BC Young Liberals :: Road to Victory Tour

Pictures from Yesterday in Burnaby

2008-07-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

MLA Harry Bloy speaks to Road to Victory volunteers!

Lunch at a Greek Restaurant in Harry Bloy's Riding

Crime is a key concern in Burnaby. We spoke to one resident who just had his yard vandalized.

Milkshakes!!

2008-07-12T18:39:00.001-07:00

We just finished knocking on over 1,000 doors in John Nuraney's riding - Burnaby-Deer Lake.

We've made a quick stop at Dennys for some chocolate milkshakes ....

- Chris

I"m Playing Poker!

2008-07-12T15:33:00.001-07:00

Funny story from this morning....

Dustin knocks on a door, a guy in his boxers answers and yells "I'm playing poker!"

- Chris

Warm water

2008-07-12T15:30:00.001-07:00

The weather is awesome today - almost too nice actually - we keep buying bottled water and it keeps going lukewarm :(

- Chris

Hello from Chicago....

2008-07-12T15:29:00.001-07:00

MLA John Nuraney is at a family wedding today in Chicago but still made time to greet BCYL volunteers by speakerphone!

We're heading out to do some more door knocking now....

- Chris

First Round Done!!

2008-07-12T14:41:00.001-07:00

We just finished knocking on over 1,000 doors in Harry Bloy's riding of Burnaby-Lougheed. Now we're off to John Nuraney's riding, Burnaby-Deer Lake!

We're in a "convoy" right now because none of our drivers seem to be able to navigate very well!!

We stopped for a lunch at a Greek Restaurant, where Harry treated us all to lunch and the restaurant treated us all to free deserts and shots of sambooka. Needless to say, it was a good lunch!

Photos will be posted later.

- Chris

An Upscale McDonalds!

2008-07-12T09:28:00.001-07:00

As you can see, the McDonalds we’re meeting in this morning is pretty upscale!

- Chris

Another Tour!

2008-07-12T08:03:00.000-07:00

I'm just about to head out for the Burnaby and Vancouver Road to Victory Tour!

Keep checking www.roadtovictory.ca over the weekend for updates on the tour!

- Chris

(Kelowna-) MISSION (flyer drop) ACCOMPLISHED

2008-05-14T23:27:00.000-07:00

Originally written at 5:00PM on May 11.

Tonight, as mothers in Merritt and Kelowna put their children to bed after a wonderful Mother's Day, they'll look around for a relaxing bedside story. If they were one of the more than TWO THOUSAND homes where flyers were dropped this weekend, they will no doubt choose to soothe their children with tales of lower taxes, environmental leadership, and improved access to healthcare. Then they'll wait one year, go to the polls and join millions of fellow British Columbians in choosing the BC Liberals to form the provincial government once more.

I'd call that a mission accomplished.

Kev

PS - Hey Prince George, you're not the only place with ginormous driveways! Look at the behemoth I had to trudge down to deliver a flyer today...

Oh Mickey, You're So Fine...

2008-05-14T23:10:00.001-07:00

Originally written at 2:00PM on May 11.

Despite mind-blowingly short notice and a spectacular lack of details, BC Liberal Party President Mickey Patryluk graciously accepted our offer of lunch this afternoon and sat down to some of Timmy's finest sandwiches with our Road to Victory crew. Our first flyer drop in Kelowna-Mission went well, and we'll set off for one final flyer blitz as soon as we finish chowing down.

A big thank-you to the Kelowna-Mission Riding Association, who covered the cost of lunch.

Kev

Snow?!? It's MAY!

2008-05-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

Originally written at 10:45AM on May 11.

Sometimes, living in the Interior is ridiculous. That photo is not from the February Road to Victory. That's from the drive here. I'd just like to point out that it's MAY.

Peter, Andrew and I made it to Kelowna ahead of the Shoolestani family, so Peter and I will figure out flyer dropping routes while Andrew continues his power nap in the back of my van and the Shoolestani's continue their trek through the snow.

Kev

FORE!

2008-05-14T22:49:00.001-07:00

Originally written at 8:45PM on May 10.

Pardon us if we sound cocky, but our team of BCYL'ers on this Road to Victory trip are a talented bunch. We've got future engineers, we've got budding architects, we've even got an Irish guy. We can drop flyers, we can attach stickers, some of us have mastered tasks such as taking photos and updating the Road To Victory site. But ask us to golf and all hell breaks loose...

The golf tournament was quite the adventure - Andrew made a golf cart do things I'd only ever seen in Gone in Sixty Seconds; the Shoolestani's golfed for the first time in their lives, and I had a period of 4 consecutive swings where I made no contact whatsoever with the ball. Despite all this, the good folks of Merritt Golf & Country Club - as well as the Fraser-Nicola Liberals - still fed us a spectacular dinner. Judging by the speed of Peter's rib consumption, I wasn't the only one who thought the meal was awesome...

A big thank-you to all those who made Merritt such an enjoyable trip!

Kev

PS - Bonus points to anyone who photoshops the picture of Andrew golfing into a swordfight or lightsaber scene. That doesn't even look REMOTELY like a golf club in his hand...

Making Harry History

2008-05-14T19:40:00.001-07:00

Originally written at 12:30PM on May 10.

The Fraser-Nicola riding is currently held by an NDPer, Harry Lali. To celebrate the 150th birthday of British Columbia, the local Liberal Riding Association has decided to Make Harry History. This morning - armed with caffeine, sugar, and the skills we honed in kindergarten - the BCYL Road to Victory crew helped the Fraser-Nicola Liberals get one step closer to that goal.

After driving the hotel's restaurant into a frenzy at the sight of its first ever group of nine, we made our way to Sanders & Co Contracting where our day's adventures would begin. We were greeted there by the Riding Association... and a huge pile of flyers. In an awesome return to the days of pre-school craft time, all twenty-something of the volunteers in the room grabbed a stack of flyers and a sheet of stickers and got to work putting the local group's information on the flyers. As you can tell from the second photo above, I did next to nothing and watched everyone else work. It was perfect.

