Pubdate: Thu, 22 Aug 2013
Source: Seaway News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 Media Transcontinental
Contact:  http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3815
Author: Adam Brazeau
Page: 11

SDSG LIBERALS TALK ELECTION, POT PLATFORM AT POLITICAL GATHERING

Del Jones, association president, discussed the party's plans for the
2015 election and Justin Trudeau's stance on legalizing marijuana.

"The expectation is that we will win the riding back and certainly our
objective is to win it back in 2015," said Jones.

Bernadette Clement, Liberal past-candidate in the 2011 federal
election, fell behind MP Guy Lauzon in the polls. Lauzon has been the
South Dundas-South Glengarry federal representative for the last nine
years. He beat out mayor Bob Kilger in 2004. Before that Ed Lumley and
Kilger held the position as Liberals for 10 and 16-year stints.

The SDSG provincial riding was formerly a Liberal provincial
stronghold as well, until the 2011 election when MPP Jim McDonnell, a
Progressive Conservative party member, bested it.

The next federal election is scheduled for Oct., 2015.

The local Liberals plan on hosting more activities this year, as well
as their traditional fundraisers. Although their annual strawberry
social has been canceled.

Since the fall of former Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff, the party
has been piecing its identity back together. With the addition of new
party leader Justin Trudeau there has been a shift in momentum.

"Lots of people are recognizing that there's been a generation shift
at the national leadership," said Jones. "Justin Trudeau appeals to
people my age who grew up and accepted the Liberal party with his
father. Many people may be supportive because of his name, but many
young people are becoming enthusiastic about politics again."

As red shirts pinned with a button of Trudeau's face circled around
the barbecue and corn roast event, his new pot platform announcement
was up in air.

"Justin announced his support for legalizing marijuana," said Jones.
"This whole war on marijuana hasn't worked, there's another way to do
it and that's ultimately to decriminalize it and potentially legalize
it."

Jones said the government has spent a tremendous amount of resources
and funds incarcerating people for pretty minor issues.

"I think he's simply recognizing the facts and that's what the Liberal
party is about, not ideology, what does the evidence and research say?
And that's what he's reacting to-the research," said Jones. Clement,
was a moderator at the recent Liberal leadership race debates, and she
saw the experience as refreshing for the party.

"The leadership race was good for the party so we could focus on new
ideas," said Clement.

Clement said after Ignatieff the Liberals had to figure out what went
wrong and push forward with a lot of hard work.

"We have to engage more by asking opinions on local issues that are
important," said Clement.

She said there's a new and real positive vibe because of the party's
new leader.

"He's young, full of charisma and vitality and he's not shy," said
Clement.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt