Blue Skies:

Idea Incubator for Ontarios Centre-right

Toronto Ideas Incubator Report

September 6, 2014

Contents
Contents ............................................................................................... 2
Blue Skies Ontario.................................................................................. 3
Acknowledgements ................................................................................ 3
Disclaimer ............................................................................................. 3
September 6 Ideas Incubation Summation ................................................ 4
Appendix 1: Expanding Ontario's centre-right; unlocking voter blocks, creating
new ones .............................................................................................. 7
Appendix 2: Policy-making, De-industrialization, and Ontario's Future .......... 9
Appendix 3: Features of a successful centre-right political party in 2020 ..... 10
Appendix 4: Communicating the centre-right brand: its not what you say, its
what they hear .................................................................................... 12
Appendix 5: Participant Feedback .......................................................... 13

Blue Skies Ontario

The Blue Skies Initiative is a catalyst for blue sky thinking about how to build a
stronger centre-right in Ontario Provincial politics. The participants in the Blue Skies
Initiative have a common goal: growing the centre-right movement in Ontario. The Blue
Skies Initiative believes the centre-right in Ontario and its institutions should be as
strong as the centre-left. Some participants are motivated by electoral politics, others
want to bring reformist policy ideas to Ontario, and others want to grow the political
movement beyond electoral politics.

The Blue Skies Initiative is an effort by a group of young and mid-career Ontarians to
address capacity on the centre-right in Provincial politics. The Blue Skies Initiative is
organized by Steering Committees dedicated to specific events and activities, supported
by Executive Directors (interim).

The Blue Skies Initiative participants are concerned about the future of the centre-right
movement in Ontario. Moving from recent electoral results to reaching a broader
majority of the electorate does not have a single solution By employing creative
processes, the Blue Skies Initiative seeks to generate new and positive ideas to spur
actions that will reinvigorate the centre-right in Ontario for the next generation.

Acknowledgements
The September 6, 2014 Toronto Ideas Incubator was organized by a Steering Committee
including Carly Luis, Chris Loreto, Katlyn Harrison, Jamie Ellerton, Leif Malling, Ginny
Movat, Nita Kang and Danielle Peters. The Steering Committee wishes to acknowledge
the support of our sponsors for the September 6 event: StrategyCorp (Lead Sponsor)
Summa Strategies (Supporting Sponsor). The Steering Committee also acknowledges
Dentons Canada LLP for providing the venue.

Disclaimer
The views and observations expressed in this document do not necessarily represent the
views of the Blue Skies Initiative, its creators or the Steering Committee for the
September 6 event. The purpose of the Toronto Ideas Incubator was to provide a
supportive forum where centre-right Ontarians could pose challenging questions about
Ontarios centre-right movement and propose creative approaches to building the
movement.
This report seeks to summarize the discussions and ideas offered on September 6, 2014.
This report was developed by neutral third-party facilitators who led the discussions.
The Steering Committee developed the final draft, but did not interfere with the
observations and conclusions of the facilitators.

September 6 Ideas Incubation Summation

The Toronto Ideas Incubator on September 6, 2014 brought together a diverse group of
Ontarians to discuss creative approaches to building the capacity of Ontarios centreright. With an initial goal of 50 participants, over 100 Ontarians took part with a
particularly strong representation by young and mid-career professionals.

The Toronto Ideas Incubator was not a conference. It was a structured exercise to
generate new ideas, build networks and develop capacity for positive action.
Participants of the Toronto Ideas Incubator were divided into 4 breakout discussions:
1. Expanding Ontario's centre-right; unlocking voter blocks, creating new ones
2. Policy-making, De-industrialization, and Ontario's Future
3. Features of a successful centre-right political party in 2020
4. Communicating the centre-right brand: its not what you say, its what they hear
Each discussion was led by a professional facilitator and this report is the product of the
neutral observations by the professional facilitators.
Within each of the four (4) breakout discussions, participants were asked to express their
short and long-term goals for the centre-right movement, and work with colleagues to
organize these ideas into themes for potential concepts for follow-up. Each discussion,
including the key ideas and themes, is summarized in an appendix to this report.
The facilitators classified the overarching themes emerging from the day as follows:

Positive Messaging
There is a need to have a more positive and uplifting message for voters. This messaging
should encompass compassion and forward thinking, and policy should be communicated
in a way that focuses on a solution and highlights specific benefits. Messaging should be
uplifting and help Ontarians dream about the future. The movement needs to stop being
prescriptive and show that the centre-right is listening to the public.

