The Special Committee on Party Renewal released its report today entitled “Every Voter Counts: The 308 Riding Strategy”. The frank and honest report contains recommendations to make the Liberal Party of Canada more efficient, democratic and election ready. The Committee’s recommendations were based on extensive national consultations in which all party bodies, members and liberally-minded Canadians were given a chance to improve their party.
“The members of the party spoke and we listened” said the Hon. Navdeep Bains who co-chaired the Committee. Steven MacKinnon the other co-chair and former National Director of the Party added that “This report lays out a 308 riding strategy that is key to rebuilding our party and winning back the confidence of Canadians”.
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).
Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff praised the initiative saying “our party has to rebuild and renew in every riding across the country and this report helps to layout that strategy”, adding, “I want to thank all our members who participated in this process and the Committee for all of their hard work”.
