Will the Liberals learn from their recent history?
OTTAWA—In April, the Liberal Party of Canada will choose a new leader. What they require is a person with sound political judgment who can persuade the party to unite behind strategies that effectively challenge the government. The vital necessity of choosing such a leader is illustrated by the Liberals’ inability to seize a golden […]
The danger in underestimating Trudeau
OTTAWA—The boxing analogy has probably been overused by now, but the last time Justin Trudeau was dismissed as a lightweight did not end very well for his opponent. There is a strong possibility that his critics will be surprised again. It seems inevitable that Justin Trudeau will win the Liberal leadership race in April, and […]
Candidates’ campaign meet-and-greet events new barometer for federal Liberal leadership strength
PARLIAMENT HILL—A new barometer for federal Liberal leadership contenders has emerged, aside from the sobering prospect the field of candidates faced when they saw Justin Trudeau’s daunting lead in financial donations last month. The new indicator, candidate campaign greet-and-meet events, as the contest heads into its final two months, appears to be dividing the pack […]
Gender parity worsening in Canada
The arrival of Premier Kathleen Wynne at Queen’s Park begs the question. What is happening in Ottawa? With women governing in six Canadian provinces, the road to the prime minister’s chair should not be too far away. Or is it? When we cast our eyes to the nation’s capital, there is no dauphine-in-waiting from […]
Now’s not the time to jump into ‘constitutional upheaval’ over Senate, says Trudeau
PARLIAMENT HILL—The crisis now gripping the Senate over allegations of false residency claims and the temporary expulsion of newly-Independent Quebec Senator Patrick Brazeau is no time to jump into radical changes that would spark “constitutional upheaval,” Liberal MP Justin Trudeau says. Mr. Trudeau singled out Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s (Calgary Southwest, Alta.) recent decision to […]
Why Liberal money loves Trudeau
OAKVILLE, ONT.—If money is a proxy for votes, then Liberal leadership candidate Justin Trudeau might as well start planning his victory speech. Indeed, it seems Liberal money is “voting” overwhelmingly for Team Trudeau. Just consider the facts: in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Liberal Party reports Trudeau took in a whopping $673, 000 […]
Liberals opt for individual TV interviews in Winnipeg, not a televised leadership debate, say it’s ‘to get know’ candidates
PARLIAMENT HILL—When the nine Liberal leadership candidates meet face-to-face for the second debate in the contest for the party’s helm, it won’t be face to face. Technically, it won’t even be a debate. A decision to have the candidates interviewed individually by the party’s unsuccessful candidate in last month’s federal byelection in Calgary has […]
Liberal death-watch could well be over
The Liberal death-watch could well be over. Just take a look at the caliber of people who aspire to become leader. A sell-out crowd was expected in Vancouver on Sunday to witness nine candidates vying for the chance to lead Canada’s third place party. And not just any candidates. This race is by no […]
Liberal leadership candidates to talk ‘electoral cooperation’ in upcoming televised debates
PARLIAMENT HILL—The federal Liberal Party is putting potential cooperation with other opposition parties in the next federal election front and centre as it launches a series of five candidate debates in the party’s leadership election this coming weekend in Vancouver. Electoral cooperation is listed separately as one of seven issues the nine candidates will debate, […]
Cauchon set to enter Liberal leadership race, Bertschi registers too
PARLIAMENT HILL—The deadline for candidate registration in the federal Liberal Party leadership approached in dramatic fashion on Friday, as former justice minister Martin Cauchon, at odds with front-runner Justin Trudeau over his abandonment of one of the party’s hallmark accomplishments, the federal long gun registry, was set to begin a mad-dash weekend gathering the 300 […]
