Crawley defeats Copps for Liberal party presidency

The Liberals wrapped up their road to renewal conference in Ottawa and delegates approved a controversial plan to legalize marijuana. Roger Smith has more on the conference.

CTV News Channel: Mike Crawley, party president

The Liberal party president says the easiest thing to do would've been for the Liberals to sit quietly until the next election but he says the party debated instead about the future.

CTV News Channel: Bob Rae on the Liberals' future

The Liberal interim leader says the convention was about change and openness and also says how the Liberals understand and embrace diversity.

CTV News Channel: Bob Rae answers questions

The Liberal interim leader says the current laws regarding marijuana aren't working and also discusses the Northern Gateway pipeline.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Liberal interim Leader Bob Rae holds up the hand of newly-elected Liberal party president Mike Crawley as they celebrate his victory at the Liberal Biennal Convention in Ottawa on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012. (Sean Kilpatrick / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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John Size, CTVNews.ca

Date: Sun. Jan. 15 2012 8:52 PM ET

The Liberal Party of Canada wrapped up a three-day convention with a message of hope and renewal after electing a new president and setting the groundwork for its next election campaign.

Mike Crawley narrowly defeated former deputy prime minister Sheila Copps and two others to assume the presidency of the embattled party Sunday.

The race between Crawley and Copps had been too close to call and both sides were unsure which way the ballots would go.

A high-level source told CTV News Channel's Mercedes Stephenson only 26 votes separated the two. There were about 3,000 delegates at the biennial convention in Ottawa.

In his victory speech, Crawley said Liberals want to get down to the "nuts and bolts" of getting inactive riding associations going across the country.

"To be clear that we all want a party with passion and heart . . . that is committed to internal democracy and a high level of integrity," he told delegates gathered at the Ottawa Convention Centre.

Crawley has been active with the federal Liberals since 1985 serving in a variety of posts, including president of the Ontario wing and sitting on the party's national board.

Copps had represented her Hamilton riding both provincially and federally for 23 years before being ousted at a nasty nomination meeting in 2004.

The party president's job is mainly managerial, dealing with riding associations across the country and other issues.

In a potentially risky move that could shape the Liberals' 2015 election platform, delegates voted in favour of legalizing and regulating marijuana, which interim leader Bob Rae immediately endorsed on principle.

The motion passed with 77 per cent support. Until now, Liberals have only called for decriminalization of marijuana, as has the NDP. The ruling Conservatives, on the other hand, have introduced stiffer penalties for marijuana possession.

"Let's face up to it, Canada, the war on drugs has been a complete bust," Rae said in his closing speech, wrapping up the convention on Sunday.

"If you want to be part of a group of free-thinking, innovative, thoughtful, pragmatic, hopeful, positive, happy people, come and join the Liberal party," he said.

"And after the resolution on marijuana today, it's going to be a group of even happier people in the Liberal party," he joked.

The marijuana resolution is not binding on the leader or the party so there's no guarantee the Liberals will actually campaign on the idea of legalizing pot.

A resolution to rid Canada of the monarchy failed to gain support among the Liberal delegates.

Both the marijuana and monarchy resolutions were put forward by the party's youth wing in an effort to revive the Liberals' appeal with bold ideas. The party took a beating in last May's federal election, losing official opposition status to the NDP with only 34 seats.

Delegates also voted to reaffirm a woman's right to choose an abortion, even though it's already enshrined in law by the Supreme Court. The motion also called for equal access to reproductive services and fines for provinces that don't meet guidelines.

Saturday, delegates voted to allow "supporters" to vote for the party as well as card-carrying members. A leadership vote is slated for 2013 to replace Rae, who hasn't ruled out a run for the top job.

Crawley said the 33-member executive will make decisions about leadership rules "over the next few months."

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

30 years from now, some of the conservative on this blog will be still talking about ADSCAM in some forum or another. But they will have long forgotten about the brown envelopes stuffed with cash pocketed by brian mulroney. I don't see any difference between the old conservatives and the old liberals. They all seemed to be at the trough. What I do care about is the politics of the future and how it will be shaped. Heaven help us if conservative ideology is all we have to choose from.

Brian from Calgary
said

I wasn't a fan of the Liberals before this convention, and I'm especially not a fan of them now that they have chosen "Creepy Crawly" as their president. They have still yet to change anything that Canadian's will truly appreciate. You want to get my vote and the vote of anyone else who has switched from Grit to Tory? Then stop worshiping Pierre Trudeau, stop acting as if you have the right to govern, stop punishing our nation's military for cheap political points, stop this idea that unelected people are the pinnacle of modern democracy, and start caring about issues the majority of Canadians actually care about. Marijuana, doesn't go in that category, the Economy does.

Mike K. Calgary
said

At least some people see that when you have to rebuild, sometimes you have to go deeper than the ground floor. You need to haul away the foundation that was laid down so long ago and start building from a brand new foundation. That is what the Liberals need to do. There should be no tired, old Liberals left. Retire and let the New Generation build their N.L.P. (New Liberal Party), without your tired, old, outdated ideas. All you seasond Liberals are now, is" too much salt in the stew."

