Jean Is Back!

It's a glorious day when i can pull up the Globe And Mail home page and see this article. I have have always been a Liberal, and by that I mean that I have always believed in liberal values, but I only became involved with the LPC during the last federal election (I still want to know what it's like to win an election), so forunatly , i missed the Martin-Chretien rift, seeing it only as an outsider looking in. I got many chances to see Martin speak during the election, and he was good, but he's know Chretien. My first chance to see Jean Chretien speak, in person, at this last leadership convention, standing maybe 15 feet away, literaly the best spot house. It was during his excellent, passionate speech that I realized something huge, this man is Bill Clinton. Sure, he may not be able to dispute the meaning of is, but he's got balls, golf balls. Everything about this man oozes with charisma and brilliance. I'm so psyched to see that he's back in the loop, if there is anyone who can can beat the Conservatives it him. He is a master politician. I don't know who I would have backed during the last Martin-Chretien war, but if the unthinkable happens, and for one reason or another Dion loses the leadership, I know who I'll be backing, he's only 72, he can make one more run.

A Great Choice For Deputy Leader

I was so pleased to see today that Dion has chosen to appoint Michael Ignatieff deputy leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Michael Ignatieff has continually impressed me, and will make a great deputy leader. Also, Dion is set to announce the roles the other Leadership will be playing as this party moves forward. Likely including, Gerrard Kennedy, as a senior organizer for the next election campaign, Martha Hall-Findlay, as a policy ambassador to the grassroots, Bob Rae, who will likely be in charge of developing policy for the next election, and unknown positions for the other contenders. I have no doubt that Martha will be extremely effective at connecting with the grassroots, but i am worried Gerrard Kennedy's position may exclude him from running in the next election, which would be very unfortunate, as he would be a good, successful candidate. I look forward to seeing tomorrow what the other contenders receive, but so far i am impressed. Ignatieff will make a great deputy leader.

The Battle For Toronto Centre

Not even a week from being relieved of his duties as interim leader, the vultures are already circling for Bill Grahm. Poor Bill, he hasn't even anounced if he is going to run in the next election (granted, all signs do point to no), and as many five liberals, including three leadership candidates are already eying his seat. Theses include Gerard Kennedy, Bob Rae, and Martha Hall Findly, as well as to local candidates Meredith Cartwright, a human-rights lawyer and Rev. Rob Oliphan. I don't know much about Ms. Cartwright, and Mr. Oliphan, except that they both live in the riding. Instead, I will talk about the leadership candidates.

Although normally I am not one for candidates being parachuted into ridings, I recognize that in some cases, high-profile candidates must be sloted in. If Mr. Dion decides to parachute one of theses three leadership contenders, rather than allowing the riding association to choose, there is only one obvious choice of who it should be. First Gerrard Kennedy. Gerrard Kennedy is very popular in the area, due to his tenure as health minister, so giving him a riding such as this, which is obviously a lock would be a mistake. Actually, running him in Ontario would be a waste altogether. It makes much more sense to run him either in Manitoba or Edmonton, both areas which he has ties to, areas he would likely win, and areas where we need more Liberal MPs. Next, Mr. Rae. Bob Rae spent the leadership campaign proclaiming how he could win in Ontario. How his tenure as Premier didn't destroy his reputaton there. If this is true, then he to should not be in need of a cushy spot. Bob Rae, who hasn't announced if he is running mind you, should need to go out and prove himself. He dosen't seem to think it will be a problem. Finally, Martha Hall Findly. If anyone deserves to be parachuted into an easy riding, it's her. She really got the raw deal with Belinda, graciously stepping aside. Then in Montreal, she played kingmaker sending her delegates to Stephane Dion, securing his place ahead of Kennedy, and possibly winning him the leadership. Her career has been one of the nice girl finishing last, and doing so with pure class. She deserves a nice safe riding.

