MONTREAL — Liberal party brass are calling this week's get-together in Montreal the biggest leadership convention in Canadian history, with nearly 9,000 people registered to attend.

Of that number, 4,274 are eligible to cast ballots for their favourite leadership contender. That number could rise even higher if the party approves 1,353 alternate delegates, Liberals who have arrived to vote on behalf of others from the same riding who could not attend.

Weather had been a concern for many of the candidates, with freezing rain and heavy snowfall in some parts of the country.

But the party made exceptions for some who arrived slightly after the 9 a.m. registration deadline.

For example, 12 people trapped on a Montreal highway because of a car accident will be allowed to vote despite their lack of punctuality.