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National Observer
2 hours ago
- Politics
- National Observer
'Pierre's riding to lose': Candidates in Alberta byelection met for debate
Pierre Poilievre was greeted with cheers and applause by the hundreds of Albertans who showed up to watch a two-and-a-half-hour political debate on a sunny Tuesday evening in July. The Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidates' forum featuring 10 of the people who are vying to represent Battle River—Crowfoot in the Aug. 18 byelection. "My mission here is to give national leadership to the issues that are of local importance," Poilievre told the sold-out crowd. The Conservative leader is widely expected to win the sprawling eastern Alberta riding, which is considered one of the safest Tory seats in the country. Damien Kurek won more than 82 per cent of the vote in the April election. He resigned to allow Poilievre, who lost his own seat in the Ottawa riding of Carleton, the chance to return to the House of Commons in the fall. A crowd of Poilievre's supporters was outside the venue before things got underway, many carrying signs with his name. Inside, the signs had to be put away. The moderator kept a tight schedule, cutting off the microphones of anyone who ran over their allotted time as the candidates answered a range of questions submitted by the public about the economy, health care privatization, electoral reform and immigration. The candidates seated at a long table on a stage occasionally took aim at Poilievre, particularly for the fact that he does not live in the riding and is running to progress his political career. Liberal candidate Darcy Spady introduced himself by saying, "I'm from Three Hills, and I don't want to be prime minister" — a line that elicited chuckles from the crowd and from Poilievre when he repeated it. Spady said he wanted to bring local issues to the government caucus and give an electorate that has historically voted Conservative the option of voting in a centrist. 'I'd like to grow the culture so the next generation can say, 'Oh, we can choose a Liberal, a Conservative, a moderate, a NDP,' he said in an interview after the debate. 'The stigma of only voting to the right here, in my home, all my life... I don't like that.' Poilievre argued that electing the leader of a political party is a trade-off — leaders are on the road much of the time, he said. "The other side, though, is that leader can bring a very powerful megaphone to the local issues of the community," he added. Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley pointed out in her closing statement that several candidates, including Poilievre, won't be able to vote in the byelection because they don't live in the riding. "I firmly believe that Mr. Poilievre is too busy with his personal ambitions to give a rat's backside about us," Critchley said in her closing statement. She got loud cheers from the crowd earlier in the evening as she argued for local representation. "If you want to run for an area, you need to live here. This longest ballot crap, that's got to stop," she said. More than 200 candidates were signed up to run in the byelection as of Tuesday, most of whom were sponsored by the Longest Ballot Committee protest group. The group says it's trying to get attention for electoral reform, arguing that Canada needs to end the first-past-the-post system. As a result of the protest, Elections Canada has decided that voters will write in the name of their selected candidate on a modified ballot in the byelection, rather than selecting from a list of 200. The longest ballot group signed up 85 people to run in Carleton during the April election, and ran dozens of candidates in byelections last summer. Poilievre called the Longest Ballot Committee "a total scam that must be stopped," and pledged that if he's elected, he will put forward legislative changes to ensure it doesn't happen again. In opening and closing statements, a number of candidates said Ottawa takes advantage of Alberta and pledged to try to end equalization. One candidate expressed sympathy for Alberta's separatist movement. There was broad agreement from candidates that, while immigration has historically been important, Canada needs to pull back on the number of people it is letting in. "We must have more people leaving than coming over the next several years as we bring down our population," Poilievre said. Green Party candidate Ashley MacDonald and the NDP's Katherine Swampy called immigration one of the country's strengths. Critchley and fellow Independent candidate Sarah Spanier made pitches to voters that they would hold a powerful position as Independent MPs in a minority government, and would leverage that to help the riding. The forum also featured candidates from the People's Party of Canada, the Libertarian Party, the Christian Heritage Party and the United Party of Canada. "I think we all know this is Pierre's riding to lose here; he's definitely going to win," MacDonald said in his closing statement. "So please, take a chance." This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 29, 2025.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Cheers at last for Olympians who defied Moscow boycott
Death threats, spittle and bribes followed Peter Hadfield after he chose to represent Australia at the Moscow Olympics. The decathlon competitor was one of 121 members of Australia's Olympic team who defied calls to boycott the 1980 Games despite immense public pressure following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Mr Hadfield had previously won the Australian championship in 1976 but was not selected for that year's Olympics in Montreal. "When the boycott was called in 1980, it looked like I was going to miss out on my second Olympics in a row," he told AAP. "I was offered a bribe of almost my entire yearly salary not to go. "There was death threats, we were called 'traitors' in the media, family members were spat on." Michelle Ford was just 17 when she won one of Australia's two gold medals at the Moscow Olympics. "We were told to sneak out of the country in case of threats on our team, on our lives - it's quite hard for a teenager to take that," the former swimmer told AAP. "I wasn't even voting age." But on Wednesday, almost 50 years after the games, the once-reviled Olympic team was recognised by the prime minister. While this has brought some relief and vindication, for many it does not erase the past. The boycott was the largest in Olympic history, with just 80 countries competing in the games after they were snubbed by 45. Though many countries, including the United States, Japan and West Germany took part in a full boycott, Australia opted