MLA Iain Black Updates

Celebration Invitation Reminder

2009-06-25T13:01:45Z

June 25, 2009

Hello ,

This is a reminder to RSVP for our "appies and drinks" Volunteer Celebration!

The event is this Monday, June 29th from 7pm to 9pm at Rodos Kouzina (#100 - 221 Ioco Road, Port Moody). It will be a stand-up format with plenty of Rodos’s famous appetisers to go around.

It's important we know how many people will be attending, so please RSVP by June 26th to Katy Merrifield by writing to katymerrifield@msn.com or calling (778) 892-6972.

I look forward to thanking you in person on June 29th.

Have a great day!

P.S. – Don't forget, if you are speaking with a volunteer to whom we neglected to send this, please let us know, as we don’t want to leave anyone out!

Iain Black

Celebration Invitation

2009-06-19T18:22:49Z

June 19, 2009

Hello ,

I cannot thank-you enough for your support and friendship during the election this past May. It was a solid victory and now it is time to take a moment to celebrate!

Please join me and other incredible volunteers like yourself for “appies and drinks” on Monday, June 29th from 7pm to 9pm at Rodos Kouzina (#100 - 221 Ioco Road, Port Moody). It will be a stand-up format with plenty of Rodos’s famous appetisers to go around.

Please RSVP by June 26th to Katy Merrifield by writing to katymerrifield@msn.com or calling (778) 892-6972.

I look forward to thanking you in person on June 29th.

Have a great weekend!

P.S. – If you are speaking with a volunteer to whom we neglected to send this, please let us know, as we don’t want to leave anyone out!

Iain Black

I Am Official!

2009-06-09T12:18:39Z

June 8, 2009

Hello !

I am sitting at dinner with my family in Victoria, relaxing following the official MLA swearing in ceremony earlier today. I can think of no better occasion to both reflect on our recent success and thank you again for making it all possible. I also learned earlier that the Premier is to appoint his Cabinet on Wednesday of this week - so my future will be revealed (one way or the other) shortly.

I was hoping the past few weeks would be uneventful and give me some rest, but it's been remarkably busy. (Though the 3 days at Disneyland right after May 12 were a tremendously fun "change", if not a "rest".). I have caught up on a little sleep, though, so I won't complain.

I would like to celebrate our solid victory with a dinner together. We are currently planning it for either June 24th or 30th (evening) at Old Orchard Hall in Port Moody, though the official invite will confirm both time/date and place. Please mark your calendars in pencil in the interim, and review our list of invitees (which will be sent with the invite) to ensure we've not missed anyone. I will also be sending thank you notes to people, so (again) if you see someone missing from the list, please let me know as I'd hate for *anyone* who helped us to be overlooked.

It was with great pride that I took my oath as the first MLA for Port Moody-Coquitlam. Thank you for making that possible.

Iain Black

Thank-You from MLA, Iain Black

2009-05-14T11:42:51Z

May 14, 2009

Dear Friends,

Just over 24 hours ago we won our contest, as I learned that I would have the honour of once again representing this great community in Victoria. The attached link has a video "thank you" attached, but lest you are receiving this via blackberry, etc., I wanted to express once again how much I appreciate all you have done for me.

Between naps (yes, I slept most of the day away, yesterday!) I have received over 100 emails of congratulations and have had to empty my voicemail mailbox twice. In every response I have lead with "what a great team I have!". Let me put our success in context for you: we took a riding that was "up for grabs" and classified as a "swing" riding (winnable, but by less than 1,000 votes) and won it by a convincing margin (2,300 votes!). This is solid BC Liberal territory, now.

As I have said to a few of you in the last week, I stopped being stressed on the 3rd or 4th of May... not because I knew we would win (I didn't, though it "felt right") but rather because I saw all around me that we were firing on all cylinders and, quite simply, could not have been doing more. We could not have knocked on more doors, rang more phones or waved at more cars. Win or lose, I thought, we've given it everything we have got to give.

This is, perhaps, expected of the candidate, but I've never seen that commitment from volunteers before. SO many of you missed work, play, and other important commitments to make our challenge your top priority... in some cases, since before Christmas. Of Joan, our fearless leader, and Kareem, our E-Day Chair with a cool head and magnificent heart, I cannot say enough.