Ian Ottawa
said

I quote. In his victory speech, Crawley said Liberals want to get down to the "nuts and bolts" of getting inactive riding associations going across the country.First off, it should be "Nuts and Dolts" when referring to the Liberals. Secondly The Liberals already have "Inactive Riding Associations" across the Country. I can see they are off to a good start. As for legalizing pot, maybe they should research (at their own expense) the cost of damage that these drugs being abused will cost.

Wendy
said

Governments around the world should pay attention to a report issued last year by the Global Commission on Drug Policy. The title could have been "Just Say No to the War on Drugs. The "war" is now about 40 years old in the Western world, and stats show access to drugs is as easy as ever and consumption has increased during the four decades. "Vast expenditures ... have clearly failed to effectively curtail supply or consumption," the report states, adding, "in many countries the harm done by drug prohibition in terms of corruption, violence and violation of human rights largely exceeds the harm caused by the drugs." In other words, the emperor has no clothes. The war isn't working. It's making things worse. Thank you spaz for your wonderful insight, I guess your just one of those that doesn't want to change things for the better.

Old Ted
said

The Liberals are so bankrupt for ideas that they are turning to legalize pot. It's a no brainer that should have been done decades ago. Sell it through the liquor stores and make money from it. Liquor drinkers get ugly. Pot smokers get happy. One is as bad as the other for your health but I'll take the happy guy any time.

The Future
said

The Liberal Party of Canada is dead. They will be buried in the next election.

Joanne J
said

Unitl Tomy Clement pays back the 50 million he stole and Harpo reinburses the Canadian tax payer for spending over a billion on G8/G20 and until MacKay reimburses the Canadian coffers for his free helocopter rides and over indulgences in hotel rooms I don't want to hear another thing about adscam. This government is stealing from the public purse meaning our tax dollars. Their entitlement to the Canadian purse has to stop. They have run up the debt higher than any other government in our history. They were left with a surplus and what did they do. They blew it. Now they want to spend billions more on planes and jails. I have had enough of them inflicting their right wing ideology on all of us. They really are a CRAP party and sooner gone the better.

Brent
said

Thankfully no rational thinking Canadian (read anyone OUTSIDE Ontario and Quebec) will ever vote for the Liberal party!

spaz
said

No wonder the vote was so close......how do you choose......a "has been" or a "never been"Sooooooo lets go smoke a joint and come up with some new policy.....man....sooo coooooooll

TM
said

@justanothercanadian: Have the CONservatives accounted for all the dollars poured into Tony Clement's ridng for the 'G8' conference?

Marky
said

I was out of the country for a few years. I knew Harper wanted to make us more like the United States but I didn't know he was introducing stiffer penalties for something we already decriminalized and discussed to death ten years ago. Now he's saying he doesn't want to reopen the gay marriage debate, but I don't believe a word that comes out of his mouth.

justanothercanadian
said

Hey Sean. The ADSCAM money is MISSING. Where did the Liberals put it, hide it, or spend it. It's missing, it's lost, it can't be found. It can't be accounted for. Understand.

Damon
said

It surprises me that some are acting like the Liberals shouldn't be discussing on the "non issue" of cannabis. Apparently it is high priority enough for the Conservatives to spend millions of $ incarcerating people for growing as little as 6 plans. Apparently its worth the enormous amount of money we've spent on our failed attempt to prohibit it. For the millions of Canadians that use it recreational and medically, its decriminalization or legalization is important. Even the economists are interested in the cannabis issue due to the billions involved in the trade. Whether it be about money or personal freedoms, cannabis legalization is a serious issue.

Rick in the Hat
said

Marcel....you said it like I would say it. I am a conservative...i'm not looking for a kill of the liberal party...I want to see a restructured opposition to keep my government in check....work with the government.....government will change with the times.....history doth repeat itself time and time again.....Canadians are not ready for liberal or NDP governance....but at least bring some poignant issues to the people.

IslandGuy
said

So nothing definitive or interesting here. Slim majority=divided and uninteresting party.

trevoralrob
said

It probably doesn't matter who is elected as the leader in 2013 because Harper has done such a poor job with all issues, he has degraded Canada on the world stage and created a massive debt. 9 out of 10 economists agree the best thing for Canada's economy is to get rid of Harper.

Intelligent Liberal
said

First a moment of silence in remembrance of the previous President of The Liberal Party Of Canada, not sure what his name is.....Crawley has guaranteed the legalization of Marijuana. The next step is how to get their addresses so they can be picked up to vote in the next election. They might need reminding what candidate to put an x beside as well, but still the Big Red Avalanche has begun.

SDCinNS
said

So typically Liberal. "How can we get votes back? - no one likes us. Let's try legalizing drugs!" They have no principles - they just constantly go where they think they can get votes.

toni
said

Kind of funny, didn't hear a thing about the NDP leadership debate, but the Liberals are all over the news. Hmmm, I don't think the Libs are done for yet.

