March 21, 2012





I was saddened to learn last week of Marc Garneau’s withdrawal from the Federal Liberal Party leadership race. I thank Marc for presenting himself as a candidate and for undergoing the rigours of a national leadership race. He said that he did extensive polling and that the numbers told him he had little chance of winning the leadership race. I respect his analysis and his decision to discontinue his campaign.





At this point I wish to respond to those who have told me that they have doubts about Justin Trudeau’s ability to lead the Liberal Party. I have no doubts. I think that Justin is smart, understands Canadian politics, and connects well with people. More importantly, he would have the full support of the Liberal caucus and the depth and breadth of experience and wisdom available in that caucus team is more than enough to make up for any presumed shortfalls in Justin’s background.





I wish to draw attention to one of these caucus colleagues who remains in the race for leader. First choice on my ballot will be Joyce Murray, MP for Vancouver Quadra. A party leadership race is a critical moment that determines the direction that a party takes for many years. A vote for Joyce calls on the Liberal Party to put sustainability – an honest accounting of the fiscal, environmental, and social assets and liabilities we pass on to our children – at the forefront of our party’s identity. A vote for Joyce also expresses support for cooperation between the progressive political parties in the 2015 election as a strategy to avert another Conservative victory. As 2015 rolls around, I think that exploring possibilities for cooperation will be very important for the good of the country, and completely compatible with first building up the Liberal Party’s own organization and identity.