Stephane Dion - Canada's Next Prime Minister?

As the party that formed Canada's government foraccomplished politician and an intellectual, and should
most of the past century, the Liberal Party ofnot be under estimated. He possesses a passion to
Canada was definitely viewed as the party that bestmake a difference, create change, a fervor for
represented the diverse nature of the Canadianjustice, and a strong will and determination to
people. With charismatic and dynamic party leadersbecome Canada's next Prime Minister. Such passion,
such as Pierre Trudeau and the implementation ofdrive and experience cannot be discounted.
the Canada Act of 1982 the party was consideredIn fact, great leaders are often people who rise up
by most Canadians to be the most progressivefrom the ashes of controversy. Times of
forward thinking party in Canadian history.controversy and uncertainty seem to create a
However, since the electrifying liberal partyplatform form for these emerging leaders. For
convention of December 2006, in which Stephaneexample, the development of World War II created
Dion became the new party leader, the liberal partya time period of great uncertainty, uneasiness and
has become completely embroiled with controversy,fear around the world.
disunity, and is suffering from what some peopleMeanwhile, in the midst of such dark times,
may call an identity crisis.controversy, and what looked at times like defeat to
As a result, the embittered liberal party has allowedthe people of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister
Stephen Harper as Prime Minister and leader of theWinston Churchill emerged to inspire and unite a
Conservative party to maneuver through parliamentgeneration of people through some of the darkest
like a bulldozer, introducing new policies and budgetsmoments of the past century and becomes one of
almost at will. Stephen Harper's brilliant politicalhistory's greatest leaders.
maneuvering has caused chaos within the liberalAbove all, great leaders are those men and woman
party, and has chattered the impregnable image ofwho can take controversy and turn them into great
the party that was once perceived as indestructible.opportunities, and the problems of the liberal party
The lack of opposition power has completelyhave created an outstanding opportunity for
shattered the confidence of the liberal party within itsStephane Dion.
leader, and his leadership ability.Consequently, this is Stephane Dion's defining
To continue, the beleaguered liberal party is nowmoment as a leader, and how he reacts to the
searching for answers and strategies on how tocontroversy within his party, will define him as leader.
regain their former glory and form Canada's nextIf he can emerge from the ashes of controversy to
government. Many party MPs and members are busyunite, inspire and establish a new sense of direction
looking for answers outside the party, or to otherand identity for his party then he has a chance to
potential leaders within the party. This could be thecapture the hearts of Canadians, inspire a nation, and
party's biggest mistake.quite possibly become Canada's next Prime Minister.
It's important to note that Stephane Dion is an