So, with our flyers all sporting perfectly-attached stickers, we were ready to hit the streets! The huge turnout of local volunteers meant we were able to cover the entire town with BC Liberal brochures. My personal highlight came with a woman who was standing on her porch while I did the neighbour's house:
Woman (excited): Oh, are those the flyers for the soccer camp?
Kevin: It's actually some information from the BC Liberals about what we've achieved in the province, since we're only one year away from the election.
Woman (no longer even remotely excited): Oh. *takes flyer* Okay.

Anyway, with the flyer drop finished, the golf tournament is next up!

Kev

And so it begins...

2008-05-10T00:25:00.001-07:00

A Lesson in Murphy's Law:
On Tuesday, I cycled from my house to downtown Kelowna in just over half an hour. Today, driving that same route took just over two hours. There were cars everywhere - in trees, perched on fences, poking out of the sewers... Or perhaps I was hallucinating - things like that can happen when you're trapped inside a vehicle for two long, long hours. I resorted to taking pictures of the traffic. Photos of traffic. Thankfully, I made it through without too much mental trauma.

Despite the rocky start, it was smooth sailing once I got across the bridge and started on my way to Merritt. After a mercifully traffic-free drive, I checked into the Best Western to discover that I had the largest hotel room on the planet. I'm pretty confident that my van would fit comfortably in here. Unfortunately, the owner requested that I don't test this theory so we'll never know for sure.

It looks like we've got a fun weekend ahead of us: Tomorrow morning, we'll be up bright and early to do some door-knocking in Merritt. After convincing the riding to elect a Liberal MLA in May 09, we'll head out to the Merritt Golf & Country Club and spend the rest of the day helping out at a golf tournament being put on by the local Riding Association. Sunday morning, it's off to Kelowna to do some more doorknocking. We'll take a break in the afternoon to have lunch with Mickey Patrluk, President of the BC Liberal party, before returning for one final blast of doorknocking.

Check back for updates!
Kev

SUPER SATURDAY!

2008-05-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, BC Young Liberals from all over the province will be participating in Super Saturday - a province-wide door knocking campaign to mark the one-year countdown to the 2009 election!

Visit www.roadtovictory.ca throughout the weekend to see comments and photos from Super Saturdays all around the province!

Long Driveways!

2008-03-17T00:59:00.001-07:00

My feet hurt from the long driveways and never ending roads! The short driveways took me 1min 14 seconds (Courtney timed me).

Happy to be home and in a warm bed!

-Kevin

Finally Home!!

2008-03-16T23:25:00.001-07:00

We started our day in Quesnel having breakfast with the Cariboo North Riding association. What we thought was going to be a beautiful day turned out to be a long cold day in Quesnel. With tempatures of -9 the sun shining, we had no idea what was comming for us.

We split into groups of three and were each assigned a poll. We dropped about 1300 flyers, some groups a little bit more sucessful than others. Kevin and I do not want to do flyer drops in Quesnel West ANYMORE, we once again got the side of town with overly LARGE lots and SUPER long driveways!! We were walking down dirt roads about 1km long, w/o any houses, Good thing Courtney and Kevin's legs are so long that they walk SO fast. We were not very sucessful. Karl, Bryan (Taylor) and James on the other hand were overly sucuessful in the downtown Quesnel area with Carmen, Caleb, and Nick meeting up coving over 800 houses themselves. Kristina, Annie, and Ciaran managed to drop about 250 flyers in their first assigned poll!!! GOOD WORK EVERYONE (except maybe our group, but the looong walk was kinda nice).

All said and done, we had a great time!! Thanks for the Pizza Chales! Thanks for joining us Cariboo!! and Thanks for EVERYONE's support.

See you in VICTORIA!!!
Lindsay & THE UNBC RTV CREW!!!!!

Quesnel Drop Done!

2008-03-16T14:26:00.001-07:00

We just dropped over 1500 flyers in -10 weather in Quesnel!

- Lindsay

It's really cold

2008-03-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

- Lindsay

Beautiful Day...

2008-03-16T09:38:00.001-07:00

It's a beautiful day in Quesnel! Having breakfast with members of the Cariboo North BC Liberals Riding Association!

Prince George Done, Off to Quesnel!

2008-03-15T16:54:00.001-07:00

We just dropped 500 flyers in Prince George, now we're off to Quesnel!

- Lindsay

Pizza!

2008-03-15T11:43:00.001-07:00

We've just finished calling BC Liberal members in Prince George and are now eating some pizza! Soon we'll be going door-to-door in Prince George-Mount Robson to campaign for Shirley Bond!

- Lindsay

And We're Off!

2008-03-15T10:45:00.001-07:00

The UNBCYL started flyer drops in Prince George this morning at 10 am in spite of the snow! They will be working hard all day, and are heading out to Quensel later tonight, for another flyer drop their tommorow. Good work UNBCYL!

Road to Victory tour kick off!!

2008-03-15T08:22:00.001-07:00

Who's Idea was this anyways?? ITS -5 and SNOWING IN PRINCE GEORGE!!! Bring your boots nothing is stoping us were counting down the hours untill we kick off the Road to Victory Tour-Prince George Style. We will meet our big YELLOW school bus at UNBC with 15 members of the UNBC BCYL club!! and get this show on the road!

Keeping you posted.
Lindsay

One last thanks

2008-02-25T23:04:00.001-08:00

Missed out on one last crucial thanks. A big thank you to Pete’s Place Pizza for the fantastic lunch on Saturday afternoon!

Greatest Pizza on the Planet – for serious.

-Stirling

Omg my feet

2008-02-24T19:57:00.001-08:00

The last of the flyers have been dropped! 700 in East Maple Ridge and another 1500 in Pitt Meadows – Maple Ridge.

Grand total for the weekend: 5300.

