I promised I would update my thoughts here and typed a lengthy review on my blog last night here:
http://victorlough.com/?p=255
I can totally understand not wanting to read all of it though, so let me give a few impressions:
- I went in thinking we were about to be used as a group of marks so that the government could say "we consulted, we listened" and then do whatever they want. They still might! I'm actually quite convinced that the government has no idea what to do at this point, but it is very important so I am happy that they're at least trying to reach out.
- There were many viewpoints represented both on the panels and in the audience. It was not a room full of Tories, although there were a number. Let's be honest though, any room in the province will have a lot of Tories when they get 40+ support!
- George Gosbee and Jack Mintz were the most impressive panelists in my opinion. I say that not because they said what I want to hear, but because they both brought well thought out and well reasoned ideas to the table. Another I would include here is Michael Holden who was excellent.
- The panel with Mintz and Fildebrandt was maybe the best as a spectator. Easily the most heater and I left feeling bad for Fildebrandt actually.
- Tom Flanagan and Gil McGowan were both awesome. I mean they both only have one prescription and they both made their points, but they were courteous to each other and downright hilarious. Especially when we had just finished the conflict between Mintz and Fildebrandt.
I would be happy to try to expand on things or answer questions. As an aside, totally anecdotal, I found the Tories to be the nicest people there. The Liberals (aside from the one who brought me, obviously) didn't talk to me at all. The Wildrose didn't either. I spoke with a couple NDPers and they were really nice and welcoming, and same with the Tories. I only bring that up because it was weird. My MLA is a Wildrose for example, who sat maybe 5feet from me and didn't even say hi....so bizarre.