Community Outreach & Engagement

The movement needs to conduct more outreach and engagement within the centre-right
community and the public at large. It should ask more people what do you think?
There was a sense that this does not occur frequently enough, and the movement has
not conducted outreach to a broad range of stakeholder groups to seek their input and
collaborate with them. The centre-right needs to better respect individuals and show that
it is open, flexible and empathetic to diverse community needs. It should also reach out
to groups it traditionally does not work with to hear what they have to say, and
potentially find areas of alignment.

Youth Engagement
Youth within the movement feel disengaged and undervalued. More work needs to be
done to better support youth, their ideas and initiatives within the centre-right
movement. More training, mentorship and a more general belief that youth are the
future of the movement is required.

Historical & Proud

The centre-right movement is often not proud enough of itself and its past
achievements. The centre-right movement has been at the forefront of many major
milestones in Ontarios history; this needs be better celebrated and incorporated into its
culture. Members of the movement also need to move forward and be proud to be a part
of the centre-right members often feel ashamed to admit they are a part of it. The
movement also needs to better take advantage of good ideas that are made in Ontario
there is too much of an emphasis on taking ideas from the United States and other
jurisdictions.

Dynamic Leadership
The leadership of the movement/party needs to be more charismatic, likeable and able
to deliver the centre-right message well. Leadership also needs to recognize systems and
processes within the party that are not working (such as the candidate selection process)
and work to address it.

A Policy Eco-System
The process of policy development should not just occur within the formal party but
amongst the community. In developing policies, the movement should seek to engage
stakeholder groups and listen to their input. There should also be a centre-right think
tank developed to help formulate and evaluate policies.

Future-Oriented
The movement needs to focus on the future, align itself with emerging trends and be in
touch with todays Ontario. Policies and ideas should embrace innovation, up-andcoming markets, and the centre-right should unite behind a profound vision for a world
class province.

Increasing Diversity
There was a sense of needing to increase diversity within the movement. From working
with groups that the centre-right does not traditionally work with (such as environmental
groups or unions), to more youth representation and increased outreach to women;
participants wanted to better embrace diversity and understand what it means for the
centre-right.

Clear Metrics, measurement and results

The movement needs to adopt an approach that emphasizes metrics, measures and is
results oriented. From the policies that are adopted to tracking progress and results
within the movement, this should be a major part of the centre-rights operations. The
movement should be known as the one that delivers on the needed end results for
Ontario.

Conclusion
The dominant sentiment shared among those attending the Idea Incubator was that of a
vision for a more authentically present centre-right movement in Ontario. The centreright has the ability to reimagine itself as a movement driven by an authentic and
relational listening first approach to its policy and constituent development.

In order to accomplish this, there needs to be a greater emphasis on engaging

stakeholders and the broader public by all members of the movement and not just the
Leader of the Ontario PC Party. This can be accomplished with a greater commitment to
ensuring core leadership qualities such as authenticity, forward thinking and a
responsible approach to issues by developing a more engaged approach to conversing
and working with specific stakeholders and the broader public.

Appendix 1: Expanding Ontario's centre-right;

unlocking voter blocks, creating new ones
Discussion in Room One centered on building up the movement and improving
connections both within the party and with the general public. Participants wanted to find
improved ways to connect with other centre-right members in order to express
frustrations and find support. Participants expressed a desire to be able to wear one's
conservative beliefs and leanings proudly. There was also a desire to be part of a political
party that delivered its messaging with greater authenticity, as well as taking a more
optimistic tone. Overall, there was emerging sense of optimism of what could be
developed from previous learnings.

Key Barriers
The key barriers to building the movement identified during the session include the
following:
1

Poor and lacking engagement

with the following groups:

Disconnect and inadvertence in

outreach and messaging

Modern political activism How to engage an increasingly

difficult to reach public

Need for ideas/vision over

policy driven outreach,
messaging and leadership:

Minority groups
LGBT individuals
Growing urban segments
Young couples/families
Individuals with a post-secondary degree or higher
Active, moderate and undecided voters
Improve verification process of voter assumptions
Balance research/data with imagination and
understanding of public/voters (less rigidity)
Increasingly difficult to reach and make contact with
people in person
Virtual means have their place but don't make for
strong bonds - movement needs real bodies and
face-to-face interactions to grow and rebuild
Block exists in finding new and effective ways of
establishing and developing new non-traditional
support base
Lead with message over labels
Lead with good ideas over attacks, jargon or
branding

Key Ideas
Key ideas emerged on how to overcome the barriers detailed above:
1

Outreach and relationship with

the 'other':

Improve public engagement:

Change the way we think about and treat the

'other', aka non-conservatives
More extensive internal and external outreach
efforts are required
Be proactive and broader in outreach efforts
Start anew, go back to basics and spend time with

