The Liberal Party of Canada this morning released Every Voter Counts: The 308 Riding Strategy, a “frank and honest report … to make the Liberal Party of Canada more efficient, democratic and election ready.” The very title of the report, written by a committee that was co-chaired by Brampton, Ont. MP Navdeep Bains and Martin-era party director and Ignatieff supporter Steven MacKinnon, lets everyone know that things are now different under the current leadership. The previous leader, Stéphane Dion, notably decided to run candidates in 307 ridings, giving Green Party Leader Elizabeth May a pass that she was unable to exploit in the riding of Central Nova, held by Defence Minister Peter MacKay.
Dion's decision was a controversial one within the Liberal Party and now, an all-party committee is making sure no one misses the point: Every vote counts. 308 riding strategy.
The press release announcing the availability of the report goes on to say that:
Some of the report's highlights include reforming the party's leadership selection process by proposing a weighted one-member, one-vote system that provides all ridings with an equal voice. Other major changes include uploading administrative responsibilities from the party's provincial wings to the National Office so the regions can focus on election organizing and policy development.>
The National Executive of the Party has already reviewed the recommendations and has dealt with them either administratively (centralizing administration) or by referring them to the convention floor in Vancouver where party delegates will make the final decision (leadership selection process). “
You can grab a copy of the report here: Every Voter Counts (2.6 MB PDF file)
Sounds like another Red Book in the works. Experience has proven that the Liberals promise the moon then do exactly whatever they want.
Um. The Red Book was a policy manual for the country. This is a report about Party Renewal. Apples and Oranges. Maybe you should read it before you start making silly comments.