record in the meeting industry. To have John speak at your next event, visit www.johnboe.com or call 937-299-9001. Free Newsletter available on website.
How can you stay self-motivated and productive in the midst of turbulent times and a sluggish economy? How do you persevere as a salesperson when times are tough and customers seem to be holding on to every penny in fear of economic uncertainty?
Every challenge, setback and personal difficulty you encounter in life also brings with it the seed of equivalent or greater benefit! The key to overcoming adversity is to avoid the temptation of panic and instead, focus on finding the greater benefit. Adversity will never leave you where it found you; it will either strengthen your character or weaken your resolve.
During the early years of WW II Nazi submarines, operating in wolf packs, roamed the frigid waters of the North Atlantic with impunity sinking an alarming number of British military and merchant ships. Hitler was confident that his U-boats could blockade England and eventually starve the British people into submission.
In the summer of 1940, while the Battle of Britain was being played out over London, the Germans unmercifully sank over 300 British military and merchant ships. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, fearing the negative impact these devastating losses might have on the nation’s morale, ordered the information withheld from the public. In an effort to reduce the appalling number of casualties lost at sea, Churchill instructed the British Royal Navy to begin a study to determine what, if anything, could be done to save more lives during sea rescue.
While interviewing the survivors an interesting discovery was made. To their complete astonishment, the researchers noted that the survival rate for the younger, presumably more physically fit sailors was remarkably lower when compared to their older shipmates. The study concluded that the older sailors had a significantly higher survival rate due to the fact that they had overcome more adversity and therefore, had developed greater confidence in being rescued than the younger, less experienced sailors.
The head of the research project, Kurt Hahn, was so moved by this discovery that he created the Outward Bound program. Hahn designed the Outward Bound program, utilizing a series of progressively rugged challenges, to mentally and physically prepare young British sailors to cope with the adversity of naval combat. Today, the Outward Bound program works with troubled youth to help them develop greater confidence and self-image.
I find it interesting that people faced with similar adversity often experience remarkably different outcomes. Some people become weakened, some become hardened and some become stronger. If you place a carrot, an egg and a coffee bean into a pot of boiling water, each reacts in a completely different manner to their conditions. The carrot goes into the boiling water firm and comes out soft; the egg goes in fragile and comes out hardened; while the coffee bean turns the hot water into coffee by releasing its flavor and aroma!
Selling in these challenging times demands determination and personal fortitude. Having the will to persevere when times are tough is a characteristic commonly found among self-made millionaires. Are you a quitter? The last time you failed, did you stop trying because you failed or did you fail because you stopped trying?
Thomas Edison documented 10,000 failed attempts to develop the electric light bulb. A reporter asked the great inventor how it felt to have failed 10,000 times trying to invent the light bulb. Edison responded, “Young man, I didn’t fail 10,000 times trying to invent the light bulb, I simply documented 10,000 ways that it wouldn’t work.” Imagine how different our world would be today if Edison had been a quitter.
You must expect to encounter detours, roadblocks and potholes of adversity along the road of life. The next time you are faced with adversity, learn from it and know that you are becoming a much stronger person because of it!
John Boe presents a wide variety of motivational and sales-oriented keynotes and seminar programs for sales meetings and conventions. John is a nationally recognized sales trainer and business motivational speaker with an impeccable track record in the meeting industry. To have John speak at your next event, visit www.johnboe.com or call 937-299-9001. Free Newsletter available on website.
Friends of Summer
From: Oprah Winfrey
To: evelynorjalo@YAHOO.CA
Sent: Sun, June 19, 2011 3:44:19 PM
Subject: Friends of Summer
Hello y'all, friends of summer.
Got back safely from vacation. Had to come back for Cable convention and meetings with OWN team. Building a network doesn't allow for the long relaxing time I had imagined for myself.
But I'm ready for the challenge.
Thanks for all your good wishes.
I'm sure you feel the same after vacation. Not long enough.
Oddly enough it's not the vacation, but small moments like having time to stop for a cup of coffee at Starbucks, or Friday night going out to dinner with friends that feels so different.
In the past I've been so exhausted that when Friday comes I just want to collapse and sleep.
So I marvel at the spaces of time to do something just normal and not worry about where I have to go next.
I appreciate you wanting to send me ideas for programming but I can't accept unless in real general terms. Law suits; Not my idea of a good time.
And though I empathize with everyone having money problems, even with all the kids I've given scholarships to, I don't give money to them directly but to a school or institution.
