I’m sure that the conservative govenrment will be entirely fair in selecting a non-partisan and unbiased think-tank for this purpose.

And, while I do think public consultations are a grand idea, I don’t hold much more than a hope that the Leafs will win the cup in my lifetime, that the cons (or the libs) would listen to what such a consultation would yield.

Let me see now… at last count there were ten provinces and three territories, add in a youth forum and 10+3+1=12; their math makes as much sense as their process.

Peter Van Loan, the government House leader and minister responsible for democratic reform, said by e-mail Tuesday that day-long citizens’ forums will be held in each province and territory, plus an additional forum for youth - making 12 in all.

Here’s the problem

Those participants, said Van Loan, “will learn about the issues and then deliberate on the priorities, values and principles they believe should underpin Canada’s democratic institutions and practices, and provide their views.”

Another bullshit top down process guided by the CPoC friend friendly consultant willing to tell them what they want to hear for the least amount of above board money.

If they were really interested they would sit their pencil pushing asses in chairs and listen to people tell them what the issues are and how they should be addressed.

.. and while we’re talking about the people part of the process maybe someone who buys into this can explain to the rest of us doubting bloggers how a one day forum in any single jurisdiction is going to be representative of that jurisdiction?

Hmm, the federal press release also says “12″ - I was hoping it was the reporter that couldn’t add. Sadly, not.

“.. and while we’re talking about the people part of the process maybe someone who buys into this can explain to the rest of us doubting bloggers how a one day forum in any single jurisdiction is going to be representative of that jurisdiction?”

One would hope that a good starting point could be determined, at least. I don’t know enough about the planned process to add anything further, and will wait to see what that process IS before condemning it out of hand.

I will say that I hope it’s not going to be like Gomery’s little jaunt across the country to converse with Canadians (in closed door meetings with pre-selected, unannounced attendees). I would have no problem condemning that!

Whooee! Well, it’s tuff t’ get too excited about the announcement of a new gummint study. I remember back in 1970 when a bunch of us was all excited about the Le Dain Commission Report. We figgered we’d be smokin’ legal pot in a year or two at the most.

Then, there’s them studies on Native Land Claims an’ the gummint still shufflin’ its feet on Ipperwash like they been doin’ since 1945. Caledonia’s dragged on fer a whole year now an’ they ain’t one bit closer t’ settliun’ anything than the day it started.

There’s ol’ Romanow’s healthcare report gatherin’ dust an’ most anybuddy could name a useless study that made big news fer a couplafew days an’ then nobuddy ever heard of it again.

Electoral reform ain’t a sexy issue like marijuana or doctor shortages or green stuff or native uprisings or passports or a whole buncha other things people’d name off first if yer askin’ ‘em what needs fixin’. Gummint won’t even fix the stuff people care about so I ain’t got much hope they’ll fix sumpin’ hardly anybuddy knows is broken.

JB