A Bold New Strategy for the Liberal Party of Canada

Liberals have been having troubles ever since the so-called sponsorship scandal. It was indeed a scandal, but not the fault of the Party itself.

In fact Paul Martin convened an open public inquiry at the earliest opportunity. There was transparency, accountability and perpetrators were punished. However the party was tarnished and the stink of scandal clung.

But – let’s not ever forget the most important stat of all – the opposition still has 63% plus of the popular vote according to all the polls.

Plenty to form a coalition.

Now here’s what the Liberals ought to do in order to improve their own prospects and also the outlook for our country.

A message from the leader of The Liberal Party of Canada

Voice Over:  Here now is the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Michael

“My fellow Canadians.  I recognize that I have failed as Leader of the Official Opposition.

I blame no one for my lack of popularity, except myself.

Believe me…I love my country dearly. For many years my Father represented this nation as an international diplomat.

I learned a great deal from him…but not enough to provide effective leadership for this great country.

It’s clear to me that I cannot continue for much longer in my present role at the helm of the greatest political party in Canadian history.

Therefore I have made the following decision:

I am announcing today that I will continue as leader until the next election, which I believe is coming very soon.  Perhaps sooner than any of us know at this moment.

You have elected many highly capable and dedicated women and men to this Liberal caucus.

In your great wisdom you have denied any party a majority. Nevertheless, damage has been done. I recognize that and I recognize that to some extent, I am responsible.

On the day following the coming election, regardless of the outcome, I will – in consultation with the Party and the country – set a reasonable date for a leadership convention.

Together with our Caucus and general membership I will continue to lead, until an open and democratic Convention chooses a new leader. In this way, I intend to maintain continuity.

By making this announcement now – I am giving ample time for leadership candidates to prepare.

This has been a painful decision for me. It is however, my decision and mine alone.

I believe it is a decision that is in the best interests of my chosen political party – the party of Laurier, Pearson, Trudeau, Chretien, Martin and so many other great leaders.

The Liberal Party was hurt by the sponsorship scandals, by internal division and more recently by my own lack of appeal to Canadian voters.

My great hope is that my decision will put the Liberal Party back on track and help put Canada back on track.

Thanks to all who have supported me; I will continue to work for those millions of Canadians who believe in and want a nation that will serve them and preserve their ideals.

I will work with and support the next Liberal leader.

In the meantime I will work with this Parliament to serve the best interests of us all.

Thankyou.