Statement by Liberal Leader Bob Rae on Christmas

Liberal Leader Bob Rae made the following statement today on Christmas:

“Today millions of Canadians come together to celebrate Christmas, to celebrate the spirit of the season with friends and loved ones. Christmas is an opportunity to reflect on our blessings and to remember those who are less fortunate. It is a time to give–to give our time, our energy and whatever else we can–to help those who are facing hard times this Christmas. We’re also thinking of those who cannot be home for the holidays-particularly the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces who are serving abroad. We thank you for your sacrifice and extend our support to you and your family. On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our parliamentary caucus, Arlene and I wish you all a very merry Christmas.”

Please note: Debate between Ron Hartling & Alf Apps has been CANCELLED. (which was being organized & hosted by Ron’s campaign)

Regarding events with Liberal Party of Canada Presidential candidates:

Please note that the Northumberland-Quinte West Federal Liberal Association does not support or endorse any one specific candidate for the presidency of the Liberal Party of Canada. Any events held in Northumberland-Quinte West hosted by the Northumberland-Quinte West Federal Liberal Association with Liberal Party of Canada presidential candidates in attendance will meet the following criteria: All Liberal Party of Canada presidential candidates will be informed of events and formally receive invitations, if an invitation is turned down other candidates still have the opportunity to attend. Any events held in the riding featuring one of the candidates with no invitations to other candidates are not supported by the Northumberland-Quinte West Federal Liberal Association . The Northumberland-Quinte West Federal Liberal Association strongly supports the invitation of all candidates to riding events not hosted by the Northumberland-Quinte West Federal Liberal Association . The Northumberland-Quinte West Federal Liberal Association supports the inclusion of all candidates for the election of a Liberal Party of Canada table officer position. The Northumberland-Quinte West Federal Liberal Association believes that opportunity must be given to all candidates for the presidency of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Statement by Liberal Heritage Critic Scott Simms on the 75^th Anniversary of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Radio-Canada

OTTAWA—Liberal Critic for Heritage Scott Simms made the following statement on the 75^th anniversary of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation:

“Today is a day to celebrate a truly national treasure. Throughout the last 75 years, the CBC and Radio-Canada have been there to connect all Canadians — to connect us to our own culture, politics and Canadian identity. The CBC unites us across great distances, in the smallest towns and the largest cities, showcasing and celebrating the great diversity that exists within our borders.

For three-quarters of a century, our public broadcaster has given us the platform to tell our stories, in both official languages, and share them across the country. As Canada has grown and evolved, the CBC has always run parallel, developing new and innovative ways of chronicling the story of our country and its people.

The CBC has created history and it has captured history. On this important milestone, we appreciate the unique contributions that the CBC has made to our country.”

Liberal Caucus Readies for Fall Session of Parliament with Focus on Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

OTTAWA— Following the most inclusive Summer Caucus in Liberal history, past-candidates, Members of Parliament and Senators will return to their communities today with a clear message for Canadians: The Liberal Party is focused on jobs, jobs, jobs; not cuts, cuts, cuts.

“When I travelled the country this summer people told me they want a government and a Parliament that is interested in getting this country to work, not one that is obsessed with polarized debates over rigid ideology,” said Liberal Leader Bob Rae. “Those are the priorities we focused on during our meetings, those are the priorities we will bring to Parliament this Fall, and those are the priorities that inspire our movement.”

The Liberal Summer Caucus was held in Ottawa following a summer tour that saw Mr. Rae visit all ten provinces and Canada’s North.  The ideas and suggestions he received on the road fed the discussions held over the last four days, and mixed with the perspectives gathered by Members of Parliament, Senators and past-candidates. The meetings also provided input into the crucial Party rebuilding process already underway.

“The work of rebuilding the Liberal Party and launching a movement capable of replacing the Harper Conservatives began in earnest this week,” said Liberal Caucus Chair Francis Scarpaleggia. “By listening to Canadians, being focused on real priorities like jobs and the economy and by making major changes in our organization, I’m confident we will get there.”

Statement by Liberal Leader Bob Rae on the death of Jack Layton

TORONTO – Liberal Leader Bob Rae made the following statement today on the death of NDP Leader Jack Layton:
 
“Like all Canadians, Arlene and I are deeply saddened by the death of Jack Layton.  He was a friend of ours for many years, and despite our political differences his decency, good humour and extraordinary resilience earned our deep admiration.  We remained friends throughout our political lives. 
 
On behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and our Parliamentary Caucus, I express our deep condolences to Olivia and Jack’s family, as well as to his colleagues and friends in the New Democratic Party.  He leaves a powerful legacy of a commitment to social justice in his work in Toronto as a city councillor and as a national leader.
 
Peace and comfort to all.  When David Lewis passed away Stanley Knowles ended his eulogy with the words “shalom chaver, shalom”.  Peace, brother, peace.”

                                                                 A message from Bob Rae

But with your help, we can use them to relaunch Liberal.ca as the hub of the Liberal movement in Canada.

Since I wrote you last, countless Liberals have shared their ideas for renewal. It’s made me realize something.

