An Interview with Martha: Courtesy of The Alberta Pundit

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Liberal Leadership: Interview with Martha Hall Findlay
1. Where do you see the Liberal Party a year from now?

We will still be in Opposition, but we will be a dramatically different Liberal Party than now–one that will be very ready when the government falls. The leadership contest will, I hope, bring out the best in liberals across the country, and a year from now we will have re-affirmed what it means to be Liberal in Canada; we will have confirmed what our vision is for Canada; and most of all, we will have once again established ourselves as the party that Canadians WANT to vote FOR, not because we’re just not as bad or as “scary” as the alternatives, but because we have a vision for Canada that resonates most with Canadians, and we have the best policies and strategies to achieve that vision.

2. What are the most important aspects, in your view, when it comes to reforming and strengthening the Liberal Party after its electoral defeat?

First, we need to build some pretty strong bridges. There is great division in the party; there are many Liberals who have become disenchanted, for a number of reasons. Many, let’s be honest, who did not participate in the last couple of elections because of that disenchantment and frustration. I believe we need some new faces and new enthusiasm to accomplish this. But we as Liberals must also engage in the debate over what it really means to be Liberal in Canada now.

What do we really believe about the economy? About national programs vs. regional differences in delivery? About making sure that the less fortunate aren’t forgotten? About providing the best options and resources we can to our children? Universal, single tier, but efficiently delivered health care is not a vision in and of itself; it is, however, a critical manifestation of what we believe in. Good accessible education is key to Canada’s future—same comment. A clean environment—same thing. Influence and respect internationally (not because of might but because of respect for our successes at home and thoughtful diplomacy abroad)–these are all important to us as Canadians. We as a party will be stronger once we get back to why we’re Liberal in the first place, but policy isn’t enough on its own. We need strong leadership to take that message to the country as a whole.

3. Do you think that reforming the party is a matter of new leadership or new policy direction or both?
I believe it’s both. I would like to have seen, for example, more emphasis on the environment and foreign affairs (to mention only two big ones) in the last two elections, as well as in Liberal Party discussions in between. It would be great if we had the time and ability now to really focus on policy from a more grass roots level, but I’m not sure that will happen. In the absence of a separate avenue for policy debate and development, we will need to use the leadership race as the place for it. This may not be a bad thing—there’s nothing like a bit of healthy competition to bring out some vigorous discussion. So let’s do what we can to ensure that policy is a big part of this–that the leadership candidates engage in as much discussion and debate over key policy areas as possible. Once again, though, once we have some good debate and can come to some cohesive views on Liberal policies, we will need strong and enthusiastic leadership to get that message out to Canadians.

4. What advice would you give to Liberal supporters as well as candidates in a “Liberal wasteland” such as Alberta?
I lived in Alberta for 2 years recently (2001-2003), and I loved it. We were in Calgary, but I was able to get to know a few folks from Edmonton as well through being on the Board of CKUA (in my humble opinion, the best radio station there is, period.) Frankly, I don’t believe that it’s as much of a ‘wasteland’ as many assume. I’m convinced that if we, as Liberals, start engaging in more discussions with Albertans, about what you want, not only as Albertans but also as Canadians, we’ll find a lot more common ground than people think. As for advice right now: get involved in the leadership contest, and support candidates who actually care about Alberta and Albertans, not just for votes but because of a recognition of Alberta as a great part of Canada; someone who refuses to give up on Alberta but rather recognizes that there are many Albertans who would consider a Liberal alternative if we offered one to believe in, one to trust. The time is now for liberal-minded Albertans to make themselves heard.