June 07, 2003

 
Leadership Changes in the Country

 
Most political parties in Canada are going through a changeover in leadership.

Recently we have seen the leadership of Federal Progressive Conservative Party changed. The most important leadership change is for the Federal Liberal Party. Liberal Party is in power at the Federal level and is expected to continue to govern.

 
There are three well-known candidates vying to lead the Federal Liberal Party after Jean Chretien retires. Paul Martin seems to have the lead as he started to canvass early on. However, the other candidates, John Manley & Sheila Copps, are credible candidates and expected to provide quite a challenge to Paul Martin.

 
The election of the leader of the Party requires open and free choice. The party membership to who wants to participate in the process is critical.

 
The race is on and heating up!

 
In my opinion, John Manley is leading an open and transparent campaign. Mr. Manley has also come up with thoughtful policies suitable for Canada and he is shunning quick-fix remedies designed to placate self-interest groups. Manley scores higher (reference: Ottawa Citizen of June 6, 2003) than other candidates on Canada-US trade issues.    

 
I believe that the democracy is strengthened with such a diverse and real competition for the Federal Liberal Party leadership. In the end, we expect all to work together for the good of the country.

 
Pravin Shah