Best/McKay Picnic Featured in Bluffs Monitor

Monday, June 29, 2009

Bluffs Monitor, August 2009

Best/Mckay Host Picnic

Hon. John McKay P.C., M.P. for Scarborough-Guildwood and Margarett Best M.P.P. hosted the annual community picnic this past Sunday for the residents of the riding at St. Margaret’s Church on Kingston Road.

Despite a rainy day, hundreds of constituents enjoyed an afternoon filled with entertainment and good food.  The children didn’t mind the puddles and they played outside in the jumping castle while their parents met with McKay and Best over hamburgers and hotdogs.

 The informal setting of the picnic allowed constituents to meet with their federal and provincial representatives outside the office.  A steel drum band added to the festive atmosphere and even though McKay insisted he cannot dance, other picnickers were caught shaking their hips and moving to the music.

Tamil constituents were keen to discuss the petitions McKay had presented to the House of Commons on their behalf.  The petitions urged the Harper government to intervene in Sri Lanka. Constituents commented that their concerns were eased by McKay’s hard work and dedication to the cause. They were pleased with his initiatives.

Other talk turned to elections.  Most constituents were glad to avoid a summer election, but some were keen to hit the campaign trail in the fall.  “We’ll be on vacation in November, so make sure the election happens before then,” said one constituent who enjoyed volunteering during the 2008 election. Many expressed their support following McKay’s recent endorsement by the Liberal party to be the Scarborough Guildwood Liberal party candidate in the next federal election.             

The picnic demonstrated how Scarborough-Guildwood is a “good neighbour” riding.  St Margaret’s in the Pines Anglican church welcomed this community event and over 100 people representing many ethnic backgrounds mixed and mingled.  Best commented on the neighbourly atmosphere stating: “I am grateful to all the residents of Scarborough-Guildwood who came out to this year’s community picnic.  I was pleased to see everyone socialising, making new friends and having a good time. Even the rain could not dampen the tremendous unity and community spirit!”

When it came time for speeches, McKay discussed his term in Parliament and the new direction the Liberal Party is headed with Michael Ignatieff as leader. McKay, who’s been the M.P. for Scarborough-Guildwood for 12 years, says the Liberal Party is strong and ready to be back in Government. After names for the door prizes were drawn and lucky winners picked up their prizes, McKay closed his speech by playing off Best’s last name, stating: ‘This is the Best McKay picnic ever.’             

Photos from the event can be seen by adding John McKay as a friend on facebook.

Bluffs Monitor