I've enjoyed corresponding with some of you. But with 132k emails in my inbox right now, obviously I can't respond to you all individually.
On my way out of country on business. Would appreciate if you'd watch BTS tonight 8/7 central on OWN. Tonight's episode is all the Behind the Scenes stuff with James Frey. I teared up watching it and I've obviously already lived it. Why? The true miracle of reconciliation and being willing to see things differently. Of all the BTS shows I think this one is the best so far. You really get an insight into all the misunderstanding that keeps people holding on to "stuff" for years. I didn't think I was one of those people until this show. Also looking forward to BTS on the making of United Center surprise shows. I still don't know HOW my team did that. Took over that venue from the Bulls and had less than 36 hrs to build the stage and rehearse, Aretha, Beyonce, Stevie, Jamie, Rascal Flatts, et al..
After Season 25 Behind the Scenes is Finding Sarah, really good I think. Please let me know what you think at Oprah.com
And I need your feedback on the Ryan and Tatum O'Neal show as they attempt a real reconciliation on camera. That's 10/9 central.
BTS.....Finding Sarah... The O'Neals.. Sunday lineup beginning 8/7 central.
I have to say, my experience with James Frey felt like a holy moment. You'll see in tonight's episode how we both came full circle. I would have never imagined of all the nearly 30 thousand people I've interviewed that James Frey would turn out to be a friend.
Amazing Grace..indeed.
Happy Father's day to all you great dads. And to those of you who are trying to be better; recognizing that you're not a man because you can make a baby... You're a man when you can raise one. I salute you for the work and sacrifice and the dream you carry day in, day out for your family.
It's good we take a beat once a year at least, to acknowledge and make sure Father's feel appreciated. And most important VALIDATED.
As I said on last show Everybody wants to know they matter. And every relationship improves according to how valued the other person feels.
I already called my Dad, since I knew I'd be traveling out of the country today.
Blessings and Thank you for your emails,
Oprah Winfrey
To: evelynorjalo@YAHOO.CA
Sent: Sun, June 19, 2011 3:44:19 PM
Subject: Friends of Summer
Hello y'all, friends of summer.
Got back safely from vacation. Had to come back for Cable convention and meetings with OWN team. Building a network doesn't allow for the long relaxing time I had imagined for myself.
But I'm ready for the challenge.
Thanks for all your good wishes.
I'm sure you feel the same after vacation. Not long enough.
Oddly enough it's not the vacation, but small moments like having time to stop for a cup of coffee at Starbucks, or Friday night going out to dinner with friends that feels so different.
In the past I've been so exhausted that when Friday comes I just want to collapse and sleep.
So I marvel at the spaces of time to do something just normal and not worry about where I have to go next.
I appreciate you wanting to send me ideas for programming but I can't accept unless in real general terms. Law suits; Not my idea of a good time.
And though I empathize with everyone having money problems, even with all the kids I've given scholarships to, I don't give money to them directly but to a school or institution.
I've enjoyed corresponding with some of you. But with 132k emails in my inbox right now, obviously I can't respond to you all individually.
On my way out of country on business. Would appreciate if you'd watch BTS tonight 8/7 central on OWN. Tonight's episode is all the Behind the Scenes stuff with James Frey. I teared up watching it and I've obviously already lived it. Why? The true miracle of reconciliation and being willing to see things differently. Of all the BTS shows I think this one is the best so far. You really get an insight into all the misunderstanding that keeps people holding on to "stuff" for years. I didn't think I was one of those people until this show. Also looking forward to BTS on the making of United Center surprise shows. I still don't know HOW my team did that. Took over that venue from the Bulls and had less than 36 hrs to build the stage and rehearse, Aretha, Beyonce, Stevie, Jamie, Rascal Flatts, et al..
After Season 25 Behind the Scenes is Finding Sarah, really good I think. Please let me know what you think at Oprah.com
And I need your feedback on the Ryan and Tatum O'Neal show as they attempt a real reconciliation on camera. That's 10/9 central.
BTS.....Finding Sarah... The O'Neals.. Sunday lineup beginning 8/7 central.
I have to say, my experience with James Frey felt like a holy moment. You'll see in tonight's episode how we both came full circle. I would have never imagined of all the nearly 30 thousand people I've interviewed that James Frey would turn out to be a friend.
Amazing Grace..indeed.
Happy Father's day to all you great dads. And to those of you who are trying to be better; recognizing that you're not a man because you can make a baby... You're a man when you can raise one. I salute you for the work and sacrifice and the dream you carry day in, day out for your family.
