Introduction About Me

Hello, my name is Chuck McPhail and welcome to my blog about canadian politics.  My interest in politics goes way back to before I was a city councilor, representing ward 5 in the City of Brantford.  I was first elected in 1980 and was re-elected in 1982, for a total period of 5 years. 

 

By virtue of my position as a city councilor, I served on a number of City boards and committee's.  They were:  Brant County Social Services - Chairman

                                                                     -Vice-Chairman

                                                                      -Committee Member for 5 years 

                    John Noble Home Board of Management: - Chairman

                                                                                         -Vice-Chairman

                                                                                         -Executive Member for 5 years

                    Brant County Children's Aid Society - Executive Member

                    Board of Health                                   -Executive Member

                    City Hall Personnel Committee          -Committee Member

                    Parks and Recreation Board                -Committee Member

                    Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation - Founding Member

 

I sought the federal Liberal Party nomination for Brant in 1984, and lost it by a mere 23 votes i believe.  In 1985 I did not seek re-election.

 

My interest in politics started at the very early age of 7 years.  I remember wandering into George T. Gordon's liberal campaign office in the mid-50's sometime, and wanting to help out in the provincial campaign.  I had such an avid interest in politics, that for a number of years as a youngster, i could name every federal riding and what party represented it.  My predictive skills on who would win elections and by how many seats, was usually more accurate than the polls.  My intuitive political skills were fine-tuned.  Maybe not so much now, but I suspect they are still better than average. 

 

I studied politics and gerontology at McMaster University.  Although I attained the required number of credits for a 3rd year degree, I chose a wrong course for my second year honours political science program, prohibiting me from getting my degree.  So, technically I am one credit short.  Bad me!!! 

 

Sometimes politics is just in the blood.  That was certainly the case with me.  One of my mom's first cousin's, the Right Honourable Harvey Veniot of Pictou, Nova Scotia, was a former judge, Member of Provincial Parliament and a conservative provincial cabinet minister.  The causeway between Pictou NS and New Glasgow NS was named after him.  Also, my mom's Great Uncle, Peter Veniot was a former Postmaster General and Liberal Premier of New Brunswick in the late 1920's.  More recently, a first cousin of mine was a Town Councillor in Pictou NS.

 

Hopefully, this information gives you alittle insight as to why I have a strong interest in politics at all levels of governance and the likely reason for this blog.  I am not totally certain what direction my blog will take, so i'll just play it by ear.  I do hope you enjoy and participate where and when possible.  Thanks so much!