This number impresses me to say the least; especially considering we only had 6 youth come out. I’d like to thank all that came out: Gareth Smart, Raz Nacu, Adeeb Khan, Jeremy Ingoldby, and Peter Ker. You guys are what makes this organization great.

I’d like to thank the Abbotsford riding associations for taking us out to dinner Friday Night and volunteering their time to come drop flyers and drive us around on Saturday.

I’d like to thank the Mission – Maple Ridge riding association for volunteering their time to drive and drop on both Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, and also for taking us out to dinner on Saturday night.

I’d like to thank the Pitt Meadows – Maple Ridge riding association for volunteering their time to drive and drop on Sunday afternoon and for taking us out to lunch on Saturday.

Lastly, I’d like to thank my legs and feet for not giving out on me during the 11 hours of walking.

-Stirling Dyer

Been finding a surprising amount of these around

2008-02-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

Mission Impossible

2008-02-23T22:50:00.001-08:00

Mission accomplished with another 1600 flyers.

Danger Will Robinson

2008-02-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

Nothing says good afternoon like a burning van. No one injured, lots of commotion.

Tis a beautiful day in the neighbourhood

2008-02-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

Since Mission's on a hillside, theres some wonderful views.

Abbotsford done!

2008-02-23T12:01:00.000-08:00

Approx 1500 flyers dropped in Abbotsford. Mission here we come!

And they're OFF

2008-02-23T09:20:00.000-08:00

This morning 6 enthusiastic Young Lib erals set off on the first flier drop of this Road to Victory tour. Abbotsford is the next town to be hit with the Liberal message. Spirits are high, and we are confident that LOTS of fliers will be dropped.

Jeremy

Hotel party

2008-02-22T22:39:00.000-08:00

A night in abbotsford

2008-02-22T22:24:00.001-08:00

The best western is great as always. Due to drops we mostly have two beds each.... one for the first hours of sleep and one for the rest.

Fraser Valley is underway!

2008-02-22T19:19:00.000-08:00

We've hit the pub with Mike de Jong and John van Dongen. Despite some cancellations everyone is in high spirits. Abbotsford will feel the might of the BC Young Liberals! And we will drink all their booze!

Fraser Valley Tour Starts Today!

2008-02-22T13:16:00.000-08:00

In a few hours, over a dozen BCYL members will kick-off the Road to Victory Tour through the Fraser Valley! This weekend, we’ll be making stops in Abbotsford, Mission, Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows to deliver important information to local residents and meet with local party members, supporters and MLAs.

Along the way, we’ll be blogging live about the tour at www.roadtovictory.ca!

Visit www.roadtovictory.ca throughout the weekend for the latest updates on the tour!

Have a great weekend,

Chris Sandve
President
BC Young Liberals

Road to Victory Tour Set for the Fraser Valley!

2008-02-13T19:42:00.000-08:00

From Friday February 22 to Sunday February 24 the BC Young Liberals will be touring the Fraser Valley as part of the Road to Victory Tour. The Tour will stop in Abbotsford, Mission, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.

During the day BCYL members will be going door-to-door to deliver important information to local residents. In the evenings, members will meet with local MLAs, party members and youth.

As always, participants will blog live about their trip right here at www.roadtovictory.ca

If you’re interested in participating, please e-mail us at info@bcyl.ca - it'd be great to have you join us!

Kelowna Drop Done!

2008-02-10T15:07:00.001-08:00

We've finished our last drop in sunny Kelowna! Now we're heading back home.... Another tour is done!

- Chris

Westbank

2008-02-10T13:04:00.001-08:00

We arrived in majestic Westbank at around 11 this morning and have been dropping flyers ever since. The weather has been cooperative and we've covered a huge swath of territory. Next we will be grabbing a quick lunch before heading back to Kamloops.

-Kevin
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Chris Sandve IS a leader!

2008-02-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

On the Road to Kelowna...

2008-02-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

The highway is open! We've been on the road to Kelowna for about an hour now.

- Chris

Nothing Stops the Road to Victory Tour!

2008-02-09T23:03:00.001-08:00

Not even a closure of the Coquihalla Highway can stop the Road to Victory Tour!

---

A wave of storms in B.C. has led transportation officials to close down half of the Coquihalla Highway indefinitely because of an avalanche risk.

CTV.ca News Staff

Over the past few days, the province has been hit by one storm after another. Some parts of the B.C. interior have recently received as much as two metres of snow. The snowfall, combined with warming temperatures and high winds, has avalanche forecasters worried.

Those worries have led the province's Ministry of Transportation to close down the southern section of the Coquihalla between the towns of Hope and Merritt. The toll highway is part of the most direct route from Vancouver into the province's interior.

"This is very, very unusual. I honestly cannot remember where we had a closure for that reason (threat of avalanches) for a few days," Jeff Knight, a spokesperson for B.C.'s transportation ministry told CTV.ca.

A small avalanche at the Great Bear snow shed near Merritt -- about 270 kilometres northeast from Vancouver -- shut down the highway on Thursday morning. The closure came after snow buried a 55-metre-wide section of the highway. One car was briefly caught in the slide, but no one was injured and there was no major damage to the car.

Although that section of the highway has since been cleared, transportation officials are taking no chances, fearing there could be more avalanches.

Avalanche technicians have now been flown in and there are plans to employ a technique called heli-bombing to negate the avalanche risk. The technicians are hoping to create tiny explosions to bring down snow that presents a risk to the highway and drivers.

But technicians have been hindered by bad weather, including a major dump of snow on Friday. Knight said until the weather clears up, half of the highway will remain closed.

During the closure, drivers who would normally use the Coquihalla are being asked to take Highway 3/5a or Highway 1.

Photos from Revelstoke

2008-02-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

Stranded in Revelstoke

2008-02-09T19:55:00.001-08:00

Stranded in Revelstoke, we decided to make the best of it. We went to River City Pub for a late lunch, which took a couple hours, due to the fact that there was only one cook for about 25 people. After that we went back to are hotel and watched the Obama speech, and are currently having a few beer, and are about to order Pizza.

