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.
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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.
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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.
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New
Report August 29
Next Meeting
January 14th Bob
Plamondon
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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.
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