Posted on 11/15/2003 9:24:30 AM PST by Loyalist
Former finance minister finally claims Liberal leadership prize after long struggle to the top
Paul Martin walks through the crowds to the podium after formally being declared the new Liberal Party leader.
CREDIT: Global National
TORONTO - Paul Martin completed a 13-year journey and fulfilled the dream his father never achieved by claiming the leadership of the Liberal party Friday night and promised to harness "the national will towards great accomplishment."
Martin won the vote 3,242 to 211, a 94 per cent victory against rival Sheila Copps.
"We must pursue a new politics of achievement. We must ensure a place of influence and pride for Canada in the world," Martin told more than 11,000 cheering Liberal faithful at Toronto's Air Canada Centre.
"We must strengthen the social foundations of Canadian life and to achieve these ambitions and dreams, our governments and our leaders must change the way they conduct themselves."
Although Martin's speech was wrapped in comforting words portraying a new era of hope and optimism, it was empty of specifics on how he will bring about the new society of equality and compassion.
Prime Minister Jean Chretien is expected to step down within weeks and Martin is expected to call an election in April.
Martin, 64, promised to give more clout to booming urban centres across the country, implement new checks and balances in Parliament, end federal-provincial bickering and give Canada a bold place on the world stage.
The incoming prime minister, who has been burdened by massive new spending commitments by Chretien, also said he will not deviate from the course of balanced budgets, but will also deliver efficient government.
"We must be a government committed to accountability, a government that treats taxpayers money like it is your money - because it is," he said. Martin also stressed he is not just a fiscal conservative, but intends to govern with a social conscience to improve the lives of seniors, aboriginals and poor families.
"We know quality of life when we see people working with dignity, with good pay, with the opportunity to move ahead. We know quality of life when our families and our children have the schooling and higher education they need in today's world," he said.
© Copyright 2003 CanWest News Service
That's what we said when Trudeau became Liberal Leader. ;^)
I wouldn't be too sure of that.
I was listening (trying to listen, the SW conditions aren't that great) to Radio Canada this AM. Bono was already trying
to get Paul Martin to spend more Canadian tax dollars for AIDS in Africa.
He actually worked for a living, running Canada Steamship Lines, before he entered politics.
He will not embarrass the country every time he opens his mouth on the world stage.
After a decade of le p'tit gars de Shawinigan, anyone would look better.
So why didn't the other 7547 people in Canada vote?
I guess I'm appalled that Martin would start kowtowing to external liberal guilt ahead of all of Canada's needs, wants, desires, and problems.
Reminds me of all those promising countries in the third world that have Fidel Castro at their inaugurations (or equivalent).
Why would Martin waste time with Bono before Canadians?
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