01-01 The Law of Unintended Circumstances
When I read the White Paper on Tax Reform introduced by Finance Minister Benson in 1969, I was relaxing in the bathtub, part of a regular soak after a day of teaching. This bathtub story later became the basis for a front-page photograph and article in Weekend Magazine, that was a weekly supplement in newspapers…
01-02 The Greatest Citizen Revolt in Canadian History
Our first initiative was to try to pull the Minister of Finance into a trap by putting an outrageous newspaper ad in major papers across Canada in hopes he would be tempted to respond. It said in bold type, "Small Businessmen, this concerns you. A new organization has been formed, The Canadian Council for Fair…
01-03 Fighting on Multiple Fronts
The big rally in Toronto to oppose Edgar Benson’s Tax Reform proposals was repeated in Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. All five rallies raised about $100,000. But the money that was raised with little cost and effort came from my speaking engagements which raised another $50,000 over a period of six months. I had up…
01-04 Creating a Permanent Voice for Small Business
As the White Paper battle wound down, I had to make up my mind about my future. Ryerson wanted me to come back as a teacher. And of course, there were exciting offers to enter politics. But the most intriguing option was to pursue my love for entrepreneurship and small business and fight for a…
01-05 Front Page Challenge
In politics or in advocacy, you have really hit the big time if you are invited as a mystery guest on the CBC game show Front Page Challenge, a truly educational and entertaining production about current events and history. This chapter is about a great moment in the spring of 1971. Regular panellists in the…