Greg
said

Mlkwz, Harper did not introduce any economic policies since he has been in power so all the thanks for the state of Canada's economy is the result of good liberal policies. You have to give credit where it's due, Harper has created the largest national debt in Canadian history, that's all the credit Harper gets because that is all he's done. Thank you have a great evening.

unremarkable
said

@ all cons. You con folks crack me up. The globes are on. Do you have nothing better to do than get angry on a Sunday night, especially with an entertaining awards show on. Get a glass of wine, relax and read ALL the posts on this thread. :)

ExConservative
said

Harper won't be getting my vote again, he has increased the size of governemt to historic highs, he has increased the size of parliament, appointed senators again, the crime agenda goes to far and will cost us billions, he is dictating to provinces about health care rather than negoitating, and making illogical decisions in regards to national defense... I'm glad the Liberals are rebuilding and working on getting my vote, because there was no other choice with out them...

glen
said

i will not vote for any party which makes pot legal. its going to create more mayhen, we have enough thanks

Les Grossman
said

I don't think this will help the liberals much. Maybe lose a few more seats.

Sean
said

Dano said;I doubt the new Latte Liberal president will commit to finding the missing $40 million Adscam money.--------------------------How about we go looking for the $50 million that was set aside for border security that went missing in somebodies riding....

Scotty
said

I don't understand the 'New Blood" in the party comments. he has been working in the party since 1985 - that's 22 years!How does 22 years working in the Liberal machine equal new blood and ideas????

Mikez.
said

1st of all Cobbs lost to Crawley so she is not party president. No need to panic.I can see why the Liberals want to legitimize Marijuana... look at their new PRESIDENT!!!He looks like he is all about SEX, DRUGS & Rock n' Roll.About Haper, just look at all latest world rankings.Ex: best country to live in, richest country etc. Canada is 1st or around the top 5 in every single one of them. All thanks to the Concervatives.

Mac
said

Well there's one way to attract votes, especially from younger folk.

Dylan
said

All of this liberal bashing by cons could easily be applied to the conservative party. Quit being such hypocrites.

Don't worry, you'll be back into a minority, or even an opposition role next election.

spasticus
said

wow not much of a choice, either sheila or mr. crawley. Either one is kinda creepy and still leaves the liberals wanting. Only good thing they are talking about is the canabis issue. Pot is far less harmless than alcohol or tobacco or all the drugs peddled by big pharma

Mark E
said

Harper has been a complete failure, it will be nice to have the fiscal liberals back in power, only another 3 years till we give Harper the boot.

Mr John.
said

Before those commentators give the credit to the Cons.....do your research on who made our banking system the best in the world as well as many other things
that hold us in good standing in the world.... Read and educate yourself before giving too much credit to others, who if left to go at it freely we would be in the same mess as the "US" and many other nations with banking etc.
Stop shooting off at the gums before you get all facts straight and in proper order... END of STORY..!!!

Sober
said

In the grand scheme of things, Sheila Copps was the real winner. No winner wants to be at the head of a losing party.

peter in mb
said

@Ted in Ottawa � Wow Ted you are right! I googled it and found that "Neo-conservatism or neocon is a variant of the political ideology of conservatism which rejects the utopianism and egalitarianism of modern liberalism but sees a role for the welfare state". The word neocon means "newly conservative," and thus "formerly liberal". This fits me like a glove, I voted for the liberals in 1993 and 1996. But after the gun registry, and the youth criminal justice act (Hug a thug polices) of the liberals, ad scam and all the broken promises. I change my vote to the conservatives or neocon movment. So I guess I am a Neocon. And I am dam proud of it.

k
said

Steve O. Don't go cutting crime budgets just yet. Legalizing marihuana will not generate billions of dollars for government coffers. Canada sponsors gov't run grow ops for medicinal marihuana and the most common complaint is the marihuana is not strong enough. If marihuana is legalized, organized crime will go into competition with the gov't for a share of the marihuana profits and all without paying any taxes. They will grow a superior product for a reduced or competitive price to that of the gov't.

Raymond
said

Harper's thrust is the economy, expanding trade, keeping Canada solvent, and keeping Canadians safe. Meanwhile, the LPC is concerned with legalizing dope and regurgitating a former deputy PM's sex life. The once-mighty Liberal Party is nothing more than a sad joke.

charlie
said

Folks who are against the legalization of pot should not be too concerned, nor should those folks who are for legalization be too jubilant. One must remember that Liberal promises, based on past history, are like tissues - use for intended purpose and then discard. Can we all say "scrap the GST"? Same old, same old. Same song, different singers - ho hum.

Ted in Ottawa
said

I love the way that some liberals throw around the word "neocon or neoconservative" like it was a dirty and derogatory word. A neoconservative is actually a liberal who rejects egalitarian views but still sees a role for the welfare state. In other words a neocon is a liberal who was hijacked by reality. So calling someone a neocon is actually a dig at liberals, not conservatives.