I am humbled and truly overwhelmed. Thank you.

Iain Black

Campaign Update for May 11, 2009

2009-05-11T20:33:38Z

May 11, 2009

TODAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Hello ,

Well the fight is almost over and the battle nearly won. Tomorrow the voters in British Columbia will head to the polls to elect a government for the next four years. I am confident that government will be the BC Liberals. Despite the fear-mongering and negative campaign tactics of the NDP, it is clear that the people of BC want a government with a proven record of success, especially during these difficult economic times.

I can't stress enough how grateful I am for everyone's support. This morning at 6am at least fourteen volunteers helped me hand out brochures in the pouring rain at the West Coast Express Station in Port Moody. We had so much support we were able to set up two burmashaves in addition to a team handing out campaign literature. I am completely awestruck at our team's commitment and tenacity. Once again, thank you.

One quick reminder to all Area Managers to please be at the Campaign Office (#9-3130 St. John's Street Port Moody, BC ) tonight at 7pm for a "dress rehersal" of tomorrow's election day procedures.

TOMORROW - ELECTION DAY!

The ball starts rolling at 6:30am with a Burmashave near the Fire Hall at "Ioco and Ioco". This is our last chance to remind constituents driving to work that they need to VOTE TODAY!! If you can attend, please RSVP to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca now.

If you haven't already got your job for election day or you have any questions at all, please call the Campaign Office at (778) 355-1401 and talk to Kareem (our E-Day Chair). Most importantly, show up ready to give one last push towards victory!

VICTORY PARTY

Katerina and Dave Bassett have done an amazing job putting together our Victory Party tomorrow night! The festivites begin at 8pm or as soon as your volunteer duties are complete - whichever comes first. The party is being held for all the Tri-Cities Campaigns at the Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club - 3251 Plateau Boulevard in Coquitlam. Appetizers and refreshments will be served. This is going to be a great night to relax and watch the election results come in!

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support,

Iain Black

Campaign Update for May 10, 2009

2009-05-10T20:06:34Z

May 10, 2009

TODAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Hello ,

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day and enjoyed the great weather!

With just two days to go in the campaign, we are using every remaining moment to ensure we win. This evening we are doing some of our last phoning from 5pm to 9pm. It will really make a difference on E-Day. Please RSVP now to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca if you can join us at the campaign office (#9-3130 St. John's Street Port Moody, BC).

MONDAY & TUESDAY: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Reserve Monday (tomorrow) and Tuesday (Election Day) for our last two Burmashaves. We will meet at 6am on Monday at the West Coast Express in Port Moody and then 6:30am on Tuesday near the Fire Hall at "Ioco and Ioco". Yes...I know it is early, but the best traffic will be coming through at that time! Please RSVP now to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca if you can join us for an hour one or both mornings.

We also have a couple of new daytime events on Monday. Two rallies will be taking place with a special guest at Doug Horne's office (#19 - 2773 Barnett Hwy, Coquitlam, BC - near the Frogstone Grill) at 1:30pm and then Bernie Hiller's office (2859 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC - across the street from Earl's) for 2pm. Come join in the fun!

In addition to the rallies, we still need volunteers for doorknocking and phoning on Monday. We still have a few polls to hit and would appreciate your help! I also need volunteers to help mainstreet on Tuesday from about 11am to 2pm. Please RSVP to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca if you can spare some time.

And finally, if you haven't already got your job for election day, please call the office at (778) 355-1401 and talk to Kareem (our E-Day Chair).

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and stay tuned for details for our Victory Party!

Iain Black

Campaign Update for May 9, 2009

2009-05-09T20:19:33Z

May 9, 2009

TODAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Hello ,

We've had a great day in the beautiful sunshine "Blitzing" in Belcarra and Coquitlam. Our teams did a fantastic job with both the "Voter ID" and the "GOTV" (Get Out The Vote) initiatives directed at those local residents. Final canvassing of these specific areas completes the strategy we generated that should result in a successful outcome on Tuesday. Having said that there is still more work to do.

