President Bev also reminded those who committed to the $25 per member Polio Plus campaign led by Brenda Banbury in January that contributions are now due.

 

The "Guess who's coming to dinner" idea is being revived by President Bev this Spring, under the new title of "fellowship dinners". The dates will fall on Saturday nights, with groups of eight gathering at selected homes, with each participant bringing a portion of the meal dates plus beverages.

 

PE Jack reminded all of the Badge Shield and Star dinner to be held April 21. Tickets are available via "pick a tick." A separate invitation will be emailed shortly.

 

Dave S. was our Sergeant today, and gave a mixed couple of dollars for the disappointing news that the Masters Golf Pool cannot proceed this year due to unexpected licensing delays by SLGA. However Dave announced that this effect will be partly offset by $3,300 raised by Dave, Peter Z. and others at the Enchanted Forest event.

 

Dave dug deep, dubiously deriving donation dollars during delirious delivery debate:

- Election day dollars for those who voted early
- Winter snow bird dollars from Gary, Paul and Graham
- Dog training dollar from Wayne, and also for the Women's hockey results
- 28 dollars and a banner for 28 days in Maui from Gary R.
- Bill J. for his daughter's hockey team playing in the Esso Cup
- Peter V. for his daughter working at election
- Jack for the Contacts win and for his new board
- Peter Z. for his Citizenship Court participation

 

Our guest Speaker today was Joe Garcea, introduced by Bill J. as one of his professors from the 80's! Joe is on a sabbatical leave from the University of Saskatchewan where he heads up the Political Science department, to focus on writing. Joe is currently writing a book on the P3 infrastructure process.

 

Joes talked about today's election. He is politically agonistic but cares about good governance. Joe sees Rotary meetings as "governments in waiting", helping to make society better.

 

He likened elections to the movie "The Wizard of Oz" with its scarecrow, tin man and lion, comparing this to leaders who talk about their "hearts, courage and brains", with the spin doctors as the Wizard! Joe also noted that the Rotary four way test is an apt roadmap for the parties on power.

 

Joe sees NDP support at a crossroads, with boundary changes and new party involvement possibly affecting close ridings. Candidate quality is strong but certain ridings may have to deal with change this election. The economic challenges in Saskatchewan also bring into focus the fiscal policies of the competing parties.  Succession planning for the Premier is an interesting question, predicated of course on today's outcome.

 

For some parties, gaining sufficient seats and votes is always a challenge. In his view if the Opposition has less than nine seats, it becomes less effective at staying on top of files.

 

Tabling a budget this year will be a challenge as a deficit is possible, affecting tax rates and royalties. A Party's ability to manage Provincial affairs effectively is one of the most important traits of good governments in power. In Joe's view, elder care and education system support will be key hot buttons for the government in power.

 

Joe warned against "Canadian conceit" when looking at the current US election scenario. He also predicted that while our Premier, who displays ambassadorial talents, will no doubt complete a full term if re-elected, a fourth term becomes an interesting question, given competing opportunities that may exist at that point.

 

Thank you Joe for a most insightful talk and happy voting all!