The documentary filmmaker and co-founder of The Common Sense Canadian Damien Gillis joins Joseph Planta to discuss the legacy and influence of the legendary broadcaster Rafe Mair, as well as preview the upcoming benefit The Rafe Mair Roast: 80 and Still Kicking Ass, Thursday, 24 November 2011.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.

The most frequent guest in the life of this program in the nearly seven and a half years and nearly seven hundred interviews has been Rafe Mair. He’s been on nine times since 2004. I grew up listening to Rafe. I came of age politically listening to his radio program from the mid-to-late 1990s on, learning about the constitution, provincial and federal politics, and of course the environment. As a broadcaster, one can’t do any harm trying to emulate Rafe whenever behind a microphone interviewing a politician. I know this every time one of these pols come on, because I know I’m not as good as Rafe Mair. Since leaving daily broadcasting, Rafe has co-founded The Common Sense Canadian. It’s a website that he’s talked about on this program, whereupon is presented environmental news and views. It’s a great website and its co-founder Damien Gillis joins me now to talk about it and a benefit for The Common Sense Canadian, Thursday, 24 November 2011. The Rafe Mair Roast: 80 and Still Kicking Ass will celebrate Rafe Mair as he turns 80 this year. There’s a great list of speakers who’ll come out to the Wise Hall here in Vancouver to rib and pay tribute to the legendary broadcaster, former politician, a stalwart defender of free speech and the environment. Among those scheduled to speak, Rick Cluff, Red Robinson, Grand Chief Stewart Philip, Michael Smyth, Moe Sihota, and Shiral Tobin, among many others. Ms. Tobin of the CBC’s Early Edition will serve as MC. Tickets can be had at www.TheCanadian.org. Damien Gillis is a documentary filmmaker whose work focuses on the environment and social justice. He joins me from here in Vancouver today. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Damien Gillis; Good morning, Mr. Gillis.

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