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Reaction to the Announcement

Paul Martin

Paul Martin has been at the center of the recent Liberal Party divisions. Since his departure as Minister of Finance, Martin has been actively campaigning for the party leadership.

Following Chretien’s announcement, Martin made only a brief statement in which he praised the Prime Minister. “Under his watch as Prime Minister, our economic and social foundations have been renewed. And internationally, his recent work in Africa will bring new hope to a continent in need.” “Jean Chrétien is a man who has shown courage all of his life. He is a man for whom I have the highest respect.”

However, Liberal caucus supporters of Martin have stated that Chretien should step down sooner. Joe Fontana (Liberal MP for London, Ontario) worried that a leadership convention 18 months away will take away Martin’s advantage. “The fact is Paul Martin is more prepared, more organized, has more support in the party and the public. It seems unusually long, 18 months.”

More on the Split between Chretien and Martin
Major News Media in Canada

Liberal Cabinet

Most in the Liberal cabinet were quick to praise Chretien following his announcement.

• Heritage Minister Sheila Copps: “I think the Prime Minister made a very courageous decision, a courageous announcement. I think history will show that he has been and will be the most important Prime Minister of the 20th century.”
   
• Industry Minister Allan Rock: “It's an emotional moment for all of us … seeing a man who's led the party so capably … who's telling us the day of his departure.”
   
• Natural Resources Minister Herb Dhaliwal: “There’s a lot of tears in people's eyes, a lot of respect for a guy who does what he says. He walks the talk.”

Major News Media in Canada

Stephen Harper (Leader of the Official Opposition)

Stephen Harper, leader of the Canadian Alliance Party and the Official Opposition, was critical of Chretien’s announcement. For him, Chretien’s decision to announce his departure so early means that the Liberals will continue to be distracted from the job of running the country. As he stated, “The Liberals have been all but silent on the major issues facing the country - from the drought in Western Canada, to a potential war with Iraq, to uncertainty in the stock market. Everything important has been moved to the back burner while (Liberal) MPs line up behind the candidate of their choice.”

Official Canadian Alliance Website

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