Tomorrow, we're off to Kelowna bright and early to continue the tour!

- Ciaran Olsen

Revelstoke Redux!

2008-02-09T16:13:00.001-08:00

We have made it back to Revelstoke safe and sound after some uncertain moments on the Trans Canada. The Highway will be closed until late this evening and we are stranded in Revelstoke. Thankfully our bus driver Ian has been a lifesaver and was able to find us a fantastic hotel, the Revelstoke Lodge, where we've since checked in. We're now finally sitting down for lunch and stratagizing how to execute the rest of our tour after the unexpected turn it's taken.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Stuck!

2008-02-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

There has been a terrible accident on the highway to Vernon and we've had to turn back to Revelstoke. Time to improvise!
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

On to Vernon

2008-02-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

We have finished our flyer drop in beautiful Revelstoke, and had a chance to have our picture taken by the local newspaper. We're now on the way to Vernon for a late lunch with Tom Christensen and yet another flyer drop.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Revelstoked!

2008-02-09T12:14:00.000-08:00

Braving ice walkways and two metre high snow banks, we've been dropping fliers in Revelstoke for about a half hour now. So far so good!

-Kevin
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

On The Road

2008-02-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

We all made it out of bed this morning and are now on our way to Revelstoke for a meeting with the local riding association and another flyer drop!

-Kevin
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

Photos from Dinner Social with Kevin Krueger

2008-02-08T22:31:00.001-08:00

Photos from Kamloops Flyer Drop

2008-02-08T22:27:00.000-08:00

Photos from the Trip to Kamloops

2008-02-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

At Social with Kevin Krueger in Kamloops!

2008-02-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

First Drop Done!

2008-02-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

We just dropped 1500 flyers in Kamloops!! Now its time for dinner!

- Chris

In Kamloops...

2008-02-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

We've arrived in Kamloops... Time to go drop some flyers!

- Chris

Can you find a seat?

2008-02-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

We're traveling up to Kamloops in a 56 passenger bus.... Let's just say everyone has a ton of foot room!

- Chris

On the Road to Victory - by Quinn Leitch

2008-02-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

It's 1pm and we're finally on the road to victory! My journey began early this morning as I boarded the magestic Twin Otter Seaplane in the Victoria Harbour bound for Vancouver. It was awesome to survey the economic progress of Vancouver from the window of the seaplane! Currently we are on HWY1 onroute to beautiful Kamloops. Wish us luck as we traverse the trecherous. Mountain pass.

Quinn Leitch

Road to Victory Set for BC Interior!

2008-01-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

From Friday February 8 to Sunday February 10 the BC Young Liberals will be touring the Interior as part of the Road to Victory Tour.

During the day BCYL members will be going door-to-door to deliver important information to local residents. In the evenings, members will meet with local MLAs, party members and youth.

As always, members will blog live about their trip right here at www.roadtovictory.ca

Here is the schedule for the tour:

Friday February 8
(5:00 PM - 7:30 PM) - Flyer Drop in Kamloops
(7:30 PM) - Social with Kevin Kreuger

Saturday February 9
(8:30 AM - 11:00 AM) - Drive Kamloops to Revelstoke
(11:00 AM - 1:30 PM) - Coffee/Donuts & Flyer Drop in Revelstoke
(1:30 PM - 3:30 PM) - Drive Revelstoke to Vernon
(3:30 PM - 4:30 PM) - Late Lunch with Tom Christensen
(4:30 PM - 6:30 PM) - Flyer Drop in Vernon
(6:30 PM - 7:30 PM) - Vernon to Kelowna
(7:30 PM) - Social with Rick Thorpe

Sunday February 10
(9:00 AM - 11:30 AM) - Flyer Drop in Okanagan-Westside
(11:00 AM - 12:00 PM) - Drive Kelowna to Penticton
(12:00 PM - 1:00 PM) - Lunch with Riding Association
(1:00 PM - 3:00 PM) - Flyer Drop in Penticton

If you’re interested in participating, please e-mail us at info@bcyl.ca - it'd be great to have you join us!

"On the Road to Victory!" - by Stirling Dyer

2008-01-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Posted January 21, 2008
By Stirling Dyer

This past weekend I had the priviledge of rolling with the BC Young Liberals on the Vancouver Island portion of the Road to Victory Tour, and if the levels of enthusiam that I witnessed is indicative we may have the most active and enthused youth wing ever conceived working to keep the Liberals in power in B.C.

A little background info on the Road the Victory Tour: Since mid-2007 the BCYL has been gathering in different areas around to province to plaster them with BC Liberal flyers. Our goal in this is to keep the enthusiasm for all the great things going on in this province up, and make sure that people make it out and vote Liberal in 2009. This past weekends leg of the tour brings us up to 14 areas covered, and over 6,000 flyers delivered!

So how did it go this time? To say the least, fantastic. To say the most… supremely fantastically awesomely great! After we caught the Ferry from the Mainland over to the Island, we got to meet our home for the weekend…. and wow were we scared.

This…. thing…. was our party bus for the weekend, and when we first saw it there was talks of impeaching Chris on the spot. But it grew on us all, and we were semi-affectionately calling it “The Duck” by tours end. We made a quick flyer drop in Saanich and then headed for downtown Victoria where we went for dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory and got checked into our Hotel. Of course a quiet evening sleeping and preparing for the miles of walking the next day just is not our style, so the crew went out to the Element, a local club.

Long story short, sleep came at about 5am, and we were up at 7am to start a full day of events. We hit up flyer drops in Victoria and Malahat and had a fantastic lunch at a swank Country Club. After parting from the Club the Road to Victory hit a major pothole. The duck quacked!

Just south of Duncan we thought all may be lost. With a geyser of steam shooting out of the engine, which we all took as a great photo op, no one knew if we were stuck. We had the best of luck and our godly driver was able to get us back on the road within a half hour, and off we went to Nanaimo for a reception with the local riding association.

