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When the Liberal Party emerged from the worst defeat in its history three years ago, it was the time to do things differently. After all, when you’re on your back, what do you have to lose?

And so the Liberals picked a new leader with a magical name and a thin résumé named Justin Trudeau. He was chosen not by delegates to a traditional national convention but through a direct vote of party members.

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In policy, Trudeau has made surprising proposals on reforming the Senate and decriminalizing pot. In the process, he has opened up nominations, refusing to appoint candidates.

As the Liberals meet in Edmonton this week, a year or less from the next federal election, it’s time to ask: where are they now on policy and process? The answer: not very far.

When a party suffers a defeat so catastrophic that its survival is in question, it demands a serious self-examination, a real soul-searching – both philosophically and administratively.