Stéphane Dion announces new Liberal Advisory Structure
January 23, 2007
OTTAWA - In another move to rejuvenate the Liberal Party of Canada and to make it even more inclusive and open to innovation, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion today announced the creation of a new political advisory structure encompassing Caucus, the Liberal Party and outside advisors.

Each Leader's Advisory Group will be comprised of up to three people who will be appointed by the Leader. Membership may include the Regional Caucus Chair (elected by Caucus) and the Provincial or Territorial Association President (elected by the grassroots of the Party).

The Leader's Advisory Groups will provide independent political advice to the Leader and the Caucus on a regular basis.

The Advisory Groups will include the following people (other advisors may be added in the future).

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Party President: Rex Renkema
Caucus Chair: Blair Wilson, MP
Advisor: Bill Cunningham

ALBERTA
Party President: Adam Campbell
Advisor: Senator Dan Hays

SASKATCHEWAN
Party President: Frank Proto
Caucus Chair: Gary Merasty, MP

MANITOBA
Party President: Sharon MacArthur
Caucus Chair: Raymond Simard, MP
Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Lukovich


ONTARIO
Party President: Mike Crawley
Caucus Chair: Anthony Rota, MP
Advisor: Kim Donaldson

QUEBEC
Party President: Robert Fragasso
Caucus Chair: Francis Scarpaleggia, MP
Advisor: Marc Lavigne

NEW BRUNSWICK
Party President: Marcelle Mersereau
Advisor: Paul Zed, MP

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Party President: Sean Casey
Advisor: Quentin Bevan

NOVA SCOTIA
Party President: Derek Wells
Advisor: Hon. Geoff Regan

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Party President: Danny Dumaresque
Advisor: Todd Russell

YUKON
Party President: Sue Edelman
Advisor: Larry Bagnell, MP

WESTERN ARTIC
Party President: Lana Roeland

NUNAVUT
Advisor: Nancy Karetek Lindell, MP

In creating this structure, Mr. Dion noted that: "I am looking forward to receiving timely and crucial input from these advisory groups. Input that will reflect what is happening on the ground in every corner of this vast land."

Liberal Caucus to Hold Harper Government to Account in Coming Session of Parliament
January 24, 2007
Québec City - A strong, united and inspired Liberal Party will use its ambitious vision for the future to hold the Conservative minority government to account, Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion said today.

"It will not be enough for us to underline the numerous mistakes and failures of this government," said Mr. Dion, at the conclusion of the Liberals' two-day national caucus meeting. "We must also offer to Canadians the most generous and ambitious vision for the country, a vision for the 21st century and an action plan to make this vision a reality."

The newly invigorated Liberal team met in Québec City for the first time since December to discuss the party's action plan which will build on the three pillars of economic prosperity, social justice and environmental sustainability.

The caucus also discussed preparations for the next election, including possible scenarios, the process and development of the party's next campaign platform.

With Parliament set to resume on Monday, Mr. Dion is confident that the Liberal Party is ready to take on Stephen Harper's Conservative government.

"We are fortunate to have such an abundance of talent and expertise in the Liberal caucus," said Mr. Dion.

"With such a dynamic combination of knowledge, experience, youthful energy and fresh ideas, we will continue to put forward an effective, responsible and robust opposition to the minority Conservative government and we will show Canadians that the Liberals are a vibrant, progressive alternative to the current government."