Our hotel for the night was no where near Nanaimo though, so back onto the Duck we got and headed for Campbell River.

Sunday was a whole other matter. After 2 nights of partying, a full day of flyer drops, and almost zero sleep we had a massive quantity of zombies. But push on we did, and got 2 more full flyer drops in at Campbell River and Courtney/Comox! The trip back down to Nanaimo to catch the ferry was the quietest I had witnessed the Duck at any point, and everyone was pretty happy to be heading home for the recovery period ahead.

All in all, a great success all around! Great things happened, and even when our engine blew up or we were all suffering exhaustion we pushed forward. With this sort of group leading the way in BC Youth Politics, the NDP isn’t going to know what hit them!

Nanaimo, Campbell River, Courtney, Home

2008-01-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of updates from the last day of the trip - reception was bad and we had some problems logging in and posting on the site. Here's a look at what you missed:

We had a great Dinner Social in Nanaimo on Saturday night, hosted by the Nanaimo and Nanaimo-Parksville Riding Associations. Over 30 local members, including local MLA Ron Cantelon came out to welcome us. As we walked through the door of the restaurant,I was flattered by the reception we recieved - claps, cheers and smiles all around - the energy and enthusiasm in the room was ubelievable. As I walked around the room, I kept thinking that this was what the Road to Victory Tour was all about - bringing people together to create the energy and form the friendships to fuel an unstopable grassroots movement.

I've always believed that with enough volunteers and enough effort, any campaign can make a difference and that means there's always a reason to get together and work for what you believe in. As I spoke to the room on Saturday night, I could feel the start of something special and it didn't take anything extraordinary - the power of people getting together and working for a common cause was enough to inspire everyone there.

On Sunday, we all woke up tired but still energised by the success of the trip and the difference we were making. Everyone was chatting about the people they met, the voters they talked to and the support they felt.

We arrived at the Campbell River campaign office just after 9:00 AM and were greeted by "Team North Island" - a great group of volunteers who very nearly won the riding in 2005. The weather was fantastic and everyone had a great time as we split up into groups and delivered over 1500 flyers to local residents.

The sun continued to shine as we went onto Courtney and delivered another 1200 flyers. As everyone climbed back on board "the duck", you could tell that the weekend had been busy. I was estatic with what we'd accomplished but couldn't wait to get home to some TV and a cup of tea.

I want to thank everyone who was involved with this weekend's Road to Victory Tour. The youth volunteers who dedicated their weekend to deliver a message and inspire supporters from all across Vancouver Island were incredibly committed and made the trip successful and fun. The local supporters who recieved us at every stop were welcoming, encouraging and beyond supportive - they gave us the energy and purpose to keep working hard. A special thanks to Ryan, who in addition to being our driver for the whole weekend also put a huge amount of work into organizing the logistics of the trip and thanks also to Jack, who put a ton of work into many of the events.

Thank you everyone for making the Road to Victoy Tour such a fantastic success!

A final note - this web site recieved over 500 hits during the weekend - thanks so much for showing your support of the Road to Victory Tour by visiting this site, it's great to see the tour reaching so many people!

- Chris

The fine differences between flyering in the city and flyering in the boonies.

2008-01-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

[I wanted to post this yesterday but my phone died. ]

Yes, another blog post from Wisam. Aren't you excited already? I am!

So, we just finished flyering in Malahat and ... whew! What a difference! I feel compelled to share my eventful(ish) last two hours with everyone.

After splitting into car-sized groups we headed to entirely unfamiliar (at least for me) residential areas off the highway.

For those of you who are also unfamiliar with rural Malahat, allow me to paint you a picture (also see pictures above :p); sweeping mile long driveways (that we have to walk up), generous distance between neighbours (that we have to walk to), unexpecting locals (that we have to validate ourselves to), vicious dogs (that wisam runs from), and a plethora of colorful reserves and trailer parks. This, ladies and gentlemen, is beautiful, beautiful Malahat.

On to the juicy details; myself, two other BCYLers and Cathy, our kind and knowledgeable guide, drove out to our first stop for flyering - a very sparsely populated residential area. From what I could gather, these residents live in a very tight-knit community where visiting outsiders are rare. One of the first houses I approached had overt thick bars securing all the windows along with a similarly secured glass door in front of the front door. As I came up to the house I couldn't help but wonder what sort of area we were in that would require such measures. There is no mailbox so I ring the door. A weary elder woman opens the door with a cold calculating stare. As she conspicuously slowly eyes me up and down I offer that I am with the BC Liberals and harmlessly handing out some information. She continued with her suspicious gaze, her eyes shifting back and forth from the flyers in my hands to my face. Moments of awkwardness pass - me wondering if she's going to believe me and open the door and her still trying to figure out my intentions; she finally flatly motions for me to just leave the flyer outside of the door and then quickly closes the front door. How welcoming! I defeatedly walk back down the mile long driveway - the cynic in me is stirred.

I walk to the next distant house where even more of a surprise was waiting for me. As I come up to the front door a large, intimidating german shepherd awakens and begins to bark uncontrollably. I shake in my boots and decide I'm going to skip this house as the killer beast continues to angrily paw at the front door. As I retreat down the driveway, a woman in the house, for reasons still completely unknown to me,- GET THIS - DECIDES TO OPEN THE FRONT DOOR AND LET HER RIDICULOUS DOG OUT TO FULFILL HIS DREAM OF TURNING ME INTO KIBBLES AND BITS! THIS HUGE, INTIMIDATING, FEROCIOUS DOG COMES BARRELING DOWN AT ME WITH THE INTENT TO KILL IN HIS EYES. I FROZE! I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO! The dog came behind me barking and growling violently, as the women effortlessly called after him. Don't worry he's not violent at all, she called out to me - oh thanks! How very reassuring! NOT! Yes, fine, he didn't end up biting me but still who lets their stupid dog out to chase a simple messenger. We quickly finished the rest of the area and headed to our next spot, a reserve followed by a quaint little trailer park. Wooo go Liberals!

