Stephane Dion, the new Liberal Leader is here
[www.monsoonjournal.com] Congratulations Hon. Stephane Dion, on being elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party.
The talk of the town in our communities when December rolled in was the Liberal leadership race in Montreal. At the helm now is Stephane Dion as the new federal Liberal leader.
Many in our communities actively participated in the process. And are now eagerly awaiting to see the newly elected leader contributing decisively to the pressing issues on the radar.
Many Tamils in our communities sincerely hope that the new leader, praised by many analysts as “a mild and humble intellectual” will make pointed contributions as Liberal Leader, Leader of the Opposition and as well as if and when elected as Prime Minister, to the betterment of the lives of their brethren in Sri Lanka.
Two years ago just about this time of the year, Canadians contributed generously in the aftermath of the Boxing Day Tsunami. Prime Minster Paul Martin visited Eastern Sri Lanka and several Liberal MPs have visited Northern parts as well.
Today in Sri Lanka, the political and civic climate has deteriorated completely to the devastation of particularly the Tamils of North East. Kidnappings are rampant with the latest high profile disappearance being that of Vice Chancellor Professor S. Raveendranath of the Eastern University.
Decisive actions by Canada in the international arena will compel the Government of Sri lanka to respect human rights. Already the much praiseworthy mission of ex-Liberal minister Allan Rock is being heavily criticized by Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, clarion voice of Canada on the international stage has shed light on the plight of children at the hands of Government of Sri Lanka armed forces.
The new leader is being elected at a time when Tamil Canadians are increasingly concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka and wanting Canada, their new home now - to do more for their families left behind. Mr. Dion is in a position to start new, with matters concerning Sri Lanka and Tamil Canadians.
The new Liberal leader has said he doesn’t want an early election but also added recently that he has no intentions to be caught off guard and is preparing for one just in case.
Dion came from third place at the leadership convention in Montreal to dramatically reach the crown to be at the helm of the Liberal Party. Dion did it despite being dismissed early on by the national media — and most Liberals — as a smart but boring policy wonk with no charisma, who was unsaleable in a big part of Canada.
In Dion, Canadians now have an Opposition leader and potential Prime Minister.
Just like the “surprise” come from behind victory the new leader and the Liberal Party are back in full swing to fully debate, engage and contribute profoundly to the pressing issues.
The Monsoon Journal trusts that these pressing issues will include matters involving the situation in Sri Lanka as well.
The new Liberal leader should keep foremost in mind, particularly the Tamil Canadian voters’ anticipation of a more quickly responsive international community with regards to the plight of Tamils in Sri Lanka. And many believe that Canada could play that all important lead role in the West in bringing a negotiated settlement in the island.