On the national front, the results were divided as much as the results in Westmount-Ville-Marie. Here are our results for Westmount – Ville-Marie: Bob Rae received 31.66 percent with four delegates; Michael Ignatieff received 28.76 per cent with four delegates; Stephane Dion received 25.33 per cent with four delegates, and Gerard Kennedy received 3.96 per cent with one

delegate.

Many constituents and Liberal Party members have asked me which candidate I am supporting. However, due to my position as Deputy Leader and my responsibilities within the Liberal party, I must remain neutral in this leadership race. But I am nevertheless following the debates closely.

One such debate was held on Oct. 21 at the Liberal Party of Canada (Quebec) General Council meeting in Montreal. This meeting was an important step in the renewal process of the party.

The General Council meeting attracted hundreds of Quebec Liberals who vigorously and adeptly debated innovative policy proposals. The grassroots of the party are energized! The presence of the leadership candidates and their supporters added an air of excitement and anticipation of the leadership vote that is only weeks away.

There were several dynamic policy proposals, including a resolution that recognized Quebec as a nation within Canada. Other innovative policies included measures to fight regional disparity; address the fiscal imbalance; maintain an independent foreign policy, and keep Canada’s commitment to Kyoto.

Of particular importance to me, after the sad event at Dawson College, was a policy resolution on gun control. It calls for the Liberal Party of Canada to counter the Conservative government’s efforts to scrap or reduce the scope of the gun registry. It asks for a review of the classification of guns so that semi-automatic weapons are classified as illegal weapons. The policy also supports stricter laws concerning the possession and use of guns. The Liberal members voted to prioritize this resolution, meaning it will be debated at the federal convention in December.

Let me underline the importance for citizens to get involved in the political life of our country. We are privileged to live in a democratic society. It is our duty to participate and to implicate ourselves with the party you believe in, with whom you share the values it promotes.



• Lucienne Robillard is the Liberal Member of Parliament for Westmount-Ville-Marie and Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition.