CARP Chapters are playing a key role in the federal election. During this short election campaign they have demonstrated the potential of our networks and partnerships! On April 13th 2011, CARP National held a debate that was webcast and televised across the country. During the following couple of weeks several chapters held their own events and raised CARP advocacy priorities with their local candidates. With the National office team keeping in touch with the major media outlets, the chapters facilitate a powerful communication from constituent to elected official or candidate. More local representation for our issues means a much more powerful message is sent to your members of parliament. It also makes politicians aware that they will be held accountable for their actions by their local constituents. It’s enough to make almost anybody behave (even a politician)! Here’s what some of our chapters have been up to in this election campaign: Congratulations to the Belleville/Brighton/Quincy West, Edmonton, Whiterock/Surrey, Ajax/Pickering and Windsor Chapters.

Launch of the Ajax/Pickering Chapter

On Saturday April 23rd 2011, a new CARP Chapter was born. Steve Campbell is Chairman of the new chapter. He has already managed to pull off a great turnout to a launch event held on Easter weekend! Some ninety + local CARP members showed up at the Pickering Recreation Complex to hear about how the local chapter will work locally while implementing the ABCs of CARP! Gail Goldman from the National office was also onsite to welcome the new chapter and attendees. The event must have been a hit because over forty of the audience members expressed a desire to remain actively involved in chapter activities and committees.

Keywords: election, event