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Canada's Liberal Leader Resigns

'I failed,' admits Dion after election drubbing; successors line up

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2008 5:56 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Stéphane Dion, the leader of Canada's Liberal Party, announced his resignation yesterday after leading his party to one of its worst ever results in last week's election. The Quebecker said he would remain in office until his successor is chosen, the Globe and Mail reports. Dion is the first Liberal Party leader not to become prime minister since the 19th century.

Dion, who served as environment minister in a previous Liberal government, ran for PM on a radical green platform that proved unpopular amid a global economic downturn. Two Ontario MPs are seen as likely successors: Michael Ignatieff, the former Harvard professor and New York Times contributor; and Bob Rae, who served as premier of Ontario under a different left-wing party.

Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion casts his vote in St-Laurent Cartier-Ville in Montreal, Tuesday, Oct.14, 2008.
Liberal Party leader Stephane Dion casts his vote in St-Laurent Cartier-Ville in Montreal, Tuesday, Oct.14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ryan Remiorz, Canadian Press)
Michael Ignatieff walks past a sign as he arrives prior to Stephane Dion's announcement of his carbon tax plan at an event on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, Thursday, June 19, 2008.
Michael Ignatieff walks past a sign as he arrives prior to Stephane Dion's announcement of his carbon tax plan at an event on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, Thursday, June 19, 2008.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Tom Hanson)
Stephane Dion said he will resign as Liberal leader, clearing the way for a leadership contest as the party struggles to recover from an election battering.
Stephane Dion said he will resign as Liberal leader, clearing the way for a leadership contest as the party struggles to recover from an election battering.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Tom Hanson)
Stephane Dion said he will resign as Liberal leader, clearing the way for a leadership contest as the party struggles to recover from an election battering.
Stephane Dion said he will resign as Liberal leader, clearing the way for a leadership contest as the party struggles to recover from an election battering.   (AP Photo/THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand)
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Dion proves it: nice guys finish last
National Post (Canada)

'I failed,' concedes the outgoing leader
Toronto Star (Canada)

 
Canada • Stéphane Dion • Canadian politics • Canadian Liberal Party • Michael Ignatieff • Bob Rae

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