Blog Entries

We can do better

jjlennard@gmail.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Mr. Ignatieff,

Once upon a time, being a liberal was a sign of courage. It symbolized strength of character, independence of spirit and respect for democracy.

Unfortunately, it seems things have changed over time. In 2009, being a member of the federal Liberal Party in Québec means knowing one's place, never asking questions and – most of all – never challenging the status quo.

As members of the Liberal Party of Canada, and especially as ard [...]

Let the people decide!

jjlennard@gmail.com — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0100

On May 2, 2009, in a remarkable show of party unity, Liberals from across Canada gathered in Vancouver to select Michael Ignatieff as our new leader. The convention thrived on the sense that renewal was here, that change was coming, and that Liberals were finally ready to set aside decades of internal divisions and take this country back.

jjlennard@gmail.com — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

I want to take a quick moment to say how grateful I am for the outpouring of support I received after I released my newest policy announcement on multiculturalism. I also want to recognize a few people who contacted me and asked to be added to the list of those endorsing the platform.To all those who are willing to support me because they believe in the policies I have put forth, I say a sincere "thank you." I am developing policy in close consultation with grassroots Young Liberals f [...]

Celebrating Diversity

jjlennard@gmail.com — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

This weekend, I got the chance to meet with Gurbaj Singh Multani. Those of you who - like me - have an interest in law or human rights will recognize his name. He is the young man behind the famous "kirpan" case that made it all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2006. His quest for religious tolerance is truly an inspiration for us all. John Lennard and Gurbaj Singh Multani

Chaque province possède une organisation libérale distincte marquée d'une identité, d'une approche et de traditions bien à elle. Plusieurs pensent que l'organisation libérale québécoise se distingue exclusivement par sa langue d'opé [...]

A failing grade on "change" and "renewal"

jjlennard@gmail.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 05:00:00 +0100

This past weekend, the Liberal Party of Canada announced the creation of two new committees to deal with the oh-so-popular themes of “change” and “renewal”. The “Special Renewal Committee”, headed by former LPC National Director Steve MacKinnon and Mississauga MP Navdeep Bains, will be tasked with looking at the structures and mechanisms within the Party to engage both Party members and Canadians as a whole. For its part, the “Change Commission& [...]

Party renewal

jjlennard@gmail.com — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Over the past few days, I've given a lot of thought to this whole notion of "party renewal." It's hard NOT to think about it, given the results of Tuesday's election. That, and every reporter, columnist and talking head in the country is discussing it. As the cacophony of advice and insight grows louder and louder, I thought I'd do the honourable thing... and add to the chatter.

So what does party renewal look like? How about this:

&nbs [...]

Day 3 - On poop and polls

jjlennard@gmail.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0100

1. Harper apparently found the toilet paper. He apologized for his pooping incident, and Dion accepted his apology. I say we move on to more important issues. Like the economy. Or eating kittens from outer space.

2. Don't be fazed by polls. They go up and down, even until the very last day [...]

Day 2 - On the campaign bus

jjlennard@gmail.com — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0100

So a funny thing happened on the way home from school last night...

I rode a Liberal campaign bus.

That's right. I'm walking home from school in the pouring rain, kicking myself for not thinking to bring an umbrella on a cloudy day (hey, no one said law students were smart!). I'm also a little pissed off. It's 5:45. I'm just leaving campus. The Quebec campaign kickoff rally in the leader's home riding starts at 6:30. There [...]

Day 1 - The call (and three offices?)

jjlennard@gmail.com — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0100

Just watched Harper and Dion's respective news conferences. I don't have much to say. Pretty boring stuff.

What's more interesting, for me, is what goes on in the ridings, on the ground. Case in point: Nickel Belt, where I'll be offering as much assistance as I can to elect Louise Portelance as Member of Parliament. Granted, living in Montreal means that I'm eight hours away, but trust me: So much can be done remotely with a cell phone and an internet connection. [...]

Wake up and smell the inequality!

jjlennard@gmail.com — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:00:00 +0100

A policy that should be at the forefront of our efforts, as Young Liberals, to push for real, measurable, progressive change. Unfortunately, it isn't. Yet.

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