It's good we take a beat once a year at least, to acknowledge and make sure Father's feel appreciated. And most important VALIDATED.
As I said on last show Everybody wants to know they matter. And every relationship improves according to how valued the other person feels.
I already called my Dad, since I knew I'd be traveling out of the country today.
Blessings and Thank you for your emails,
Oprah Winfrey
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Reply from Oprah
Sat, June 11, 2011 8:00:00 PMThank you
From: Oprah Winfrey
To: evelynorjalo@YAHOO.CA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got your email.
Thank you for watching the finale. I could feel your beating hearts, along with mine, through the TV screen.
I'm off to take a little rest, and then I'll get busy working on OWN.
Take care of yourself.
I'll write soon,
Oprah
From: Oprah Winfrey
To: evelynorjalo@YAHOO.CA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Got your email.
Thank you for watching the finale. I could feel your beating hearts, along with mine, through the TV screen.
I'm off to take a little rest, and then I'll get busy working on OWN.
Take care of yourself.
I'll write soon,
Oprah
Thursday, June 2, 2011
MPs elect youngest ever Speaker
MPs elect youngest ever Speaker
By Meagan Fitzpatrick, CBC News Posted: Jun 2, 2011 9:52 AM ET Last Updated: Jun 2, 2011 5:42 PM ET
Friday: MPs, Senators convene in Senate for throne speech, 3 p.m. ET
Monday: First question period of 41st Parliament, 2:15 p.m. ET
Monday: Finance minister deliveers revised budget, 4 p.m. ET
LIVE BLOG: 41st Parliament elects a Speaker
LIVE VIDEO: Election of House Speaker
VIDEO: The Speaker's residence
VIDEO BLOG: Candidates on camera - or not
New House of Commons seating plan (PDF)
The Farm at Kingsmere0:50
Andrew Scheer has been elected Speaker of the House of Commons, the youngest MP to win the job in Canadian history.
Scheer, a 32-year-old MP from Saskatchewan, claimed the title after a long day of voting by MPs on their first day back on Parliament Hill.
Scheer was chosen out of eight candidates and it took six rounds of voting before he was finally declared the winner. He beat out the NDP's Denise Savoie on the final ballot. Both Scheer and Savoie had experience as deputy Speaker in the previous Parliament.
Scheer's fellow Conservative MPs Dean Allison, Barry Devolin, Ed Holder, Lee Richardson, Bruce Stanton and Merv Tweed were also in the running for the Speaker position.
Scheer now assumes a role that comes with a lot of responsibilities but also many benefits, including an apartment on Parliament Hill, the beautiful and historic house at the Kingsmere estate in the Gatineau Hills, a car and driver and a large hospitality budget.
The Speaker election was the first order of business Thursday, the first day of the 41st Parliament. The lengthy process began at 11 a.m. ET, with MPs entering the House of Commons, more than 100 of them for the very first time, to listen to speeches by the candidates.
Each made their pitch to their colleagues, many of them emphasized the need more civility and respect in the Commons, and voting got underway in the early afternoon.
Scheer told his fellow MPs in his speech that "toxic language" has too often crept into their debates and Canadians are disappointed by their name-calling and other behaviour.
Upholding the rights and privileges is an important function of the Speaker, Scheer said, and he promised to do it, if elected.
"Based on my experience, my passion for this place, my fair enforcement of the rules, I humbly ask for your support," he said.
The last-place finishers and any candidate receiving less than 5 per cent of the vote were dropped off the ballot with each round. Dean Allison and Bruce Stanton were the first to lose, followed by Ed Holder after the second, then Barry Devolin after the third.
Lee Richardson, who speaks little French, was then up against Scheer and Savoie, both deputy Speakers in the last Parliament and both bilingual.
The race for Speaker proved to be more competitive than usual. Liberal MP Peter Milliken had a lock on the job for a decade but with his retirement, the field was opened up and eight MPs competed for the perk-filled position.
Savoie was the only woman, and only NDP candidate, up against the seven Conservatives. The Liberals and Bloc Québécois, with only 34 and four MPs, respectively, didn’t put forward any candidates. The Speaker acts as a non-partisan MP and sacrifices the ability to vote in the Commons, except when a tie must be broken.
Candidate sketches
After six ballots a new Speaker was declared. Names marked by an X were dropped during rounds of voting.
X - Dean Allison, 46, Niagara West-Glanbrook, Ont. Elected: 2004 Allison chaired the foreign affairs committee in the last Parliament.
X - Barry Devolin, 48, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Ont. Elected: 2004 Devolin was a deputy Speaker in the last Parliament.
X - Ed Holder, 57, London West, Ont. Elected: 2008 Member of international trade and government operations committees.
X - Lee Richardson, 64, Calgary Centre Elected: 1988, reelected in 2004 Richardson has had a long career in politics at the federal and provincial levels.
X - Denise Savoie, 68, Victoria, B.C. Elected: 2006 The NDP's Savoie is the lone opposition candidate and was a deputy Speaker in the last Parliament.
Andrew Scheer, 32, Regina-Qu'Appelle, Sask. Elected: 2004 Scheer would be the youngest Speaker in Canadian history. He was deputy Speaker in the last Parliament and says he knows the rules.
X - Bruce Stanton, 53, Simcoe North, Ont. Elected: 2006 Stanton chaired the aboriginal affairs committee in the last Parliament.
X - Merv Tweed, 55, Brandon-Souris, Man. Elected: 2004 Tweed has been a critic and committee chair.
A day of voting — and mixing
The Speaker election began earlier in the day with speeches by the candidates. In five minutes or less they highlighted their skills and explained why they believe they are best positioned to be the MP in charge of keeping all the other ones in line.
The Speaker has many procedural and ceremonial duties, including presiding over debates in the Commons and the daily question period where the atmosphere can get rowdy — and rude.
In their remarks, the candidates emphasized the need for MPs to show each other more respect and to improve decorum.
"This is our place, these are our choices and it begins by building respectful relationships with each other," said Holder. He said he would follow the example set by Milliken who would often host events to encourage MPs to come together in non-partisan ways. "It is my intention to carry on with these important traditions."
Scheer said too often "toxic language" creeps into the debate and that the Speaker needs to be more assertive when enforcing the rules. Scheer pledged to protect the rights and privileges of parliamentarians.
"Based on my experience, my passion for this place, my fair enforcement of the rules, I humbly ask for your support," he said.
Savoie said as Speaker she would help restore the faith of Canadians in Parliament and she called for Thursday to be a "turning point."
"Let that change begin today," she said.
Richardson noted that the Speaker also acts as an ambassador for Canada when leading delegations abroad.
"I shall represent you and this Parliament with dignity, purpose and honour," the Calgary MP said.
Power & Politics: The War Room
In today's podcast, Evan Solomon speaks with former Speaker Peter Milliken.
In between the rounds of voting, MPs mixed and mingled in the "hospitality suites" that some of the candidates have set up for the day.
Tweed, for example, invited all MPs to stop by his suite before the voting got underway. He was serving Starbucks coffee and wine throughout the day. Other candidates are offering food and drinks to their colleagues as they try to win their support throughout the voting rounds. Devolin was serving ice cream and Scheer was also offering drinks, cupcakes and other snacks. He noted he was serving Tim Hortons coffee, "Canadian" coffee.
The hosting of receptions by candidates is unusual; normally they don't campaign for the position so openly. But Scheer said it's being done as a courtesy for MPs who could be spending a long afternoon on the Hill.
"I don't think there's anything over the top about it, it's just a nice place for people to mix and mingle," he said. It also gives MPs a chance to meet some of their new colleagues, said Scheer.
.Once a winner is declared, the new Speaker will take a seat in the Speaker’s chair and adjourn the House of Commons until Friday afternoon, when Gov. Gen David Johnston will read the speech from the throne.
When MPs filed into the Commons Thursday morning, it was the very first time for more than 100 of them. The 41st Parliament is made up of a large class of rookies, and many are from the new Official Opposition, the NDP. History was made when the party's leader, Jack Layton, took his seat directly across from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who returned to the Commons with his first majority government.
Until now, the NDP caucus had sat in the far corners of the Commons, but those seats are now occupied by the Liberals, who suffered a historic defeat on May 2, along with the Bloc Québécois. The former leaders of both those parties, Michael Ignatieff and Gilles Duceppe, lost their seats and resigned.
History was also made when Elizabeth May entered the Commons chamber as the first Green Party MP elected in Canada.
Perks of the job
The job of Speaker comes with some heavy responsibilities, but there are some enviable perks that go along with it. He or she gets a car and driver, an apartment in Parliament Hill’s Centre Block, a beautiful, 19th-century farmhouse in Gatineau Park, a sizeable budget for entertaining, and a paycheque worth about $233,000.
