Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae speaks at Belleville forum

By Julia McKay

With the impending announcement of Justin Trudeau for the candidacy of the leadership of the federal Liberals today, rebuilding is the name of the game.

Interim leader Bob “the builder” Rae spoke to an enthusiastic crowd of sup- porters at the Prince Edward-Hastings Federal Liberal Association bridge forum series last Thursday at Capers Brasserie and Wine Bar in downtown Belleville.

“The last election was a surprising tough result; the worst result we’ve had

since Confederation,” said Rae during a press conference before his speech. “We’ve had a lot of rebuilding to do and I’m glad to have played my part.”

Boasting more than 25,000 new sup- porters joining the party, the fund- raising event was an opportunity for local Liberals, and those interested in the Liberal party, to come out and hear Rae speak about both his and the party’s future. During the last federal election, the Liberals lost 43 seats in the House of Commons and are now down to only 34 seats.

With Trudeau’s announcement planned, Rae said he wasn’t backing any particular candidate. “The party will choose its next leader,” Rae said. “We’re really trying to create a sense that we want the public to be involved.”

When asked why he chose not to run for the next leadership, Rae said he was just following the agreement that was set out when he was chosen as interim leader. “I’m happy to give all my skills and whatever I’ve learned and hand over something stronger and better to the next leader.”
Even though he will be stepping back, Rae will still remain involved with the Liberal party and as the Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre.

By Julia McKay

As with many great military traditions, the Royal Military College first-year officer cadets completed their First-Year Orientation Period (FYOP) with a grueling 12-stage obstacle course during the 2012 Reunion Weekend Sept. 28 to 30.

Each flight, ranging from 12-16 first-year cadets, were expected to run, climb, crawl and carry each other through all the obstacle stages in 90 minutes.

The cadets learned during the obstacle course just how important it is to have a good team working together. Without each other, cadets wouldn’t be able to scale the three-metre wooden wall on their own. If one falls down, they all fall down.

Dressed in squadron colours, their fellow second year officer cadets run along with their flight, cheering and offering encouragement through each obstacle.

At the end of 90 minutes, all 12 flights met back at the parade square to receive their points and to celebrate.

“When the entire obstacle course was finished, I felt so happy and accomplished. I never would have been able to finish something like that without the tough workouts from our staff and support of Warrior Flight,” said Officer Cadet Sarah Kelly of 9 Squadron.

“The overall experience was like no other. I can’t say I would do it all over again, but I am looking forward to a great year of meeting new people and enjoying life as a student at RMC.”

The goal of the course is to instill team pride, camaraderie and working as a cohesive unit. These skills will be vital for their future in the military and life.