We need a place where we can organize, connect and work together. Where we can build the socially compassionate, fiscally responsible vision that is at the heart of a Liberal Canada.

A place where every Canadian who wants to join can help us build this movement.

Today, my team is starting a sprint to relaunch Liberal.ca as that place. And we want you involved every step of the way.

That’s why we’ve put together a short video to show you where we want to take the Liberal website.

Have a look — and if you can, please donate to make this grassroots website possible.

Our first deadline is in just 7 days: a front page refresh that puts the Liberal blog — your blog — front and centre.

We want to make the Liberal home page a place where you can tell your stories as you rebuild the Liberal Party in your riding — and a place where you can comment, and share the ideas that will drive renewal.

As the summer progresses, we’ll introduce new features so Liberals can connect, organize and help the Party find new supporters, new members and new donors, as well as collaborate together on policy and more.

But in order to deliver on the timeline we’ve promised, we need to raise $100,000 before midnight on June 30, the second quarter deadline. That’s just four days away.

To reach that goal we need you to donate $100 — if you can — or as much as you can afford.

Don’t forget that because political donations entitle you to a tax credit of up to 75 per cent, the after-tax net cost of your $100 donation could be as little as $25.

So have a look at the new Liberal.ca — and help us build the tools to make this grassroots movement possible.

After all, this is your website.

http://lpc.ca/havealook

Thank you.

Bob Rae

The Liberal Party is setting a course to enable your voice to be heard and to have your actions direct our Party as we move forward together.

Decisions that will affect the future of our Party are in your hands. The June 18, 2011 extraordinary convention will be held by teleconference and will allow delegates to debate and vote on amendments to the Constitution that would delay the Leadership Vote and delay the next biennial convention to January 13-15, 2012.

Delegates will be contacted by telephone prior to the beginning of the convention on June 18, 2011. The convention will begin at 3:00 PM EDT (Ottawa time).

For more information, please contact convention@liberal.ca

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Two resolutions were unanimously approved by the National Board to be placed before the delegates for consideration and vote at the Extraordinary Convention on June 18, 2011. These resolutions were a result of extensive consultations with the Caucus leadership, the Council of Presidents, defeated candidates, Commission executives and other Liberals.

1. The members of the Party assembled in convention, as a Special Resolution, amend the Constitution to add as section 82(1) the following:

Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Constitution (including, but not limited to, section 54):

(a) the meeting of the National Board of Directors required by subsection 54(3) as a consequence of the resignation of the Leader in May 2011 shall be held at any time on or before October 1, 2012; and

(b) at the meeting referred to in Paragraph (a), the National Board of Directors, in consultation with the Caucus and the Council of Presidents and on five (5) months’ notice to the Party, shall set a date for a Leadership Vote between November 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013.

This subsection (1) shall no longer be of force or effect on the later of the conclusion of the Leadership Vote contemplated by Paragraph (a) and February 28, 2013.

2. The members of the Party assembled in convention, as a Special Resolution, amend the Constitution to add as section 82(2) the following:

Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Constitution (including, but not limited to, section 65), the next biennial convention of the Party (which is the rescheduled biennial convention of the Party originally called for June 17, 2011) including the related in-person meeting of the Council of Presidents shall be held on January 13 to 15, 2012 at Ottawa, Ontario. This subsection (2) shall no longer be of force or effect on January 15, 2012.

Liberals Sprint to May 2nd

LONDON – With the election only days away, Michael Ignatieff is lacing up his red running shoes in a “Sprint to May 2nd” to meet thousands of voters in 13 battleground ridings in Southwest Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area.

“Liberals across the country are ready for the final sprint. We‘re energized in these last few days and focused on meeting voters and getting out the vote on May 2nd,” said Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff. “Only Liberals can form a government that will defend public health care and strengthen families now.”

“Everywhere I go, Liberal support is strong. Overflow crowds of voters young and old are looking for a change in their government – and we’re going to get every committed voter to the polls because this election is too important for the future of our country,” said Mr. Ignatieff.

Fresh on the heels of a tour across Quebec, Michael Ignatieff and the Liberal Team will be travelling across Southern Ontario this weekend in a “Sprint to May 2nd” covering 13 ridings – 9 of which are unheld.  

Starting with the “Sprint to May 2nd” kick off in London West, Mr. Ignatieff will visit Kitchener—Waterloo, Guelph, Brant, Hamilton East—Stoney Creek, Oakville, Mississauga – Erindale, Brampton – Springdale, Oak Ridges – Markham, Ajax Pickering, Don Valley West, Thornhill and Vaughan before spending election day in his home riding of Etobicoke – Lakeshore.

In this crucial final “Sprint to May 2nd” Liberals across this country will be knocking on thousands of doors, making phone calls, and helping to bring committed voters to the polls.  The Young Liberals of Canada have committed to knocking on 100,000 doors during the final four days of the campaign.

“I’m leading the charge for Canadians who want a responsible, centrist alternative that will put families first and bring Canada’s finances back to balance – and only the Liberal Party is that alternative,” concluded Mr. Ignatieff.