The election of the Speaker kicks off a busy couple of days for parliamentarians.
After Friday's throne speech, many MPs will travel to their ridings for the weekend, then return Monday when the House will begin its routine proceedings. The first question period will take place – a historic one that will see Layton pose his first question to the prime minister as Opposition leader.
Monday is also when Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will present the federal budget. He has indicated it will be similar to the one tabled in March, with a few tweaks. It will include both a controversial plan to phase out an important source of revenue for the federal political parties, the per-vote subsidy, and more than $2 billion for Quebec in compensation for harmonizing its provincial sales tax with the GST.
By Meagan Fitzpatrick, CBC News Posted: Jun 2, 2011 9:52 AM ET Last Updated: Jun 2, 2011 5:42 PM ET
Friday: MPs, Senators convene in Senate for throne speech, 3 p.m. ET
Monday: First question period of 41st Parliament, 2:15 p.m. ET
Monday: Finance minister deliveers revised budget, 4 p.m. ET
LIVE BLOG: 41st Parliament elects a Speaker
LIVE VIDEO: Election of House Speaker
VIDEO: The Speaker's residence
VIDEO BLOG: Candidates on camera - or not
New House of Commons seating plan (PDF)
The Farm at Kingsmere0:50
Andrew Scheer has been elected Speaker of the House of Commons, the youngest MP to win the job in Canadian history.
Scheer, a 32-year-old MP from Saskatchewan, claimed the title after a long day of voting by MPs on their first day back on Parliament Hill.
Scheer was chosen out of eight candidates and it took six rounds of voting before he was finally declared the winner. He beat out the NDP's Denise Savoie on the final ballot. Both Scheer and Savoie had experience as deputy Speaker in the previous Parliament.
Scheer's fellow Conservative MPs Dean Allison, Barry Devolin, Ed Holder, Lee Richardson, Bruce Stanton and Merv Tweed were also in the running for the Speaker position.
Scheer now assumes a role that comes with a lot of responsibilities but also many benefits, including an apartment on Parliament Hill, the beautiful and historic house at the Kingsmere estate in the Gatineau Hills, a car and driver and a large hospitality budget.
The Speaker election was the first order of business Thursday, the first day of the 41st Parliament. The lengthy process began at 11 a.m. ET, with MPs entering the House of Commons, more than 100 of them for the very first time, to listen to speeches by the candidates.
Each made their pitch to their colleagues, many of them emphasized the need more civility and respect in the Commons, and voting got underway in the early afternoon.
Scheer told his fellow MPs in his speech that "toxic language" has too often crept into their debates and Canadians are disappointed by their name-calling and other behaviour.
Upholding the rights and privileges is an important function of the Speaker, Scheer said, and he promised to do it, if elected.
"Based on my experience, my passion for this place, my fair enforcement of the rules, I humbly ask for your support," he said.
The last-place finishers and any candidate receiving less than 5 per cent of the vote were dropped off the ballot with each round. Dean Allison and Bruce Stanton were the first to lose, followed by Ed Holder after the second, then Barry Devolin after the third.
Lee Richardson, who speaks little French, was then up against Scheer and Savoie, both deputy Speakers in the last Parliament and both bilingual.
The race for Speaker proved to be more competitive than usual. Liberal MP Peter Milliken had a lock on the job for a decade but with his retirement, the field was opened up and eight MPs competed for the perk-filled position.
Savoie was the only woman, and only NDP candidate, up against the seven Conservatives. The Liberals and Bloc Québécois, with only 34 and four MPs, respectively, didn’t put forward any candidates. The Speaker acts as a non-partisan MP and sacrifices the ability to vote in the Commons, except when a tie must be broken.
Candidate sketches
After six ballots a new Speaker was declared. Names marked by an X were dropped during rounds of voting.
X - Dean Allison, 46, Niagara West-Glanbrook, Ont. Elected: 2004 Allison chaired the foreign affairs committee in the last Parliament.
X - Barry Devolin, 48, Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Ont. Elected: 2004 Devolin was a deputy Speaker in the last Parliament.
X - Ed Holder, 57, London West, Ont. Elected: 2008 Member of international trade and government operations committees.
X - Lee Richardson, 64, Calgary Centre Elected: 1988, reelected in 2004 Richardson has had a long career in politics at the federal and provincial levels.
X - Denise Savoie, 68, Victoria, B.C. Elected: 2006 The NDP's Savoie is the lone opposition candidate and was a deputy Speaker in the last Parliament.