Barry Harvie
said

Until the Liberal Party steps out of the dark ages and realizes that their very future depends on their ability to attract young dynamic leaders they will remain in the cellar. The answer certainly does not lie with the likes of Bob Rae and Sheila Copps.

peter in mb
said

The best thing that happened to the conservatives was they got annihilated in 1993. they then had to start over again from the ground up with new younger MP�s who are in touch with modern Canada. It took 13 years and The right of center alliance merger with the former PC party to created the centralist the conservative party of today. Their were some losses of MP�s from the old guard. Some ultra right wing alliance member quit the new CPC, and some red Tory socialists like Scoot brison left and joined the liberal party. This was a good thing for Steven Harper to have the new CPC house cleaned so they could reinvent the party with new faces and new modern up to date policies and distance the party from the old former Mulroney PC government. Unfortunately I can not say the same for the liberals. New faces and old out dated policies. They are still reading from the Red book of 1993. Maybe if the liberal stop pulling out these old politicians out of the moth balls and put some of the old guard in, they may have a chance to develop a new credibly party. However this will not happen because the liberal socialists are not a custom to doing the same 13 years of hard diligent work the conservative had to do. They want all their power handed to them for free. The only thing liberal about the liberal party is its name.

Going nowhere slowly
said

This is all very boring and much to do about nothing. I watched the convention on and off and to be honest it was quite lame. These folks couldn't organize a boy scout picnic without a hitch. There is so much bad blood still surfacing in the Liberal party it will take at least another decade to eradicate it. along with all the arrogance and sense of entitlement attitudes.

Wild woman 39
said

Wow the Liberal Convention had over 3,000 people attending, and 30,000 people following the events online.New faces in the leadership of the Party is what the Party needs to Rebuild, and to bring in new people. For example , the resolution to legalize marijuana will draw in people who support the 420 movement.Another example, to open up room for supporters,will also help the party to grow in the future.LIberals are not dead, but Rebuilding. And Rebuilding faster then I thought they would, that is for sure.

Dano
said

I doubt the new Latte Liberal president will commit to finding the missing $40 million Adscam money.

Peter M
said

Liberals, Conservatives, NDP all are liars. All parties are interested in votes and putting money in their pockets. Conservatives are only for rich people. Liberals are only for rich people but doing it in secrecy. NDP with promising jobs for life(which it is impossible). The NDP is fighting for healthcare for all but the rest....don't care.Creating the jobs - many jobs are part-time where the workers are taking home about 800 dollar per month and a bachelor to rent cost 600 dollar monthly.What an achievement for many Canadians! This false impression is alluring and fooling around many Canadians. For just one part-time job position there are hundred of applicants and if you are over 50 you don't get a chance. Criminals are dancing on the streets and the politicians don't care, because they are going around in cars not subways or buses. I would like to see a political party doing more for poor Canadians like stop importing overseas labor and take care of Canadians and permanent residents.

Old Ted
said

Well said Remarkable. Some people just don't know enough to quit when the time comes. To go from being deputy prime minister to being defeated by a nobody says it all. The Liberal party seems to be pretty bankrupt when it comes to leadership and new ideas. It isn't good for the country when a government doesn't have any credible opposition. The NDP is a sick joke, so we had better get the Liberal party sorted out.

Doug ^^^ BC
said

I coulnd not disagree with "sandy" any more than I do about Sheila Copps and her electability. She will always be known as the MP who PROMISED that the GST would be axed under a Liberal government.The Liberals won an election on the basis of scrapping the FTA with the USA,and axing the GST.They got a majority in Parlaiment,also with less than 50% of the popular vote,and went on to abaondom BOTH of those promises.She has no credibility with which she can claim the moral high ground on anything. BTW.She is also one of the Trudeau Liberals who promised to legalize pot more than 40 years ago.In spite of the fact that the LPC had the majorities to do exactly that,they ran and hid from that issue as well. The mere fact that she remains high in the LPC tells me that no real "renewal" is going on at all. I say that sadly.But I am a former Liberal,and one who would love a "renewed" LPC as an option on the ballot.But this is just the same old, same old,with a few new faces selling the same steer manure. The LPC problem is their funding.They get huge funding from special interest groups who lobby them.Abandoning any one of them cuts into their chances.But revealing them and what the are lobbying for is not something they have to reveal to voters unless the actually form government.By then,it's to late for voters to do anything about it. The special interest groups that fund the LPC are all left wingers.As long as more socialism is what they are demanding,the LPC will have to keep those policies,or lose those supporters to the NDP.

Ex-Libber
said

It doesn't matter who won...the Libs are done for...

Greg in Victoria
said

no change. Liberals dangle a carrot to get votes (legalizing marijuana). then yank it back after elected. enough already.

Fed up in Mtl.
said

To the new president : First item of business. Ditch Ignatieff. No charisma, no plan, arrogant. Canadians don't like him ! Get it ?

