Liberal Leadership

The Liberal leadership vote is just around the corner. Yesterday was the deadline to sign up to vote. The 'party' and the candidates have been working around the clock to get members and 'supporters' registered. In order to do this letters were sent to remind members and voters to register along with countless emails and a robocall at 9:00 pm last night. It seems to me that it shouldn't be that difficult to get supporters to do their part.
I am astounded by the general apathy among Canadians with respect to politics but on that note perhaps the apathy is deep-rooted in the fact that 'our voice' falls on deaf ears.
In BC, when the BC Liberals voted for a new leader after Gordon Campbell's resignation there was a similar frenzy. 90,000 new members were signed up during the campaign. During the campaign it seemed that Kevin Falcon and George Abbott were front runners but Christy Clark won on the third ballot of the preferential vote. It seemed democratic but things aren't always what they seem.
I am an avid supporter of democracy. I believe that freedom is more important than health - some would disagree. As a result of this passion I am appalled when there is a deviation a simple process. Recently, I put my name forward to run in the May election for the BC Liberals. I expressed my interest to the riding association president 9 months ago. But, 'they' were waiting I guess for someone better to come along. There wasn't a knock on the door. In September, we spoke again and I reiterated my interest to Jim;  set up a meeting with Mark Robertson from Liberal 'headquarters'  and Brian Bonney who from what I could gather was a committed volunteer. (Later, I would discover that Brian was working for the government in a newly created category: Multiculturalism outreach. Initially, I questioned the necessity of the role given Canada is founded on a multicultural society. It is the bane of our existence. Why would we need to have a separate department?
We met on numerous occasions from October to January. At the convention in Whistler it was confirmed that I would move forward with the process. I sent Mark a letter of intent. In return, he sent the candidate's application. I completed the application, signed up a few members, got the signatures I needed and had a criminal record check done. Still no interest from anyone else. Now I must add that at our first meeting Mark told me that they wanted a Chinese candidate.
At our meetings Brian asked me to prepare extensive lists of potential donors and volunteers. I was shocked when he told me I would need 400 volunteers. I thought to myself: where would I find 400 volunteers? That made me nervous because one thing I learned when I ran for city council is that success hinges on the success of a team. Regardless, I compiled my lists. I found a campaign manager and was eager to get started.
I went away on vacation in January - twice. Upon my return, I sent a note to Brian anxious to get started. I knew that a nomination meeting had to take place to make it official. I met with Mark and Brian on February 6, 2013. I was keen to proceed. When I sat down I said, "Okay, tell me what I need to do?"
Mark looked at Brian ...... Then Mark spoke, "While you were away a Chinese candidate stepped forward." I paused. "Oh, okay so what does that mean?"
Mark, "We want a Chinese candidate. We believe that we have a better chance of mobilizing the Asian vote if we have a Chinese candidate."
I said, "I think we should have a race."
Mark, "The 'party' wants an Asian candidate."
I responded, "I have a question. If I sign up members and work diligently to win the nomination will the 'party' parachute this candidate in regardless of the outcome?"
Brian, "The party would be fair."
Mark, "The 'party' will do whatever it has to do to ensure this candidate wins the nomination."
Brian, "But the 'party' would be fair."
I said, "Are you sure?"
Mark, "We are sure."
June, "Who is this guy?"
Mark, "He is a doctor who has been practicing in Burnaby for a decade. He writes for the success magazine and has always wanted to run."
Long story short I walked away from the meeting disappointed. When I got home I talked to my husband about whether I would pursue the nomination or let it go. I decided to pursue it.
to be continued.......