to support the action but allowed athletes to make the final call over whether they would participate. Yet many of the young sports stars felt they had been forced to cop the backlash from Australia's protest, while Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government continued to trade with the Soviet Union. After most Olympic Games, Australia has celebrated its triumphs and welcomed its athletes with open arms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday acknowledged their participation and their pain. "When you choose to wear the green and gold, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you," he told parliament. "Yet the returning athletes were met only by cold silence or cruel comments. "Today, we fix that... you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation." While Mr Albanese's address was met with emotion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley struck a different chord. Though she acknowledged the athletes in the chamber and said they should not have been subject to personal attacks, she also gave credit to those who abided by the boycott including sprinter Raelene Boyle and swimmer Tracey Wickham. "For many Afghan Australians who immigrated here and are now part of our Australian family ... this boycott mattered," she told the House of Representatives. "The decision made by prime minister Malcolm Fraser to support the US-led boycott was the right one - and history has judged it so. "That decision - correct as it was - takes nothing away from the Australians who did compete." The Olympians sitting in the public gallery appeared unimpressed, with some gasping during parts of the address. None applauded at its conclusion. Ron McKeon, the father of retired swimming superstar and Australia's most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, was also one of the 1980 competitors. He and his family used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements as the source of inspiration for their own Olympic journeys. "Dad coached me growing up but never really spoke much about his Olympic experiences," Ms McKeon told AAP. "I couldn't imagine going through that - not having the ongoing support of the country - it would have been a huge struggle. "I'm so proud of him." Death threats, spittle and bribes followed Peter Hadfield after he chose to represent Australia at the Moscow Olympics. The decathlon competitor was one of 121 members of Australia's Olympic team who defied calls to boycott the 1980 Games despite immense public pressure following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Mr Hadfield had previously won the Australian championship in 1976 but was not selected for that year's Olympics in Montreal. "When the boycott was called in 1980, it looked like I was going to miss out on my second Olympics in a row," he told AAP. "I was offered a bribe of almost my entire yearly salary not to go. "There was death threats, we were called 'traitors' in the media, family members were spat on." Michelle Ford was just 17 when she won one of Australia's two gold medals at the Moscow Olympics. "We were told to sneak out of the country in case of threats on our team, on our lives - it's quite hard for a teenager to take that," the former swimmer told AAP. "I wasn't even voting age." But on Wednesday, almost 50 years after the games, the once-reviled Olympic team was recognised by the prime minister. While this has brought some relief and vindication, for many it does not erase the past. The boycott was the largest in Olympic history, with just 80 countries competing in the games after they were snubbed by 45. Though many countries, including the United States, Japan and West Germany took part in a full boycott, Australia opted to support the action but allowed athletes to make the final call over whether they would participate. Yet many of the young sports stars felt they had been forced to cop the backlash from Australia's protest, while Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government continued to trade with the Soviet Union. After most Olympic Games, Australia has celebrated its triumphs and welcomed its athletes with open arms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday acknowledged their participation and their pain. "When you choose to wear the green and gold, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you," he told parliament. "Yet the returning athletes were met only by cold silence or cruel comments. "Today, we fix that... you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation." While Mr Albanese's address was met with emotion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley struck a different chord. Though she acknowledged the athletes in the chamber and said they should not have been subject to personal attacks, she also gave credit to those who abided by the boycott including sprinter Raelene Boyle and swimmer Tracey Wickham. "For many Afghan Australians who immigrated here and are now part of our Australian family ... this boycott mattered," she told the House of Representatives. "The decision made by prime minister Malcolm Fraser to support the US-led boycott was the right one - and history has judged it so. "That decision - correct as it was - takes nothing away from the Australians who did compete." The Olympians sitting in the public gallery appeared unimpressed, with some gasping during parts of the address. None applauded at its conclusion. Ron McKeon, the father of retired swimming superstar and Australia's most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, was also one of the 1980 competitors. He and his family used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements as the source of inspiration for their own Olympic journeys. "Dad coached me growing up but never really spoke much about his Olympic experiences," Ms McKeon told AAP. "I couldn't imagine going through that - not having the ongoing support of the country - it would have been a huge struggle. "I'm so proud of him." Death threats, spittle and bribes followed Peter Hadfield after he chose to represent Australia at the Moscow Olympics. The decathlon competitor was one of 121 members of Australia's Olympic team who defied calls to boycott the 1980 Games despite immense public pressure following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Mr Hadfield had previously won the Australian championship in 1976 but was not selected for that year's Olympics in Montreal. "When the boycott was called in 1980, it looked like I was going to miss out on my second Olympics in a row," he told AAP. "I was offered a bribe of almost my entire yearly salary not to go. "There was death threats, we were called 'traitors' in the media, family