Sens/Habs Fan - Ottawa
said

On Question Period today Craig Oliver mentioned that the NDP will have a Leader in March and that the so called Liberals will NOT have in place for 3 years and they will have to get by the NDP before even thinking they will lead this country again. Also comment about the Convention the NDP and Conservatives held at the same Convention Hall had thousands more who showed, so what's this saying -- Canadians are NO LONGER proud to say they support the Liberals and proved it last election and the next election and then they will be DEAD..they try to resurrect the dead but it will NOT work.

Ryan
said

Can't wait to be a "supporter" and help elect Bob Rae as leader---a guarantee of another Conservative majority.

Merv
said

What a vote of confidence, to beat SHEILA by under 30 votes. Wow...... He must be a real winner!!!

mike
said

Unremarkable, It seems that you are actually refering to the liberal party as these deeds you speak of are from the liberal agenda. Scandal after scandal with the liberals. Oh and then you have the Ontario liberals who have done nothing but lie and run the province into bankruptcy.Oh and by the wat rhe conservative party does have a majority or have you been sleeping like most liberals do.

Dexter
said

While the conservatives priority is to create jobs, stimulate the economy and build Canada for a better future, the Liberals are still out of step with Canadians, their priorities are to legalize marijuana and to soften the justice system so that more criminals can get back out on the streets as long as they promise not to recommit their crimes. This party needs to get its head up from their bongs and get with what is really important to Canadians.

mining guy Jim
said

"Who?" beat "OH NO not HER again!" Wasn't she the one who took a PCer to task for an old drinking song? The songwriter made a mint, the PC lost a job and she lost all credibility

sandy
said

now sheila will be free to run for the leader of the party. if she was elected leader she would have no problem beating harper in an election. no boubt she would prove herself to be one of the greatest prime ministers that we ever had. now go for it sheila .the whole country is behind you!.

Bob T
said

WOW this is great . I think what did in Shiela was her promise to allow Bob Rae to run as permanent leader . Hopefully the new prez will not change the rules and Bob won't be able to run .

Andy
said

Didn't see much diversity at the convention and among different party spokespersons and leaders. Already, the Liberal caucus is the least diverse in the House of Commons.

G
said

@unremarkable. The Montreal accord, leading on the ending of apartheid (getting UK and USA on board whcih was against their economic interests), both international successes motivated by the right reasons (conservative initiatives). Elimination of the MST and the formation of NAFTA (Canada's largest trading partners), domestic and international successes. Elimination of the NEP (a domestic policy that was punitive to one region over another). You may dislike the conservatives, but they make tough decisions in the best interest of ALL Cannadians, not one region over another. The LPC transfers debt to the provinces, and mismanages every portfolio assuming the beaurocrats are capable, not to mention working together in adscam. You have your politics upside down! There is a big difference between knowledge and belief. YOur beliefs are not based in knowledge.

peter in mb
said

So the liberals are going to reopen the abortion debate. Something that they always accused the conservative of doing with their fear mongering tactics.

Tim
said

The Liberal party is important to Canada, as are the Conservatives & NDP (though staunch supporters of each will never admit it). More voices in a discussion are necessary and when you simply remove an entire wing of the political spectrum, you risk the 2 party debacle that is the American political system. I hope the Liberals do rebuild, and I hope they rebuild themselves into a proper centrist party. Get rid of the old guard, bring on the young blood and lets avoid a 2 party system.

Sean
said

in response to nowsitback, name one person in the past 200 years that has ever died from marijuana. as long as liquor & cigarettes can be sold, you have no argument.

Canada for honest Canadians
said

Does anybody get a bad smell coming from Ottawa this weekend? Oh wait, that is just the dying carcus of the LPC. Time to bury this relic once and for all. But before we do, lets try and get back all that money they have stolen from Canadians.

Marcel
said

I welcome a resurgence of the Liberal Party - and I am a staunch Conservative. However, I see the Liberal Party as a second choice over the NDP any day of the week. The NDP is, IMO, the worst of all evils, a party of incompetent and ignorant would-be economic managers (including Jack) who have never learned the truth of Margaret Thatcher's wisdom: "The problem with socialism is what to do after you run out of other people's money." Look how they screwed B.C., Saskatchewan and Ontario. I prefer Conservative but I can sort of live with Liberals.

Pat
said

Poor Tequila Sheila lost...guess she can go back to her great sex life that she was bragging about yesterday. Now all the pot-heads have a reason to vote Liberal...they are going to legalize it...that should win them a majority in the next election!!

MARG MM
said

Gotta love it when the "Liberal cheerleaders" take on a similar "name", then mock any comments that favor the Conservatives. Can't think of anything constructive on your own??? I'll now wait for the "mockery" of my comment, if this gets posted.

allan
said

Lets face it, the so-called Liberal Party, is not really the liberal party anymore, They do not have the qualified people to develop a platform for a government. Just a group of has beens like Copps, Rae, etc. No modern thinking people. Copps is like a bad nightmare that reoccurs now and then. Go away Copps, give it up, you have nothing to offer a modern Canada!

George in Calgary
said

@unremarkable: I expect to see your name on the next ballot or better still running for the leader of the Liberal party. You are running aren't you because if you not then all that "hate" is just so much wasted energy.On another note it is interesting to see how Sheila has been defeated by the new guard and so how long will Ol'Bob last. He always looks as if he is chewing on something. Perhaps nerves so fair enough or is it a sunflower seed?

Alicia
said

Unremarkable, I believe that you have things backwards.... these things you talk about were liberal debacles not conservative. nice try.

George
said

Good new! The conservatives have always been the natural dysfunctional party out of touch with Canadians, the liberals have always been the natural fiscally responsible party in touch with Canadians.

Steve O
said

Will actually the majority of Canadians are for legalizing pot. We would save billions of dollars, it would quite rewarding criminals & Canadians would have a much safer alternative to pot. 75% of Canadians are for legalizing pot, 25% of eligible voters voted for Harper. Looks like you & Harper are out of touch with Canadians..

Willyb
said

Holy crap! Grunge! Clean this guy up!! How about a hair cut, new suit perhaps? Lets at least LOOK sharp and professional shall we?

RZ
said

So what? As long as the new NDP leader is a far more credible candidate than anything the Liberals can offer (Rae doesn't count as he is an interim), none of these Liberal proposals will matter and they will continue to sink further into irrelevancy. Heck, maybe even the Green Party will get ahead of the Liberals at the rate they are going! Or maybe we'll see new parties forming left, right, and centre as has been the case in Québec in order to finally put the Liberals to rest!Sarcasm aside, Canadians will eventually get ticked off at Stephen Harper to a point he needs to be turfed and when that happens, an NDP government is more likely than a Liberal one.

lynne
said

I don't understand why so many posters below are ranting as if Sheila Copps had won her bid for party president. She didn't, she lost. Perhaps this new individual, a new face for most of the general public, will bring some fresh air and new ideas into the old party. It needs some.

M. Silvester
said

I hope the Liberal party becomes more organized than they were this morning in a race to see who could make the announcement. With about 10 people on the podium, all vying for the position of camera exposure, it certainly was very entertaining, and one more reason why I will not vote Liberal.

Ottawa Jack
said

PLEASE CTV: Why is the 3rd place Liberal Party constantly in the Headline News? Very few Canadians care anything about a party that will do & say anything to obtain a few misled voters ( eg legalize pot ). To all those lefties who do not like Canada under elected PM Harper, I challenge you to state ( with rationale ) what other country in this world you would rather be living in.

Bob,Calgary,Alberta
said

This is a good start electing a young man as President rather than a tired, old pol whose time has come and gone. Sheila should wander off into the wilderness and live for the rest of her days on her exorbitant pension which comes out of the rather undeep pockets of the Canadian taxpayer. The Liberals must come back as an alternative to Stephen Harper because it is good for the country to have two parties ready for prime time. Unless the NDP change their approach and get rid of their union/nanny state mentality they cannot aspire to national leadership. While I am conservative minded and would normally vote conservative Harper has shown himself to be much less fiscally conservative than I would like and should the Liberals elect a more fiscally conservative leader I'd have no problem casting a vote for the Liberals. I would note that Bob Rae,however, is not that fiscally conservative leader I could vote for. Good luck to the LIberals in their rejuvenation efforts.

hollis
said

i think the liberals will stay a 3rd place party . ray has been around to long. he should go back to the n.d.p. he is boaring and copps is baggage from days gone by. this bunch have nothing new to offer the public.

Johnstone
said

To unremarkable... Are you serious? You clearly have no concept of history. The Liberal party has a clear and absolutely undeniable sense of entitlement to government. The Conservatives represent the values and beliefs of good, hard working Canadians and have done an excellent job at managing the economy during incredibly difficult times. As far as alienating Canada's allies, again are you serious? Canada's international reputation has never been better. The Conservatives have done a great job at re-building the military and are gaining respect in the world with our role in Afghanistan, Haiti and Lybia. The Liberals alienated the US (Canada's most important ally) in the aftermath of 9/11 with their pathetic decision about Iraq. If you're going to have an opinion at least get your facts straight.

Will
said

stu, we all clearly understand the "difference". If you think that your party president has no power over the "leader", you are deluded. Especially in an utterly corrupt party like the libs

Dave in Edm
said

Good for the Liberals, they appear to be certainly moving in the right direction and we will need them for the next election... I suspect Frank McKenna will be running for the Leadership of the Liberals next year, he fixed NB after a decade of corruption and deficits by Hatfield and his Conservative government, and he will be well suited to fix the corruption and deficits by Harper...

Will
said

Too bad, but it won't change the liberal fate in the long run. The lib's are toast until/unless they dump the thieves, return everything they stole, and correct their collective rectal-cranial inversion. Canadians know just how corrupt the party is.

Ontarian
said

Well, I'll be watching how this gentleman handles himself before i start making comments, the Liberals made some mistakes, but I'm sure they have learned their lesson. Every party has made mistakes in the past. The NDP haven't followed up on a SINGLE promise they made in context with what they said on camera with openmedia so, for me, its back to 2 partys again. I support the military, but the whole prison thing with the conservatives has left a sour taste in my mouth.

