Some party members bristling over perceived efforts to quash dissent
#bullyways
WINNIPEG — What was supposed to be a celebration of last fall’s historic election victory is showing some signs of becoming a mini-referendum on Justin Trudeau’s leadership style.
Liberal members and supporters from across the country have gathered for their first party convention since defying the odds and winning a majority government last October. The mood has been almost jubilant, particularly given fresh memories of where the party was less than a year ago.
Party president Anna Gainey referenced that recent history in a speech to open the convention, noting that during the party’s past two conventions, in 2012 and 2014, “we found ourselves with just 34 MPs, third in the House of Commons, with fundraising challenges, and a party organization suited for another era.
“We were told to pursue quick fixes, or even to fold altogether,” she said. “But Liberals, and Canadians, had other ideas.”
Yet lingering beneath the surface was a growing unease for some Liberals about how the party’s leaders have been acting in recent weeks.
The focal point had been a significant rewrite of the party’s constitution, but that expanded Friday to include the government’s handling of its proposed assisted-dying legislation, Bill C-14.
mo
‘This isn’t what Liberals are about’: Some party members bristling over perceived efforts to quash dissent | National Post
#bullyways
WINNIPEG — What was supposed to be a celebration of last fall’s historic election victory is showing some signs of becoming a mini-referendum on Justin Trudeau’s leadership style.
Liberal members and supporters from across the country have gathered for their first party convention since defying the odds and winning a majority government last October. The mood has been almost jubilant, particularly given fresh memories of where the party was less than a year ago.
Party president Anna Gainey referenced that recent history in a speech to open the convention, noting that during the party’s past two conventions, in 2012 and 2014, “we found ourselves with just 34 MPs, third in the House of Commons, with fundraising challenges, and a party organization suited for another era.
“We were told to pursue quick fixes, or even to fold altogether,” she said. “But Liberals, and Canadians, had other ideas.”
Yet lingering beneath the surface was a growing unease for some Liberals about how the party’s leaders have been acting in recent weeks.
The focal point had been a significant rewrite of the party’s constitution, but that expanded Friday to include the government’s handling of its proposed assisted-dying legislation, Bill C-14.
mo
‘This isn’t what Liberals are about’: Some party members bristling over perceived efforts to quash dissent | National Post