The first in-person National Liberal Convention in nearly five years has come to an end.
The last time Liberals from across Canada gathered for their national convention, the domestic and international landscape looked a little different. In 2018, Donald Trump was in year one of his presidency; no one had heard of Teresa Tam, flattening curves or social distancing; and Liberals were still riding high with much of the sunny ways wind still in the sails and budgets seemingly balancing themselves. Jane Philpott, Bill Morneau, and Jody Wilson-Raybould were rising stars at the Cabinet table and the Canadian flag was still a symbol of national unity, not a towel used after a soak in a Wellington Street hot tub.
Much has changed.
Today, the Liberals are essentially tied in the polls with Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives, and there’s a feeling an election could be triggered anytime, perhaps with little warning. Is the party ready? That was the main question swirling around the capital during the Liberal national convention.
While confidence in the Trudeau government may be waning after eight years in power, the energy of delegates who gathered in Ottawa was positively palpable.
There was a virtual convention in 2021 but for political junkies, one simply can’t top the allure, energy, and excitement of 4,000 like-minded mid-to-left leaning policy wonks and party faithful converging in one place. Among the attendees were the power brokers, cabinet ministers, backroom insiders, decision-makers, the senior echelons of political staff – and that was just the Laurier Club bar.
The reasons why people attend political conventions are as abundant as the number of seats up for grabs in the 905. Some (ok, most) came for socializing and schmoozing, some dug into policy sessions, and other others simply wanted to have their voices heard.
Campaign readiness was mentioned in all the convention’s sessions and keynotes, and it was certainly the main topic of chatter at various Byward Market bars. There was also a lot of focus on painting a nasty picture of what a Poilievre future could look like for Canada.
Since this was likely the last convention before the next election, it was the Liberals’ chance to build some big energy and positive momentum amongst the party’s most faithful supporters.
This year’s convention saw more than 20 unique sessions and discussions on themes such as reconciliation, climate, seniors, innovation, and the economy. Over 50 current Liberal MPs and ministers took to the stage over the three days.
The big room keynotes are always the major draw.
On opening night, Prime Minister Trudeau rallied thousands with strong words, high energy, and some jabs at Poilievre – at one point exclaiming, “He thinks we’re too woke? Well, maybe it’s time to wake up!” To uproarious, continuous applause and cheers, he drove home core Liberal values and described the kind of country he will keep trying to make better. Trudeau promised delegates a “Canada that stands up to authoritarianism wherever it rears its head. A Canada where women always have the right to choose.”
While not confirming anything outright, the PM stated, “it will be the honour of my life to lead us through it,” – a not-so-subtle reference to the next election, which would be his fourth as Liberal leader. There was a tone of positive energy to Trudeau’s remarks that Liberals haven’t seen in some time. He looks and sounds eager, energetic, and ready to take on Pierre Poilievre. It’s clear now that Justin Trudeau seems determined to remain in the driver’s seat.
On day two, the Shawinigan duo of former prime minister Jean Chretien and Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne took to the main stage. It was, as one might expect, a knee-slapper at times with some jovial banter between the two, but Mr. Chretien also delivered some powerful, thoughtful remarks citing the dangers of a Conservative win, and what he thought that could mean for Canada. “Canada is the land of generosity,” said the former PM, “The land of stability, of tolerance, the land of rule of law. No, Mr. Poilievre, Canada is not broken.”
Chretien even went so far as to suggest that Stephen Harper would likely feel more aligned today with the values of the Liberal party than with Poilivre’s far-right conservatives.
A late, surprise edition to the program saw Hillary Rodham-Clinton join Chrystia Freeland for a fireside chat. While the conversation focussed mainly on foreign affairs and Ukraine, they also discussed the dangers of online mis- and disinformation, with a warning to all to be vigilant. The audience was told not to allow bad actors to come into powerful roles of political responsibility. Clinton said Canada is not immune to the changes she has seen in her own country.
Outside the keynotes and panels, a number of policy discussions and decisions were made on 36 resolutions. They included defence spending, fossil fuels, affordable housing, mandatory voting in federal elections, and modernizing the judicial system – to name a few.
The party also elected their new president, Sachit Mehra. As described on his website, he is a community builder, business owner, manager, dad, husband and, a proud Liberal member, donor and volunteer from the prairies for over 32 years.
The objectives of the convention were to renew some of that “sunny ways” enthusiasm, paint Justin Trudeau as a strong leader who still has gas left in the tank, show party unity, and position the party as the best bet to build a stronger, more inclusive Canada. According to the vast majority of delegates, it was mission accomplished.
It takes more than 4,000 die-hard Liberal convention delegates to win an election, but this past weekend showed that the party and their long-time leader aren’t down and out. They are ready for a fight.