I just returned from the Toronto "town hall style" meet and greet for the Conservative Party. It was at Municipal chambers, and the host was an enthusiastic candidate for the riding of Trinity/Spadina, Sam Goldstein, who was a convert of Preston Manning while studying out in Calgary. The moderator for the evening was Peter Kent, who will be running in St. Paul.

The original invite that was sent out didn't name any names, so it was anybody's guess as to who would be in attendence. Perhaps that's why there were less than 100 people there (or perhaps that was because there are less than 100 Conservatives in Toronto!). Well, those that didn't turn up missed their chance to shake hands with Peter Van Loan, Monte Solberg and Steven Fletcher. Each of these men covered a topic: Where are we with regard to the election? What is our plan for Canada? What is the Conservative Party about (who are we)? respectively.

Peter Van Loan brought up something of interest to Torontonians, as well as to the environmentalists to the left. Part of the Conservative platform will be to institute a tax credit for those who use public transit. That means that the $100/month I spend on a TTC pass will be tax deductible, thereby promoting the use of mass transit, which in turn cuts down on the amount of emissions from cars on the road.

Monte Solberg talked of how Canada isn't reaching its potential, but how it could turn itself into the most prosperous country in the world. By being so prosperous, we could then become more generous. He also reminded us that we're sitting slightly to the north of an absolute goldmine of economic growth, and that we need to do more to strengthen - not weaken - ties with the U.S.

Steven Fletcher, as health critic, provided a questionnaire regarding access to medical care, wait time, and the like. I will be scanning and uploading this by tomorrow evening (*sigh* scanner is at work, FTP is at home!). Lucky me will have the opportunity to tour St. Joseph's Hospital on the Queensway with Mr. Fletcher tomorrow afternoon.

And in regards to liberal dominance in the mainstream media, Monte reminds us that the blogosphere is within everyone's reach. In case you hadn't already noticed...