I am, quite simply, overwhelmed by the support I've received from you this past month. As I said at the campaign meeting this morning, I am feeling increasingly challenged when asking you to continue to expend energies in my direction. However, we are so close to a victory and just a few more "gimme 10s", tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday will mean everything for the success of our entire team.

THIS WEEKEND: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

Our next "Blitz" will be tomorrow from 3pm - 5pm. (Don't forget to get your Mom a Mothers Day card!) We'll follow the same format as Saturday - sending out teams of door knockers with a data recorder and a driver. Todays results proved that this method of Voter ID is very effective and amazingly fun. It will really make a difference on E-Day. Please RSVP now to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca if you can join us, and plan to meet at the campaign office at 2:45pm on Sunday.

The office will open at 1pm, so if you can't doorknock with our "Blitz" teams please take a couple of hours to complete a phone poll.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

Reserve Monday and Tuesday (Election Day) for our last two Burmashaves - stay tuned for details, and get your good nights' sleep now!!!

In addition, we have a couple of new daytime events on Monday. Two rallies are currently in the works for campaign offices in the Tri-Cities area. A volunteer will be calling our supporters' list tomorrow with more details.

And finally, if you haven't already got your job for election day, please call the office at (778) 355-1401 and talk to Kareem (our E-Day Chair).

REMEMBER: TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR ADVANCE VOTING!

If you haven't already, please do not forget to cast your vote today in the advance polls:

Church of the Nazarene

724 Como Lake Road

Coquitlam, BC

Port Moody Social Recreation Centre

300 Ioco Road

Port Moody, BC

Moody Middle School - Mini Gym

3115 St Johns Street

Port Moody, BC

The advance polls are open until 8pm.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support,

Iain Black

Campaign Update for May 8, 2009

2009-05-08T19:41:23Z

May 8, 2009

TODAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Hello ,

Yet another "Thank you!" to everyone who attended last night's final All Candidates Debate, this one hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. I feel good about my performance, and believe that we showed the NDP that the BC Liberals are ready to govern British Columbia for a third term.

If you haven't already signed up for tonight's phonebank from 5pm to 8:30pm, please call the Campaign Office - (778) 355-1401 to reserve your spot. We appreciate any time you can give... every 10 minutes counts! (remember "Gimme 10"...?)

THIS WEEKEND: THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!

While immensely grateful for all your support thus far, this weekend is our last big push... and push we must.

First, please remember tomorrow, Saturday, May 9th is our last Campaign Meeting - 8:30am for Area Managers and 9:30am for the entire campaign team. This is a very important meeting so please make every effort to attend!

Then, right after the meeting we are executing the first of two "Blitzes" in key areas. We want to send 10 teams of 2 at about 10:30 to hit doors in a specific area we feel is crucial to our success. Please RSVP now to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca if you can join us for a maximum of 2 hours to do both "voter id" at the door, and "get out and vote" for those already supporting the BC Liberals.

Our second "Blitz" will be Sunday afternoon from 3pm - 5pm. (Don't forget to get your Mom a Mothers Day card!) Our second targeted area will get the same treatment as the one on Saturday... again, we want to send out 10 teams of 2 in a way that will really make a difference on E-Day. Please RSVP now to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca if you can join us, and plan to meet at the campaign office at 2:45pm on Sunday.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

Two early morning events left.

Reserve Monday and Tuesday (Election Day) for our last two Burmashaves - stay tuned for details, and get your good nights' sleep now!!!

If you haven't already got your job for election day, please call the office at (778) 355-1401 and talk to Kareem (our E-Day Chair).

REMEMBER: SATURDAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR ADVANCE VOTING!

If you can, please do not forget to cast your vote in the advance polls:

Church of the Nazarene

724 Como Lake Road

Coquitlam, BC

Port Moody Social Recreation Centre

300 Ioco Road

Port Moody, BC

Moody Middle School - Mini Gym

3115 St Johns Street

Port Moody, BC

The advance polls are open from 8am to 8pm until Saturday, May 9th.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support,

Iain Black

Campaign Update for May 7, 2009

2009-05-07T18:35:43Z

May 7, 2009

TODAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Hello ,

After a very successful interview with Radio-Canada, where I was asked questions about the deployment of technology in the provincial campaign, I've been enjoying some quality door knocking time with a few special guests helping me in Heritage Mountain.