Establish a leadership that is:

Establish a Party that is:

Re-Branding:

grassroots
Be inclusive of minorities and non-traditional voter
base (union members)
Recruit executives/leaders in the movement and
foster development
Consider new means of engaging public, holding,
for example, a large-scale party event
Go fishing, visit the farm, stop the election/party
bus and talk to real 'folks'
Connect with youth clubs
Make it fun to be part of movement!
Outreach through more town halls, focus on
empathy - how you say the message vs. the
message itself
Create idea salons
Utilize a broader consultation process
Utilize likable and visible people
Uniting
Solution-oriented
Broad appeal
Authentic
Younger
Able to break the Green Party monopoly on
environment
Personable, empathetic
Listening and drawing speaking points from party
base
Conscious of the way it engages (both the Leader
and the Leadership): actions speak louder than
words
Recruiting based upon candidate networks
Flexible - rigid views and approaches are alienating
voters and conservative base
Develop cult of personality as core image driver
Breaks political fiefdoms that create silos within

Dream big and stand up for what we believe in

proudly
Shift negative to positive messaging
Become the party of inclusivity/ party of ideas
Make being conservative cool
Modernize brand - improve graphics, host events
at trendier locations
Dispel stereotypes
Base party ID on good policy not ideology
emphasis on evaluating ideas across spectrums
Revert to grassroots to regroup and rediscover
who and what "conservative" is to the people
Be proactive - define movement/party in the
media for ourselves, don't wait to be labeled

Appendix 2: Policy-making, Deindustrialization, and Ontario's Future

Discussion in Room Two centered on two key areas: specific policy aspirations, and the
development of an eco/support system for these policy goals. Participants were
enthusiastic in their discussions, particularly related to determining ways to reform
existing policies and develop new policies. The latter part of the session looked at how
four overarching themes for policy development could be worked into three aspects of a
policy support/eco system: building centre-right think tanks, policy messaging and action
on specific policy aspirations.

Key Themes
The four overarching themes for policy development were:
1

Movement
History:

Metrics:

The Future:

Positive,
Simple
Messaging:

The centre-right movement needs to be proud of its history and

recognize its importance. Historically, the centre-right was at the
forefront of major policy initiatives and projects, such as founding
Ontarios community college system or developing the University of
Ontario Institute of Technology. These past victories need to be weaved
into the narrative of the movement and be a basis from which to build
upon.
There is a need to ensure that there are measures and metrics
incorporated into government policy. Government programs need to be
better tracked and should be funded and awarded based on merit and
metrics.
The movement needs to be forward-thinking and develop policies that
capture emerging trends. There is a strong desire to embrace change and
innovation in all policy development.
The messaging of centre-right polices needs to be easy to understand,
pragmatic and positive. There is a need to embrace messaging around the
benefits and vision of policies, rather than prescribing technical and
wonk-ish policies. Policies should empower and help Ontarians build for
the future.

These themes led to the following key recommendations:

Better engage with electorate groups in the development of policies through the
creation of an engagement strategy.

Developing education labs to test out education policies.

Frequent and genuine engagement with teachers, principals and students on

education issues.

Creating an arms-length institute/think tank to draft and evaluate centre-right

policies.

Appendix 3: Features of a successful centreright political party in 2020

Discussion in Room Three focused on reflections of what it means to be a centre-right
party and movement in 2020 and what this movement would look like. Participants
reflected on three key areas: quality and substance of the movements community; youth
engagement and improved engagement with the public.

Key Themes
After reflecting upon the identified key areas, clarity emerged regarding the kind of
movement and Party that participants envisioned for 2020:
1

A movement that
respects people:

Results-oriented:

Being there for

Ontarians:

Genuine
community
movement:

A party known for getting it understanding what

communities want and what they need, and helping to bridge
that gap
Serve appropriately individuals who voted based on certain
issues (one-issue voters)
Stakeholder engagement approach that is more thorough and
proactive
Evidence of delivering value philosophy, policy and messaging
should be focused on what people care about
Respect for all people is critical in developing a movement that
inspires true commitment
Centre-right to be known for being honest about the issues and
respectful of the various concerns and interests that must be
balanced
Centre-right to be known for being oriented towards achieved
the needed end-results for the province
Movement that rewards hard work
Reflect a centre-right movement that has a desire to build
community through listening and address these concerns
throughout
Develop organic relationships
Listen to stakeholders
Dont make assumptions and make space for new ideas
In touch with Today's Ontario
Grassroots-driven
United behind a profound vision for a world-class province and
focused on building a movement that is dedicated to achieving
this vision
Working together to get things done
Defined by community leadership - not just by the Party
executive and caucus
Open, collaborative and willing to take risks

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Key Ideas

1

Quality and substance of the

movements community:

Youth Engagement:

Better engagement with the

public:

What is the motivation to be a member?

Headquarters: "the Queens Park Bubble"
Internal players arent responsive to dynamic outside
the Party
Perception of party membership being undervalued
Need for more training
Party compensation needs to be more merit and
performance based
Youth wing of the Party feels undervalued and
pigeonholed
Youth are the future of the Party, but they don't feel
supported, need to increasingly invest in youth
members
Feeling that youth members are valued primarily as
tokens of the party's ideas about representation
Need to better understand Ontarians perception of the
Party
Outreach to specific stakeholder groups/communities is
not proactive enough
Need to listen to the needs of Ontarians, continually
ask what do you think?"

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Appendix 4: Communicating the centre-right

brand: its not what you say, its what they
hear
The discussion in Room Four focused primarily on public engagement by the centre-right
and the movements message.

Key Themes
1

Inviting people to
talk with us about
what they think,
and really
listening:

Taking control of
our messaging:

Representative
policy:

Listening to people, not telling them

Engaging people via proactive outreach and inviting them in
Survey non-conservatives on their perspectives
Hosting town halls and policy committees
Inviting non-traditional groups to speak to us (i.e. unions,
environmental groups)
Relating to people by working to address their problems
Ensuring the proper supports to allow grassroots activism;
they are the ones who deliver our message locally
Not ceding policy areas (i.e. environment) to the Liberals
Talking about how we care; being open and empathetic
Choosing overt areas to demonstrate a difference (poverty,
environment)
Policy developed by listening and connecting with grassroots
Reflecting conversation and input of party
membership/general public and ensuring it is reflected in the
movements policy platforms
Support the development of ideas
Create a large tent to prevent wedge politics

Key Ideas

1

Outreach and
development of
new relationships:

Message tone:

Change the way we think about and treat the 'other', and
dont assume we are the only one with good ideas
Candidates should represent all walks of life in the province
Roundtables on urban issues to rebuild relationships in urban
ridings and develop policy that reflects this understanding
Dont go to the U.S. for answers - we have plenty of good
ideas right here
Grassroots in many ways has to be our biggest advocates; by
allowing them to see their ideas reflected in policy they will
be supportive and active in support in the movement
Embody a sense of pride in the party
Express how the centre-right movement cares about people;
compassion as a communications priority
Communicate a positive vision for the future of the province
New leader must be relatable and likeable

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Appendix 5: Participant Feedback

Following the Idea Incubator, the Blue Skies Initiative provided a survey for feedback
from participants. This summary of the survey feedback was compiled by the Steering
Committee for the Toronto Ideas Incubator.
Key findings from the survey include:
1. Overall, participants were very satisfied with the Idea Incubator, with 89% of
respondents indicating a 7/10, or higher, satisfaction with the event.
2. Many participants stated it was a needed event and helped drive momentum and a
positive feeling following the recent election loss.
3. The Idea Incubator did help to develop big, bold ideas for the centre-right
movement (91% of respondents indicated that the Idea Incubator generated
some or lots of ideas), however:

Participants acknowledged that rebuilding the centre-right would take

significant time and effort;

Follow-up is required to ensure that concepts and preliminary ideas

developed at the Ideas Incubator are turned into actionable items; and

Many participants believe that more people should be involved in future

events, and that proactive outreach is required to bring in individuals who
wouldnt traditionally be involved.

4. 86% of respondents would be willing to donate time to turn ideas from the Idea
Incubator event into action.
5. 100% of respondents would participate in a future Blue Skies event.
A number of key themes from participant responses were noted:
1. Redefining the PC brand by clearly communicating the virtues of centre-right
policies and how they would help individuals and families
2. Taking control of the centre-right narrative through positive messaging and change
perceptions in our favour
3. Concept of unity within the party: Ensure grassroots members and other groups
(i.e. youth) feel valued as a part of the centre-right movement
4. Outreach and relationship building with groups traditionally not associated with the
centre-right movement
The overarching theme of the survey responses was the excitement by participants that
there are many individuals concerned with the future of the centre-right movement, and
that the enthusiasm exists to rebuild are reframe the centre-right movement moving
forward. The Blue Skies Initiative looks forward to providing a forum to help foster new
conservative ideas and the activist development that will build a movement to foster the
renewal and sustainability of the Ontario PC Party and the centre-right movement in
Ontario.

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