Photo of the month
In partnership with the Calgary-Varsity PC Association Board, the UCCCA recently hosted the Honourable Ted Morton, Minister of Finance and Enterprise for the Province of Alberta and Minister of “Being the Man.” (If you haven’t heard his 2006 campaign song, I highly recommend it).
On April 7, 2010, Minister Morton spoke candidly with the UCCCA about his political experience, the future of Progressive Conservative politics in Alberta, and his particular ideological standpoint. He noted that sometimes policies based on good intention paradoxically have bad outcomes. He stressed his desire to implement policies that would have the desired results for the citizens of Alberta while simultaneously being economically efficient.
The “Cool Headed Man” and former U of C Political Science Professor surprised us when he told us that he spent a year living on a kibbutz in Israel in his youth, and that he rallied extensively against the war in Vietnam while living in America in the 1960’s. He conveyed to us that his experience travelling was integral in shaping his political philosophy, and encouraged us to do the same.
The Minister answered both complicated questions on foreign investment in the Alberta oil sands and lighthearted questions about a fake Ted Morton Twitter Account. Minister Morton confirmed that he is currently not tweeting.
Overall, the event was a great success. It was a pleasure to have Minister Morton speak to us, and we hope that he enjoys many coffees in our token UCCCA mug.
Becca Marshall
UCCCA VP Marketing
One of the benefits of your UCCCA membership is the ability to be contacted with volunteer opportunities from all over Calgary, from all levels of government. This year has been no expection. Club members were offered several opportunities to lend a hand and meet new people. Some of these connections lead to our members sitting on various boards, new friendships, fees paid for exclusive events, and funding for our club events.
March was a busy month for UCCCA members, as we were able to volunteer in a number of different capacities.
We spent an early morning at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on March 19. We arrived at 6:30am to help the Calgary-Northwest PC Board sell PC memberships, set up and assist with registration of guests. We met several new people and were sponsered to stay for a delicious breakfast and hear the Minister of Health and Wellness speak.
On March 27 we joined the Calgary Centre North Federal Conservative Board during their membership drive. We were on the phone in shifts from noon until five - renewing members and signing up brand new members. It was an exciting day, and it was neat to watch the grassroots of the Conservative Party of Canada in action. Minister Prentice was there all day assisting with phone calls - and joined the whole team afterwards for a volunteer celebration.
If you are interested in becoming a member send us an email or come out to our next event. Your email will be added to our list and you could be out volunteering with us next time!
I'm so thankful for the opportunities the UCCCA has been given this year.
Christina
UCCCA President
On March 26 the UCCCA hosted MP Lee Richardson for an afternoon of casual conversation and light refreshments. As our conversation with him began it became clear why he was the perfect choice to come speak to university students - he was encouraging, inspiring and reminded all of us that the future ahead of each of us is what we choose to make it.
I sat fascinated by his stories about his time at the University of Calgary - his time in the Conservative Association, attending his first national convention, and his role on the Students' Union as a strong conservative voice. His journey continued in politics as a young adult. I won't forget the moment he said "...and then I turned 24"; I had to laugh because at that point in his life he already seemed to have a lifetime worth of accomplishments. But, lucky for us, he continued on to become a highly respected advisor to top politicans, and a powerful voice for Calgarians as an elected Member of Parliament.
I am so glad Mr. Richardson could come share with us - walking away encouraged is what I believe these events should be about. That is why I love my role in the UCCCA.
If we learned anything from Mr. Richardson it was to keep following our dreams and never give up on what we believe in. I'm excited about the possibilities that are ahead of all UCCCA members.
Thanks for inspiring all of us Lee!
Christina
UCCCA President
I can't believe it is already March. Where has this semester gone? The UCCCA is taking full advantage of the excitement that comes at the end of a school year and has plenty of events lined up for spring. Check out our event page and don't forget to register to secure yourself a seat at our events.
On March 4 the UCCCA was invited out to a Calgary-Varsity PCAA Board of Directors Meeting. It was a great opportunity for students to see what it was like to be involved with the Party at the grassroots level. Not only did some of our members end up forging new partnerships by committing to be youth members of the Board but the Board recommitted to having a larger presence with the club as a partner.
We are so excited about this partnership! We expect to keep this door open for years to come and are looking forward to the possibility of future events, meetings, and mentorship opportunities.
Our first partnership will be at our April 7 event. Calgary-Varsity motioned and approved to be our financial sponsor for the event. A huge thank you from us to them!!
Here is a photo taken at the Calgary-Varsity meeting. We love that spring has brought us this new connection!
We have been working hard on our April events - stay tuned for some neat event announcements in the coming weeks. Including information on our AGM.
See you all soon,
Christina
UCCCA President
On Friday February 12th Rob Sallows and I attended the Calgary-Varsity PC Association fundraiser at the Calgary Petroleum Club. We attended at the invitation of Derek McKenzie a Calgary-Varsity board member. We are so thankful to the Calgary-Varisty PC Association for their continued support of the UCCCA. Their sponsorship of 2 UCCCA members, and the youth rate they offered our club is above and beyond accommodating to the typical financially constrained student.
The guest speaker for the Hon. Ron Liepert Minister of Energy, Minister Liepert spoke about his time as Health Minister and how it was a rewarding experience, he then went on to talk about the upcoming report from the Alberta competitiveness review and how it will once again attract investors back to the province. Minister Liepert talked about how Alberta is in the best situation financially of all the provinces and will come out of this global recession better than many of the provinces and other countries for that matter. As the Progressive Conservatives enter into our 40th year of leading this great province there is no other party that is more experienced or better positioned to lead our province.
Thanks again Calgary-Varisty - looking forward to the UCCCA visit to your Board meeting on March 4.
Josh Traptow, UCCCA Member &
Robert Sallows, UCCCA VP Finance
On February 6, the UCCCA hockey night had a big turnout of conservative students at our fantastic Pengrowth Saddledome suite overlooking our own Calgary Hitmen beating the Medicine Hat Tigers 2 – 0. Amid political and casual conversation we had a incredible number of pizza’s delivered, which combined with our suite made for a entertaining evening. Our upcoming events introduced will be directly with our conservative representatives in Edmonton and Ottawa. These are sure to be exciting events for everyone to witness Canadian democracy functioning at the community level. Don’t miss out!
Paul Keenan
UCCCA Member