Delayed,
Wisam

Much Needed Update!

2008-01-20T07:54:00.000-08:00

I'm updating the blog from the Discovery Inn here in Campbell River. Reception was bad for most of our trip so we weren't able to provide updates along the way. Here's a quick review of what happened yesterday from start to finish:

Flyer Drop in Oak Bay and South Saanich

Lunch & Flyer Drop in Malahat

Our bus - nicknamed "The Duck" - had a bit of engine trouble while we were traveling from Malahat to Nanaimo. We were stuck in Duncan for about half-an-hour but made it back on the road!

Dinner Social with MLA Ron Cantelon in Nanaimo

Back on the bus and headed for Campbell River

- Chris

Malahat Drop Done!

2008-01-19T17:34:00.001-08:00

We've finished delivering a few hundred flyers to Malahat residents. Now we're off to Nanaimo! - Chris

The "Duck" Quacks

2008-01-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Duck's engine is overheating so we're leaving it to cool down for a bit while we head out with members of the Malahat - Juan de Fuca BC Liberals riding association to drop off some more flyers!

- Chris

Lunch

2008-01-19T13:37:00.000-08:00

Just stopping for Lunch at the Arbutus Ridge Country Club in Malahat! - Chris

Day two (round two)

2008-01-19T13:01:00.000-08:00

After a wildly successful night, we're now on day two!

We started the morning with a much needed breakfast. I had two pieces of toast and tea (speaks for last night). Breakfast was served with hilarious recounts from our outing last night - good times were had.

After breakfast, we all boarded the RV (now known within my sphere of influence as "the duck") and made our way out to a nice residential area. We spent the better part of the morning flyer dropping. Chris and I even spent some time knocking on doors and talking to the locals.

We're now on our way to Malahat and then onto a Dinner Social in Nanaimo before ending the day in Campbell River.

I'll keep you all updated!

P.S. Apparently we're getting over one hundred hits a day! Can I get a Woo?

Over and out,
Wisam

--
Sent from my BlackBerry

Back on the bus!

2008-01-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

Over 1500 Flyers dropped, bellies full, bladders empty and we're on the road!! Thanks to Julianne for the fantastic treats - we are energised and ready for the Mallahat! Bring it on...this youth group can take anything!!!

- Kris Zellweger

Cold & Rain

2008-01-19T10:05:00.001-08:00

It's cold and raining but everyone's ready to head out for stop #2 - South Saanich and Oak Bay!

- Chris

End of Day 1

2008-01-18T23:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we had a great Dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory with BC Liberal Cabinet Ministers Murray Coell and Ida Chong, attended by over 30 people!

That's it for Day 1... make sure to check back tomorrow!

Old Spaghetti Factory! Where else?

2008-01-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

W
--
Sent from my BlackBerry

Live from the Tour Bus

2008-01-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

First Drop Done!

2008-01-18T18:34:00.001-08:00

We just dropped a few hundred flyers in north Saanich! Now we're back on the bus and headed for dinner.

- Chris

Our Tour Bus...

2008-01-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Our "party bus". The pictures say it all.

Yours truly,
Wisam
--
Sent from my BlackBerry

And it all begins...

2008-01-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

Road to Victory Tour - Vancouver Island

So, here we all are. Twelve fearless young men and women about to embark into the unknown. Our ferry has been delayed half an hour for unclear reasons. As our inspirational leader (according to Stirling), Chris Sandve, leaves to try and find out more info, most of us are hanging out in the Tsawwa... Argh, the problem of blogging from a blackberry - as I was in the middle of writing the first part of this post, Chris came to herd us all back to board the ferry. (Sorry for the convolutedness.)

We're now on the ferry and on our way! Excitement is in the air. Our RV, wishfully coined "the party bus", will be meeting us on the other side. We're not sure whether to expect a shimmering five star hotel on wheels or an old slimey shipwreck. Ill let you all know. Keep your fingers crossed for the former!

On a final note, Chris wanted us to run all blog posts past him before submitting them. This post however, as expected from me, has not been sanctioned. Take that Sandve. Muhaha.

Until next time,
Wisam Abdulla
--
Sent from my BlackBerry

Vancouver Island Tour Starts Today!

2008-01-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

In a few hours, close to two dozen BCYL members will kick-off the Road to Victory Tour on Vancouver Island! This weekend, we will be traveling across Vancouver Island in a RV and making stops in several key areas to deliver important information to local residents and meet with local party members, supporters and MLAs.

The Road to Victory Tour will start in Saanich later today, followed by a Dinner Social in Victoria with Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell. On Saturday, the Tour will stop in South Saanich, Oak Bay and Malahat, before concluding with a Dinner Social in Nanaimo with local MLA Ron Cantelon. On Sunday, the Tour will start in Campbell River and finish up with a stop in Courtney.

Along the way, members of the BCYL will be blogging live right here at roadtovictory.ca. Keep checking back throughout the weekend for updates on the tour!

- Chris Sandve
President, BC Young Liberals

Road to Victory Tour Set for Vancouver Island!

2008-01-08T23:38:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Road to Victory Tour has begun!

From Friday January 18 to Sunday January 20, the BC Young Liberals will be touring Vancouver Island as part of the Road to Victory Tour.

During the day BCYL members will be going door-to-door to deliver important information to local residents. In the evenings, members will meet with local MLAs, party members and youth.

As always, members will blog live about their trip right here at www.roadtovictory.ca

More details including a schedule of stops for the tour, will be posted soon!

If you’re interested in participating, please e-mail us at info@bcyl.ca - it'd be great to have you join us!

Super Saturday!

2007-11-05T16:48:00.000-08:00

On Saturday October 27th, the BC Liberals held a "Super Saturday" where teams of volunteers delivered thousands of flyers to residents all across British Columbia.

Over 45 members of the BC Young Liberals participated in "Super Saturday" and large teams of youth were organized in many key ridings.