members were spat on." Michelle Ford was just 17 when she won one of Australia's two gold medals at the Moscow Olympics. "We were told to sneak out of the country in case of threats on our team, on our lives - it's quite hard for a teenager to take that," the former swimmer told AAP. "I wasn't even voting age." But on Wednesday, almost 50 years after the games, the once-reviled Olympic team was recognised by the prime minister. While this has brought some relief and vindication, for many it does not erase the past. The boycott was the largest in Olympic history, with just 80 countries competing in the games after they were snubbed by 45. Though many countries, including the United States, Japan and West Germany took part in a full boycott, Australia opted to support the action but allowed athletes to make the final call over whether they would participate. Yet many of the young sports stars felt they had been forced to cop the backlash from Australia's protest, while Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government continued to trade with the Soviet Union. After most Olympic Games, Australia has celebrated its triumphs and welcomed its athletes with open arms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday acknowledged their participation and their pain. "When you choose to wear the green and gold, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you," he told parliament. "Yet the returning athletes were met only by cold silence or cruel comments. "Today, we fix that... you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation." While Mr Albanese's address was met with emotion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley struck a different chord. Though she acknowledged the athletes in the chamber and said they should not have been subject to personal attacks, she also gave credit to those who abided by the boycott including sprinter Raelene Boyle and swimmer Tracey Wickham. "For many Afghan Australians who immigrated here and are now part of our Australian family ... this boycott mattered," she told the House of Representatives. "The decision made by prime minister Malcolm Fraser to support the US-led boycott was the right one - and history has judged it so. "That decision - correct as it was - takes nothing away from the Australians who did compete." The Olympians sitting in the public gallery appeared unimpressed, with some gasping during parts of the address. None applauded at its conclusion. Ron McKeon, the father of retired swimming superstar and Australia's most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, was also one of the 1980 competitors. He and his family used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements as the source of inspiration for their own Olympic journeys. "Dad coached me growing up but never really spoke much about his Olympic experiences," Ms McKeon told AAP. "I couldn't imagine going through that - not having the ongoing support of the country - it would have been a huge struggle. "I'm so proud of him." Death threats, spittle and bribes followed Peter Hadfield after he chose to represent Australia at the Moscow Olympics. The decathlon competitor was one of 121 members of Australia's Olympic team who defied calls to boycott the 1980 Games despite immense public pressure following the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Mr Hadfield had previously won the Australian championship in 1976 but was not selected for that year's Olympics in Montreal. "When the boycott was called in 1980, it looked like I was going to miss out on my second Olympics in a row," he told AAP. "I was offered a bribe of almost my entire yearly salary not to go. "There was death threats, we were called 'traitors' in the media, family members were spat on." Michelle Ford was just 17 when she won one of Australia's two gold medals at the Moscow Olympics. "We were told to sneak out of the country in case of threats on our team, on our lives - it's quite hard for a teenager to take that," the former swimmer told AAP. "I wasn't even voting age." But on Wednesday, almost 50 years after the games, the once-reviled Olympic team was recognised by the prime minister. While this has brought some relief and vindication, for many it does not erase the past. The boycott was the largest in Olympic history, with just 80 countries competing in the games after they were snubbed by 45. Though many countries, including the United States, Japan and West Germany took part in a full boycott, Australia opted to support the action but allowed athletes to make the final call over whether they would participate. Yet many of the young sports stars felt they had been forced to cop the backlash from Australia's protest, while Malcolm Fraser's Liberal government continued to trade with the Soviet Union. After most Olympic Games, Australia has celebrated its triumphs and welcomed its athletes with open arms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday acknowledged their participation and their pain. "When you choose to wear the green and gold, you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you," he told parliament. "Yet the returning athletes were met only by cold silence or cruel comments. "Today, we fix that... you have earned your place in the history of the game and our nation." While Mr Albanese's address was met with emotion, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley struck a different chord. Though she acknowledged the athletes in the chamber and said they should not have been subject to personal attacks, she also gave credit to those who abided by the boycott including sprinter Raelene Boyle and swimmer Tracey Wickham. "For many Afghan Australians who immigrated here and are now part of our Australian family ... this boycott mattered," she told the House of Representatives. "The decision made by prime minister Malcolm Fraser to support the US-led boycott was the right one - and history has judged it so. "That decision - correct as it was - takes nothing away from the Australians who did compete." The Olympians sitting in the public gallery appeared unimpressed, with some gasping during parts of the address. None applauded at its conclusion. Ron McKeon, the father of retired swimming superstar and Australia's most decorated Olympian Emma McKeon, was also one of the 1980 competitors. He and his family used the opportunity to celebrate his achievements as the source of inspiration for their own Olympic journeys. "Dad coached me growing up but never really spoke much about his Olympic experiences," Ms McKeon told AAP. "I couldn't imagine going through that - not having the ongoing support of the country - it would have been a huge struggle. "I'm so proud of him."