Andrew Scheer, 32, Regina-Qu'Appelle, Sask. Elected: 2004 Scheer would be the youngest Speaker in Canadian history. He was deputy Speaker in the last Parliament and says he knows the rules.
X - Bruce Stanton, 53, Simcoe North, Ont. Elected: 2006 Stanton chaired the aboriginal affairs committee in the last Parliament.
X - Merv Tweed, 55, Brandon-Souris, Man. Elected: 2004 Tweed has been a critic and committee chair.
A day of voting — and mixing
The Speaker election began earlier in the day with speeches by the candidates. In five minutes or less they highlighted their skills and explained why they believe they are best positioned to be the MP in charge of keeping all the other ones in line.
The Speaker has many procedural and ceremonial duties, including presiding over debates in the Commons and the daily question period where the atmosphere can get rowdy — and rude.
In their remarks, the candidates emphasized the need for MPs to show each other more respect and to improve decorum.
"This is our place, these are our choices and it begins by building respectful relationships with each other," said Holder. He said he would follow the example set by Milliken who would often host events to encourage MPs to come together in non-partisan ways. "It is my intention to carry on with these important traditions."
Scheer said too often "toxic language" creeps into the debate and that the Speaker needs to be more assertive when enforcing the rules. Scheer pledged to protect the rights and privileges of parliamentarians.
"Based on my experience, my passion for this place, my fair enforcement of the rules, I humbly ask for your support," he said.
Savoie said as Speaker she would help restore the faith of Canadians in Parliament and she called for Thursday to be a "turning point."
"Let that change begin today," she said.
Richardson noted that the Speaker also acts as an ambassador for Canada when leading delegations abroad.
"I shall represent you and this Parliament with dignity, purpose and honour," the Calgary MP said.
Power & Politics: The War Room
In today's podcast, Evan Solomon speaks with former Speaker Peter Milliken.
In between the rounds of voting, MPs mixed and mingled in the "hospitality suites" that some of the candidates have set up for the day.
Tweed, for example, invited all MPs to stop by his suite before the voting got underway. He was serving Starbucks coffee and wine throughout the day. Other candidates are offering food and drinks to their colleagues as they try to win their support throughout the voting rounds. Devolin was serving ice cream and Scheer was also offering drinks, cupcakes and other snacks. He noted he was serving Tim Hortons coffee, "Canadian" coffee.
The hosting of receptions by candidates is unusual; normally they don't campaign for the position so openly. But Scheer said it's being done as a courtesy for MPs who could be spending a long afternoon on the Hill.
"I don't think there's anything over the top about it, it's just a nice place for people to mix and mingle," he said. It also gives MPs a chance to meet some of their new colleagues, said Scheer.
.Once a winner is declared, the new Speaker will take a seat in the Speaker’s chair and adjourn the House of Commons until Friday afternoon, when Gov. Gen David Johnston will read the speech from the throne.
When MPs filed into the Commons Thursday morning, it was the very first time for more than 100 of them. The 41st Parliament is made up of a large class of rookies, and many are from the new Official Opposition, the NDP. History was made when the party's leader, Jack Layton, took his seat directly across from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who returned to the Commons with his first majority government.
Until now, the NDP caucus had sat in the far corners of the Commons, but those seats are now occupied by the Liberals, who suffered a historic defeat on May 2, along with the Bloc Québécois. The former leaders of both those parties, Michael Ignatieff and Gilles Duceppe, lost their seats and resigned.
History was also made when Elizabeth May entered the Commons chamber as the first Green Party MP elected in Canada.
Perks of the job
The job of Speaker comes with some heavy responsibilities, but there are some enviable perks that go along with it. He or she gets a car and driver, an apartment in Parliament Hill’s Centre Block, a beautiful, 19th-century farmhouse in Gatineau Park, a sizeable budget for entertaining, and a paycheque worth about $233,000.
The election of the Speaker kicks off a busy couple of days for parliamentarians.
After Friday's throne speech, many MPs will travel to their ridings for the weekend, then return Monday when the House will begin its routine proceedings. The first question period will take place – a historic one that will see Layton pose his first question to the prime minister as Opposition leader.
Monday is also when Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will present the federal budget. He has indicated it will be similar to the one tabled in March, with a few tweaks. It will include both a controversial plan to phase out an important source of revenue for the federal political parties, the per-vote subsidy, and more than $2 billion for Quebec in compensation for harmonizing its provincial sales tax with the GST.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