Afterwards, volunteers were treated to a free social event hosted by their local BC Liberals Riding Association, which gave everyone a chance to relax and get to know each other.

Here are some photos from "Super Saturday!"

New Road to Victory Video!

2007-10-15T18:12:00.000-07:00

This new video features a collection of pictures and video clips from the BC Young Liberals Road to Victory Tour!

Dedication

2007-09-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

BCYL Hosts Road to Victory Tour Event in North Vancouver!

2007-09-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

Over a dozen volunteers from the BC Young Liberals teamed up with the North Vancouver-Lonsdale Riding Association on Sunday September 23 to distribute over 1500 flyers to local residents. Afterwards, all participants enjoyed a BBQ hosted by Riding Association President Rob McGowan.

Road to Victory Tour Hits Terrace!

2007-09-24T19:26:00.001-07:00

On Friday September 21, the BC Young Liberals held a Road to Victory Tour Event in Terrace, distributing over 500 flyers to local residents. Afterwards, participants enjoyed a Pizza Party, courtesy of the BC Liberals Skeena Riding Association!

Road to Victory Tour Hits Coquitlam!

2007-09-12T12:02:00.000-07:00

The BC Young Liberals Road to Victory Tour visited Coquitlam on Sunday September 9th! BCYL Volunteers worked with members of the Coquitlam-Maillardville BC Liberals Riding Association to deliver over 500 flyers promoting the BC Liberal government to Coquitlam residents!

Afterwards, members of the BCYL and the riding association enjoyed a BBQ in Coquitlam's Mackin Park.

Road to Victory Tour in the News!

2007-08-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

The Daily News (Prince Rupert), Page 5, 16-Aug-2007

Young B.C. Liberals laud changes to northern education

By Leanne Ritchie

Young B.C. Liberals say the post secondary education system is better now than it was under the NDP, who held a tuition freeze in place for more than half a decade.

In town on Saturday handing out pamphlets as part of a provincial tour called "The Road to Victory," Chris Sandve, president, said by opening up new spaces at post-secondary education institutions, students across the province have been relieved of a whole lot of stress when applying to university.

"The expansion of post secondary spaces across the province has been critical," said Sandve. "When I was in Grade 9 and Grade 10 in high school, they were saying you had to have a 90 to 95 per cent average to get in to university but it's really hard, you've got to have your nose the grindstone." Sandve entered university a few years after the Liberals entered power and by that time spaces had opened up a bit. "I was quite grateful for the additional funds because spaces had opened up and the averages had dropped, it was a lot more reasonable."

While organizations such as the British Columbia Student Federation have attacked the Liberals for removing tuition freezes, causing higher costs for course enrollment, Donny van Dyk, vice president of the Young B.C. Liberals, says it is actually cheaper now for northern students to continue their education than it ever was in the past.

Van Dyk grew up in Terrace and took his first two years at the Terrace University of Northern B.C. campus. He said by investing in the University of Northern B.C., the Liberals have addressed the most painful cost of post secondary education for students in the north. "The fact is in the north tuition isn't the real cost of education, it's moving away from home... the fact you have to pay $15,000 to move away," he said.

He was able to complete his education with less financial burden because his first four years were completed at the Terrace and Prince George campuses. And by removing red tape for resource based industries, young people like his brother now have a choice -- to attend post secondary or move straight from high school in to resource industry, trades-related employment, he said.

While in town, the group of Young B.C. Liberals hand delivered 800 pamphlets to homes in Prince Rupert outlining the benefits of the B.C. Liberals' policy to northern residents. They are continuing their tour throughout the province.

"It's a tour to drop off leaflets and get the message out there what the Liberal government has done in the last few years," said van Dyk.

Sunday Morning in Prince Rupert

2007-08-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great day yesterday, dropping over 800 flyers in Prince Rupert and attending a tribute dinner to former BC Liberal MLA Bill Belsey.

Prince Rupert has lots of hills and the sun was out in full force yesterday so the flyer drop was tough but the entire team worked hard and did a great job!

The Tribute Dinner to former MLA Bill Belsey and his wife Lonie was amazing. Over 100 people came out to wish Bill and Loreen well which was great to see. I was struck by the strength of the organization and support that Bill and the BC Liberals have established in this community over the years. Friends, family and supporters who have stood by Bill, the Premier and the party had some great stories to tell last night and many spoke of how great it was to have people from all over town come together to elect a BC Liberal MLA and put the small community of Prince Rupert on the map.

I was also struck by how much everyone appreciated the work that the BC Young Liberals are doing. Countless people came by our table last night to say thank you and it was great to see our efforts energizing this great group of local supporters.

This is what the Road to Victory is all about: going from community to community to re-energize local supporters by working hard to deliver the BC Liberal message. All across BC there are groups of people just like the one in Prince Rupert who support the party and have worked hard to ensure its sucess. As we move towards the election, the BCYL is going to continue to visit these communities, building the support and enthusiasm that will lead the BC Liberals to victory in the 2009 campaign and beyond.

This morning, we're having brunch with Bill Belsey and then heading back to Terrace to wrap up our trip - its been a great weekend!

- Chris Sandve
President, BC Young Liberals

Photos from Bill Belsey's Tribute Dinner

2007-08-11T23:06:00.000-07:00

Photos from Prince Rupert Flyer Drop

2007-08-11T18:08:00.000-07:00

We've Arrived in Prince Rupert!

2007-08-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

Chris and Donny in Prince Rupert

On the Road to Prince Rupert

The Team in Terrace

The Team in Terrace

We've arrived in Prince Rupert and are in the lobby of the Crest Hotel getting ready for our first flyer drop! We're going to deliver 1500 flyers to the residents of Prince Rupert, promoting the BC Liberal message! I'll post another update when we're done :o)

- Chris Sandve
President, BC Young Liberals

Wake Up Call

2007-08-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

At the Van Dyk House in Terrace

2007-08-11T10:31:00.000-07:00

I've arrived in Terrace!

