Calling All Visionaries

So the Globe and Mail is reporting a herd of potential liberal leadership contenders are burning up the phone lines looking for that almighty endorsement from sitting members, top party brass and the inside influencers.

The problem for me is the names read like a who's who in Paul Martin's former liberal government. With the exception of Michael Ignatieff, almost all those making noise sat in Paul Martin's last cabinet or (potentially even more troublesome) were part of Jean Chretien's last cabinet.

With the top contenders already pulling out of the race, the hoard of also rans are looking to raise their own personal profile. Some are doing this for greater name recognition (very important when you leave politics and start your consulting career) while others, I'm sure, believe today they have a vision and direction that could lead Canada to its new promised land.

The problem, as history shows us, is that those coming from the inside typically do not have a great new vision and we tend to get a rehash from the past. While some of the names being thrown around, including guys like Ken Dryden, certainly have the social conscience, their vision is not terribly new.

Before the Liberal Party of Canada runs off and elects a new leader it should spend some time reflecting on how it came to where it rests today.

1) Why did the Canadian electorate lose faith in the party and its leaders?
2) What issues are most important to Canadians?
3) Why did only 65% (an increase from 2004!) turn out to vote?
4) What does the LPC stand for today?

I've said it before - Canadians are looking to see some of themselves in a government and in a Prime Minister. Stephen Harper's success is, due in large part, to his grass roots appeal and the fact that he did not come from an elitist background, but rather an ordinary Canadian upbringing.

Canada needs a left of center, grass roots visionary who understands that Canada is the greatest country in the world - its better days ahead not behind. Canada wants a leader that understands regional and cultural differences but, in the end, is able to unify all Canadians in a common cause and a common direction.

Finally, Canadians are looking for a visionary who can lead us to a new level of prosperity, social inclusion and quality of life.

Before running out and getting yesterdays superstars, look to what the future needs. If we do that, my guess is the next leader's name has yet to be mentioned.