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WELCOME TO POGGTALK

POGG Canada began in March 2004 as an informal but serious breakfast discussion group on public affairs among a group of friends. It has evolved into a fellowship, discussion group and grassroots think tank that has explored a wide range of public affairs issues; a place where there is discourse between knowledgeable special guests and the attendees; a place where everyone may feel secure and comfortable expressing and discussing facts, opinions and ideas.

POGG convenes over breakfast nine times a year. A keynote speaker (or panel) make a presentation of up to 30 minutes, followed by a Q & A period of up to 60 minutes. The objective is to provide speakers with an informed audience and a thoughtful Q & A period.

A condition of admission to a POGG meeting is that all attendees agree that each meeting is in camera and that no public attribution is to be made of any remarks, comments and discussion content, and that any related papers, documents, etc. produced at a meeting will similarly not be attributed. From time to time, a speaker will waive this condition. This enables speakers to be more candid.

POGG has evolved into the think tank practice of supporting ad hoc committees (POGGtalk Round Tables) that look into specific issues. The POGGtalk Round Tables will, from time to time, express findings and opinions publicly and/or privately to government and others, in a paper or in report form or otherwise. The papers are reviewed internally but the authors of such works are solely responsible for the views they present.

In April 2010, POGG convened its first annual public symposium. The symposium was titled 'Perception of Canadian Values' and was held at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, in lieu of the regular breakfast event for that month. (Read the Program)

Attendance remains by invitation to subscribers (POGGers). POGGers are normally permitted to invite persons they know to have knowledge and interest in public issues and governance and are able to contribute to the dialogues.

An annual subscription fee was introduced in September, 2009 to cover certain costs that had previously been covered by contributions from individuals. To facilitate participation during the Q & A period at each breakfast, POGG has limited attendance to fewer than 40 persons. This policy is under review and the number will be allowed to fluctuate depending upon the speaker and the topic to be discussed.

The president and founder of POGG is Harry Weldon. His task is to maintain a list of persons to be invited to meetings, to search out speakers and topics, to set, administer and direct the meeting programs, to encourage active participation by all and to represent POGG when and where appropriate.

 

New Report August 29

Report in Defense of the Reputation and Legacy of Dr. Charlotte Whitton

 

Next Meeting

January 14th Bob Plamondon

Golden Whistle Award

The 2011 Award winner is Sean Bruyea, for his work in advocating for veterans rights and exposing wrongdoing at Veterans Affairs Canada. Vist the Awards page for more information.

From left to right: Harry Weldon (POGG President) stands with Allan Cutler (Canadians for Acocuntability President), Golden Whistle Award winner Sean Bruyea, and Sean's wife, Carolina

 

Page created March 25, 2009 | Last edited January 4, 2012


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