I'm hanging out at the Van Dyk House with Donny Van Dyk, Vice President of the BC Young Liberals and his brother Evan, waiting for the rest of the BCYL crew to arrive around noon. Once everyone's here we're going to head up to Prince Rupert to drop over 1500 flyers there this afternoon!

This evening, we're attending a Dinner in honour of Bill Belsey who was the BC Liberal MLA for the North Coast riding from 2001-2005. Bill is moving out of town later this month so his friends and supporters are hosting a dinner for him tonight. It should be a great event!

I'll post another update when the rest of the group arrives at the Van Dyk House. For now, here are some photos from this morning:

The Plane

View from the Window on route to Terrace

View from the Window on the runway at the Terrace Airport

Terrace Airport Arrivals Gate

Terrace Airport

Parking is only $1.00 in Terrace!

Sadie the Bassett Hound :o)

- Chris Sandve
President, BC Young Liberals

At the Airport...

2007-08-11T06:52:00.001-07:00

It's 6:52 AM and I'm just about to board my flight to Terrace and meet up with the other BCYL members participating in the trip this weekend! I'll post another update after my flight touches down in a couple hours :o)

- Chris Sandve
President, BC Young Liberals

BCYL Set to Blitz the North!

2007-08-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, the BC Young Liberals kicked of the Road to Victory Tour with an incredibly successful weekend road trip through the Interior with stops in Kamloops, Williams Lake and Quesnel. Over three days, 14 BCYL members dropped 2300 flyers promoting the BC Liberal message and re-energized local party supporters with their enthusiasm and determination.

This weekend, I will be joining a dozen other members of the BCYL for the second leg of the Road to Victory Tour featuring stops in Terrace and Prince Rupert.

As the tour unfolds, we will be posting live updates at www.roadtovictory.ca!

You can share in the excitement of the tour and track our progress by checking the web site regularly throughout the weekend for new messages, pictures and video clips from the trip!

I hope you will join me and the rest of the BCYL on the "Road to Victory" by visiting the Road to Victory Tour Blog throughout the weekend at www.roadtovictory.ca!

Chris

Chris Sandve
President
BC Young Liberals

Pictures taken "On the Road" in Kamloops, Williams Lake and Quesnel

2007-07-31T12:40:00.000-07:00

New Tour Dates Confirmed

2007-07-31T10:32:00.000-07:00

The BCYL's blitz through the Interior this past weekend was a huge success and a great kick-off to the Road to Victory Tour! Members of the BC Young Liberals visited Kamloops, Williams Lake and Quesnel, delivering flyers to residents of each community promoting the BC Liberal Party and meeting with local supporters at each stop.

Along the way, BCYL members shared their experiences by posting messages, photos and video clips online at: www.roadtovictory.ca. This new and innovative web site received over 300 hits during the weekend!

The results were fantastic! Over 2300 flyers were dropped over 2-days and ridings were left re-energized, excited and ready to win in 2009.

The team of BCYL members that kicked off the tour worked hard and put forward an excellent example of the power that volunteers and youth have to make a difference.

This morning, I am thrilled to announce 4 more tour dates have been confirmed, to build upon this successful weekend:

1. Terrace (August 11, 2007)
2. Prince Rupert (August 11-12, 2007)
3. Coquitlam (September 9, 2007)
4. North Vancouver (September 23, 2007)

I look forward to seeing you on the "Road to Victory"!

Cheers,

Chris

Chris Sandve
President
BC Young Liberals
chris.sandve@bcliberals.com

On the Road...to Victory!

2007-07-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday:

We began our trip on Friday with 3 teams from Vancouver and another team from Fort St. James. We arrived in Kamloops at roughly 6:30 PM to meet up and get ready for the day ahead.

Today:

We had breakfast with local supporters at 8:30 AM and then began our drop in Kamloops, focusing on 3 areas that are key to winning the 2009 election. At 2:00, we drove to Cariboo and got some pictures in front of the "Welcome to Cariboo Sign". Then, we made the long trek to Williams Lake arriving at 5:00 PM and took some pictures in front of the Welcome to Williams Lake Sign.

Right now, we're out on the streets of Williams Lake delivering flyers to every single house in the area and later tonight we're attending a BBQ with local BC Liberal supporters.

More updates coming soon!

- Peter Ker

Pictures from Friday Night in Kamloops

2007-07-28T10:58:00.001-07:00

Last night, 14 of us arrived in Kamloops and this morning we’re going door to door to deliver flyers to residents in the riding! After that, it’s on to Williams Lake!

Keep checking back for more updates!

BCYL Launches "Road to Victory Tour"

2007-07-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today, the BC Young Liberals are launching the "Road to Victory Tour" with a weekend road trip through the Interior with stops in Kamloops, Williams Lake and Quesnel.

Starting today, and continuing up to the 2009 election, members of the BC Young Liberals will travel all over the province visiting communities across British Columbia to spread the BC Liberal message and spark the energy and excitement that will pave the road to victory in the next election.

The "Road to Victory Tour" is driven by volunteer members of the BCYL who are committed to supporting the BC Liberal Party and ready to start working today to ensure a BC Liberal victory in 2009.

The BCYL "Road to Victory" Blog, located at roadtovictory.ca is a way for these members to share their experiences as they participate in the tour.

Every time the BCYL's "Road to Victory Tour" visits a part of British Columbia to drop flyers, knock on doors and meet with local party members, participants will share their experiences online by posting messages, photos and video clips.

These posts will be made as the tour happens so that visitors can follow along and share in the exciting experience.

For more information on the "Road to Victory Tour" and to stay up-to-date on the BCYL's trip through the Interior, as it happens, make sure to visit roadtovictory.ca often!

I hope you will join me and the rest of the BCYL on the "Road to Victory" by visiting the "Road to Victory Tour" Blog at roadtovictory.ca!

Chris

Chris Sandve
President
BC Young Liberals
chris.sandve@bcliberals.com