Josh
said

Legalizing marijuana?? I was thinking of voting for them in the next election, but now they've lost my vote.

will 2
said

to bad for the liberal party, there seem to be a vacuum for stand out leadership. Maybe after we are all hooked on the pot. a leader will be easy to find.

dualstrats
said

awesome news now maybe they can start rebuilding with newer and fresher ideas for the future...

James T.
said

Down with the third party! Down with the party of the NEP, Carbon Tax & Green Shaft!!!

Now to sit back..
said

Well, with everything going down the tubes for the LPC, I guess they have the great crystal ball to ensure we'll have legislation so that we can all TOKE up and watch the country waste away under their control. Imagine, our country's economy, health care requirements, educational needs....and they see and put legalizing dope as their main agenda. Un-$@$@$#-believable!!

Les from Alberta
said

AND.....who cares!

rick
said

Where is Frank McKenna when the nation needs him most!?

unremarkable
said

I can't begin to tell you how much I despise the conservative party of Canada. Mulroney and Harper marginalized this country, destroyed our international standing, stole money through g7 summit, stole money through airbus, used their public office for financial gain and on and on it goes. They believe they are entitled to do what they want, they believe they are entitled to form the government of this country, they believe they are entitled to help themselves to hard working Canadians to benefit themselves. They p*** off our allies, they rub the leaders of the G7 all the wrong way, they compromise Canadian values and traditions all for the sake of getting a vote. I hate this party with a passion!

Northern Princess
said

Come on CTV. Do you honestly have to put something about this 'entitled' party everyday? If its not the Lieberals in general, its Bob Rae (just about every single day since the election), Sheila Copps or something related to these bozos. Enough already! Are you biased or are you a newspaper?

BCass Ottawa
said

Is there still someone in this country that can trust a Liberal? Look at Ontario and say you trust McGuinty. What a mess. There should be a special required course at university that all Canadian future politicians must attend and pass before taking office at any level of government.
Competance, credibilty, leadership, accountability etc. all to be designed into this course for some assurance of success. You can be successful at a private company if you have the money. Governance for the people is with taxpayer money not your money. You can be a good lawyer and a lousy manager at governance.

Bob Ray
said

Race? A race to the bottom maybe. Goodbye.

Will
said

Liberals have voted at their convention to support the legalisation of pot for the masses. Just shows how pie in the sky and out of touch with Canadians they are.

Mike in Newmarket
said

Oh geez, not Steven Harper! Is he still promising to reduce needed revenue by reducing the GST again? The conservative party of Canada is out of ideas, they are brain dead. The only thing that they can offer Canadians now is higher taxes, more looting of the public purse and more debt and deficits just to say that they have kept their election promises (all the while lying through their teeth). It is time that this party disappear and work with those who are at the center of the political spectrum to actually put some substance in some of their policies.

reidjr
said

Canadian Bob
I don't think the Cpc is failing Canadians could they do more sure As for the Liberals it all depends how the Liberals go into the next election if they go in as we need to take care Of Canada and make sure our own are looked after i think they could win but if they go into it in a pro social programs mind set and not wanting to clean up our system be it fix welfare and ei etc and if they go in as a we ened to open up the flood gates to immergration no i don't think they will win.

Don Fodor
said

To all you Neo Cons. Before you condemn other parties.. remember that you and your leaders are guilty of eliminating programs that are important to a majority of Canadians and supporting projects that are only in the interests of your rich and foreign friends. Remember that you got your 40%(majority?) only because of an outdated system. Hopefully it will be corrected soon and you can join your Republican friends at the bottom of the slag heap.

Hobbes
said

Canadian Bob: Not sobered up from last night yet?
Even back in the days of Saint Lester the Liberals paid no attention to financial matters. The only thing they were interested in was retaining power so they could line their own pockets and those of their friends! Now they scream about Tory deficits they themselves recommended during the late recession! Sheila Copps as President and Bob Rae as leader?--a recipe for continuing disaster and a downgrading of our credit level to lower than that of Greece!

Dean in Abby
said

I'm with Remarkable. The Liberals did nothing for the country. They did however line their pockets and those of their friends. Don't forget that Trudeau brought home our constitution which now has effectively screwed up our "alleged" justice system so badly, it doesn't work at all. In fact, it would seem that criminals have more rights than the victims. The Liberals ruined our country trying to enforce bilingualism, and multiculturalism. You can't enforce this behaviour in people.No one should tolerate racism or the like but legislating against stupidity doesn't work.

Stu
said

Will, this is a vote for liberal president. The party president's job is mainly managerial, dealing with riding associations across the country and other issues. The leadership race will be in 2013, Bob Rae is intern leader until then. Typical neo-con they just don't seem to understand, more like cheerleaders for a hockey team with no understanding of our political system. Harper was voted in by only 25% of eligible voters so it won't take much too beat him in the next election.