Ignatieff; Our New Attack Dog

Now, during this last leadership convention, i actively supported Stephane Dion. I believed that he had the best vision for the future of Canada, and I still do. Michael Ignatieff was always my second choice, he always seemed a highly intelligent man, who had a clear vision of Canada's place in the world. This week, in question period, I began to see what what many others in the party saw in him, a warrior. Dion looked very good, and prime ministerial in the house over the past week; his questions purposeful and direct. I especially liked, on Wednesday, his choice to, after Harper dodged the same question, instead address the question to Stockwell Day. Iggy, on the other hand looked like a fighter. When the minister for public safety dodged a question, rather than simply rephrasing it, backing down, or asking someone else Ignatieff said what we've all been thinking: "the government has become accustomed, whenever it is in a tight corner, to blame a previous administration. Those members are the government. When are they going to start to act like one and take responsibility for their conduct?" Simply amazing. This is what our party needs, someone to call the Conservatives on there BS. I maintain that Dion was the best choice for party leader, but dahm, Ignateiff is fun to watch.

Dion Will Give Up Dual-Citizenship If Necessary

This is the sign of a good leader. Dion has publicly stated that he will be willing to give up his dual-citizenship if it becomes a liability in the next election. Frankly, i don't think he should need to give this up. Stephane Dion has repeatedly proven his loyalty to Canada, and keeps his French Citizenship as a tribute to his mother. Canada is a multi-cultural nation, with so many of our people holding dual citizenships. I would encourage Mr. Dion to keep his citizenship. Former PM John Turner was born in a foreign nation. But all this aside, the mark of a true leader is someone willing to make a personal for the good of there party, and there country. The French citizenship means a lot to Dion, he is willing to give it up for the betterment of his party, and his vision for Canada. Stephane Dion never ceases to impress.

Michael Chong, Join Us!

Michael Chong, you were willing to give up the perks of cabinet to vote against the Quebec motion, and now you are standing up, and speaking out for the rights of gay and lesbian couples, in a party which punishes those who stand up against Harper's religious-right agenda. You have proven you are a man of principle, who has the best interests of Canada in mind. You don't belong in the CPC, you are, at heart, a Liberal. Join us, you know you want to.
P.S. If you don't know the motion was defeated 175-123

Harper and the SSM Vote

Over the past few days I've noticed lots of blog posts asking the same question "Could Harper Want to Lose the SSM Vote?" Harper is in a good position for this vote; for him it is win-win. If the motion fails, which it almost certainly will, then he will have fulfilled his promise to base, and be able to put this debate behind him, at least for a while. Now, if hell freezes over, and the motion passes, then harper will have proven that his socially conservative agenda rules the day, and move forward with this, possibly crushing a charter right, while energizing his base, and further polarizing the nation. Today will be a a great day for Harper. Of course several high-profile cabinet ministers will likely vote against the motion. This may not look great for Steve, but the issue will die, and give Canadians ample time to forget about it, before he brings it back next election.

A Letter To Jack layton

I Have Decided to use my first blog post to right a short letter to Jack Layton,

Dear Jack,

Why? What are you thinking? Sure, back when you pulled the plug the plug on Paul martin's government, I lost all respect for you, but i suppose you considered gaining 10 seats more important than helping to prevent the religious-right from taking over the government, or allowing the man who helped advance so much of your agenda to govern for a bit longer. But now you are choosing to attack Stephane Dion on his loyalties?

Are you on crack? Remember back when you would leave the crazy accusations to men like Steven Harper, and Stockwell Day? There are few people in this country who have done more to advance the cause of Canada, while becoming disliked by many in his home province, and yet you question his loyalties due to a French Citizenship; I realize that he will probably steal your thunder on social justice and the environment next election but come on, thats just stupid.

I suppose maybe your message was misinterpreted. Perhaps what you actually meant is that all MPs should be required to renounce duel-citizenships; people like Vic Toews, and Tony Clement. I'm sure Olivia will be renouncing her Hong Kong citizenship this week. Jack, until you make clear your true feelings, you're just gonna look like another socialist with facial hair hating on the French.

My Name is Iggy, Welcome to my Blog

Hello potential readers. My name is Iggy, the VP for policy and Internal Affairs in the Young Liberals of West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country. If you consider the length of a title to denote importance, then my massive riding name really helps; if you consider the actually position to denote importance, well, that is quite different. In this last leadership race, I supported our new leader Stephane Dion, and I am quite pleased he won. I hope that this opening narrative hasn't turned you off, and I hope you continue to read it, and comment on my posts, thank you.