AU Financial Review
8 hours ago
- Politics
- AU Financial Review
Zempilas stares down Hastie on net zero
Western Australian Liberal leader Basil Zempilas has escalated a public stoush with federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie over the direction of the party, signalling he won't allow internal party debates on emissions reductions to dictate his priorities. In a letter to supporters this week, Hastie said he was disappointed to see Zempilas 'publicly dismiss' the outcome of a motion calling for the abandonment of net zero at the WA Liberal State Council over the weekend.
Sydney Morning Herald
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
Ex-council boss denies he fuelled protests sparked by job loss rumours
Ousted Liverpool Council chief executive John Ajaka has denied he failed to correct false rumours the organisation planned to sack 150 workers, which sparked fiery protests led by union members, because he was worried his own job was at risk due to escalating tensions with Mayor Ned Mannoun. Union members chanted 'Put some pork on your fork' and held up a toy pig at the protest directed at Mannoun, who is Muslim, before police were called to a chaotic council meeting on April 24 last year, when Ajaka was stood down pending an independent investigation into his behaviour at a meeting. Ajaka on Wednesday faced cross-examination in a public inquiry into alleged dysfunction and maladministration at the council in south-west Sydney. The inquiry has previously heard Ajaka was hired in late 2022, and his working relationship with Mannoun had deteriorated by the time Ajaka told the mayor to 'shut the f--- up' in a meeting about staff employment on April 16 last year. Ajaka, a former Liberal MP, this week told the inquiry he became aware an email about the false rumour was circulating, and had met a senior union delegate, the day before United Services Union advocate Steve Donley told 2GB Radio host Ray Hadley that 150 jobs at the council were 'on the line', and workers and union members were to protest outside a council meeting the next day. The inquiry heard Donley had told Hadley on air: 'The CEO, John Ajaka, has been told that there will be a council meeting tomorrow at [2pm]. They'll go into a closed session and the so-called mayor, Ned Mannoun, will sack him.' Loading Hadley said that 'according to Steve Donley, the mayor is doing his best to remove John Ajaka', before he declared a conflict of interest and said he had known Ajaka and his family for a long time. Ajaka said multiple people had called him about what was said in the interview, which he did not hear, and that although he knew Hadley, he would not describe him as a friend. Ajaka said he knew there would be a demonstration, but he did not expect it would be volatile.
The Age
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The Age
Ex-council boss denies he fuelled protests sparked by job loss rumours
Ousted Liverpool Council chief executive John Ajaka has denied he failed to correct false rumours the organisation planned to sack 150 workers, which sparked fiery protests led by union members, because he was worried his own job was at risk due to escalating tensions with Mayor Ned Mannoun. Union members chanted 'Put some pork on your fork' and held up a toy pig at the protest directed at Mannoun, who is Muslim, before police were called to a chaotic council meeting on April 24 last year, when Ajaka was stood down pending an independent investigation into his behaviour at a meeting. Ajaka on Wednesday faced cross-examination in a public inquiry into alleged dysfunction and maladministration at the council in south-west Sydney. The inquiry has previously heard Ajaka was hired in late 2022, and his working relationship with Mannoun had deteriorated by the time Ajaka told the mayor to 'shut the f--- up' in a meeting about staff employment on April 16 last year. Ajaka, a former Liberal MP, this week told the inquiry he became aware an email about the false rumour was circulating, and had met a senior union delegate, the day before United Services Union advocate Steve Donley told 2GB Radio host Ray Hadley that 150 jobs at the council were 'on the line', and workers and union members were to protest outside a council meeting the next day. The inquiry heard Donley had told Hadley on air: 'The CEO, John Ajaka, has been told that there will be a council meeting tomorrow at [2pm]. They'll go into a closed session and the so-called mayor, Ned Mannoun, will sack him.' Loading Hadley said that 'according to Steve Donley, the mayor is doing his best to remove John Ajaka', before he declared a conflict of interest and said he had known Ajaka and his family for a long time. Ajaka said multiple people had called him about what was said in the interview, which he did not hear, and that although he knew Hadley, he would not describe him as a friend. Ajaka said he knew there would be a demonstration, but he did not expect it would be volatile.