Honest Feedback
said

If the Liberal party's aim is to be taken seriously, with an objective of adding value for all Canadians, start with the party's executive and wipe the slate clean. This party is very successful at attracting individuals with failed track records whom aspire to be something greater than their competency and abilities will allow. Rae, Copps, Dalton and brother..... move on.... this party requires a LEADER, a real one. It's time to start looking outside the party.

A Concerned Canadian
said

The Liberal Party drama continues.

Peter K
said

Man the Liberals are painful to watch . Shelia Copps as party prez , Bob Rae as leader , voter clickers that don't work and U.S. style primaries . i'd just like to ask the Liberals here : did any of you read Frank McKenna's renewal report ? I thought he did a pretty good job . You go to a 1 member 1 vote system , you lower the membership fee down to $10 and then after get 500 000 people to join you put them into a national data base and work them for donations .

Oh No - Ottawa
said

Just turned on CPAC and first face on the screen was the former Speaker Milliken - watched the House of Commons many times and this man did NOT have control over his beloved Liberal Party. The only time the Liberal Party stood for anything was when Lester Pearson was Prime Minister, and since there has been absolutely no one who could possibly meet this challenge. During my exercise class and bowling time there isn't one person around that has any use for this Liberal Party, they do NOT want any one other then the older folks and should remember that these old folks check out sooner then you think. Here in Ontario we have the Green Energy costing Ontario millions if not billions of dollars and now hear that the McGuinty's and possibly the one who got this Province in a mess may consider running for the Liberals.. don't forget people the "CARBON TAX" and that would apply to all if this so called 3rd party flakes get in. This party was put where they are today by Canadian Voters and it will happen again and hopefully do away with them.

Will
said

Bob, despite your bleet to the contrary, the Conservative (elected) goverment is not failing, is not driivng the country into debt (your hero's already did that) and are doing a pretty good job for us all. Nice, try, take off the tin-foil hat and go back on your meds please. Your party has a very long way to go in re-inventing itself before responsible Canadians will trust them again (like never).

David
said

I just want to vomit seeing Copps again.....miss "I will resign if we do not get rid of the GST".....she resigns, then immediately reruns in the byelection at a cost of around 1 million taxpayers dollars...... go away!

Bob T
said

The LPC has become a joke . You couldn't just go to a 1 member 1 vote system you had to bring in U.S. style primaries ?So how will this work , P.E.I. goes first than Nova Scotia ? So then Ont. Que. B.C. will vote as part of some sort of super tuesday ? Who goes last ? Alberta ?Like I said , what a joke .

Ian Ottawa
said

Copps is way to much of a Liberal Dinosaur and after the last election they became officially extinct. Why don't the Liberal supporters realize that their time has gone and why don't we just have a two party system without the Separatists that want, want, want?

Ranger 10
said

Go Sheila, You're the only one capable

Canadian Bob
said

In the formation of a new Liberal Party the policies must be changed to reflect the needs and desires of Canadians. Plans to rid this country of its ties with the Monarchy is a mistake and should be put to rest. There is great room for growth, and much of what needs to be accomplished and adapted is being put into the hands of the Liberal Party by a failing Conservative government. They are telling Liberals exactly what needs to be done each and every time they fail Canadians with their moves. As the Liberals gain expected strength, I welcome and encourage necessary change to truly take Canada into the 21st Century with true leadership. This Country has been lacking in that for an extremely long period of time, and while many thought there would be change in regards to transparency, accountability and leadership with the current government, they are knowingly mistaken. Of course, the fearful and mis-directional rhetoric from the neocon posters will dominate this forum, but it falls on deaf ears. The LPC is not interested nor influenced by the petty moans and groans submitted here.

Will
said

Copps as liberal leader? I LOVE it, that will hammer the final nail into the lid of the liberal coffin. Bring it on, baby!

Remarkable
said

I can't begin to tell you how much I despise the liberal party of Canada. Trudeau, Turner, Chretien, Martin marginalized this country, destroyed our Armed Forces, stole money from EI insurance, stole money through adscam, used their public office for financial gain and on and on it goes. They believe they are entitled to do what they want, they believe they are entitled to form the government of this country, they believe they are entitled to help themselves to hard working Canadians to benefit themselves. They p*** off our allies, they rub the leaders of the G7 all the wrong way, they compromise Canadian values and traditions all for the sake of getting a vote. I hate this party with a passion!

Mark in Newmarket
said

Oh geez, not Sheila the Copps! Is she still promising to get rid of the GST? The communist liberal party of Canada is out of ideas, they are brain dead. The only thing that they can offer Canadians now is higher taxes, more looting of the public purse and more debt and deficits just to say that they have kept their election promises (all the while lying through their teeth). It is time that this party disappear and work with those who are at the center of the political spectrum to actually put some substance in some of theiri policies.

mike
said

Who cares, just the same old bunch of hacks. Nothing is changed. They might as well join with the NDP at least you have Rae that knows how they operate. Waste of tax payers money.

A
said

the party is dead...... there is no point.

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Labour Minister Lisa Raitt speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Monday, May 28, 2012. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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