Don't forget tonight is the final All Candidates Debate hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. The debate will be from 7pm to 9pm at the Inlet Theatre at Port Moody City Hall - 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody. Please be there by 6:30pm if you can. If you haven't RSVP'd already, please do so now to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca!

TOMORROW'S EVENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

We still need people to help us out with phoning tomorrow night. Any amount of time you can give us between 5pm and 8:30pm is appreciated. Call the Campaign Office - (778) 355-1401 to reserve your spot!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

This weekend is the last one we have before E-Day, so let's make it count! On Saturday we need volunteers to phone, doorknock and scrutineer the last day of the advance polls. Please call the Campaign Office - (778) 355-1401 to let us know when you can help.

Also, don't forget our last campaign meeting this Saturday - 8:30am for Area Managers and 9:30am for the entire Campaign Team. Please make every effort to attend this meeting at our office (#9-3130 St. John's Street Port Moody, BC)!

Finally, an important reminder to cast your vote in the advance polls:

Church of the Nazarene

724 Como Lake Road

Coquitlam, BC

Port Moody Social Recreation Centre

300 Ioco Road

Port Moody, BC

Moody Middle School - Mini Gym

3115 St Johns Street

Port Moody, BC

The advance polls are open from 8am to 8pm until Saturday, May 9th.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support,

Iain Black

Campaign Update for May 6, 2009

2009-05-06T20:00:46Z

May 6, 2009

TODAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Hello ,

Last night we had an amazing turnout at the Golden Spike Pub in Port Moody. Not only did the Canucks defeat the Blackhawks 3-1 but we had a special visit from Premier Gordon Campbell!

I am very proud of the 120 supporters who attended last night. Together we sent a strong, clear message to the Premier that he can count on the Tri-Cities for support on May 12th!

TOMORROW'S EVENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

Tomorrow I am attending the final All Candidates Debate hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. The debate is from 7pm to 9pm at the Inlet Theatre at Port Moody City Hall - 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody, BC. This is the final debate I will be attending and it's imperative we have a strong base of support in the room, so please RSVP now to campaignmanager@iainblack.bc.ca.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

The priority shifts this week are phoning from 5pm - 8:30pm in the campaign office. If you haven't already, please sign up for tonight and Friday's shifts. We have 10 phones in the office, and we want them all in use!

Finally, an important reminder to cast your vote in the advance polls:

Church of the Nazarene

724 Como Lake Road

Coquitlam, BC

Port Moody Social Recreation Centre

300 Ioco Road

Port Moody, BC

Moody Middle School - Mini Gym

3115 St Johns Street

Port Moody, BC

The advance polls are open from 8am to 8pm, today until Saturday, May 9th.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support,

Iain Black

Campaign Update for May 5, 2009

2009-05-05T18:37:19Z

May 5, 2009

TODAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Hello ,

Last night I attend a wonderful coffee party with residents in the Klahanie area of Port Moody. Lots of great questions and lots of pride in how strong BC has become over the last eight years. Thanks for Andrea and John for all their hard working putting these coffee parties together (including another tonight and tomorrow)!

After this, five volunteers joined me in door knocking throughout Belcarra. This was great exercise and while the rain had us a bit drenched, it could not dampen our spirts! There is nothing like getting postive reaction from folks on the door step in the rain.

Right now I am getting ready to join 100+ supporters at the Golden Spike Pub in Port Moody to watch the Vancouver Cancuks DESTROY the Chicago Blackhawks! Feel free to join us for some great fun as we will be having a special guest dropping by!

TOMORROW'S EVENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

Remember, more is always better! We have a job for everyone, including door knocking, phoning and data entry. We're now at the key period for volunteering so any amount of time you can give is appreciated. Call the Campaign Office - (778) 355-1401 - to sign up for shifts!

UPCOMING EVENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP

This Thursday, May 7th I am attending the final All Candidates Debate and I hope you will join in! The debate if from 7pm to 9pm at the Inlet Theatre at Port Moody City Hall - 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody, BC. This event is hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce and promises to be exciting. I look forward to seeing you there.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support,

Iain Black