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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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BC lawyer hopes to become federal Liberal leader

Folks in smaller places, not just big cities, need to be listened to.

That’s what Alex Burton, a Vancouver lawyer who is running for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, said while in Stephenville during a cross-country tour.

His tour bus rolled into Stephenville last week. He talked to several small business owners, where he heard about issues dealing with employment and the need for more jobs in the area.

“They’re asking whether the federal government will do its job in partnering with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to make sure places like Stephenville gets what it needs,” Mr. Burton said.

He said the College of the North Atlantic is a great start, but if people are being trained for jobs that aren’t there, then only half the battle is being fought.

In relation to Marine Atlantic, Mr. Burton said the same issue of trying to provide a reliable and uninterrupted ferry service exists on the west coast of Canada.

“We also have an economy that depends on marine traffic, making it harder not easier for that to succeed,” he said. “That connection is a life blood for an island economy and there is a role for the Federal Government to help support transportation that’s essential for Newfoundland.”

“If places like Stephenville can’t be part of that new economy, then government is not serving the people of Stephenville properly.”

- Alex Burton

Mr. Burton said if people are going to pay taxes, then government should make sure to spend that money wisely. He said if there is going to be a successful airport in Stephenville, then government should make sure there is enough economic activity in the area to support that facility.

Newfoundland and Labrador has benefitted from the oil boom but he said that wealth has been too concentrated in one place and its not getting to every corner of the province. Long-term jobs into the future need to be created or an opportunity is being missed.

“If places like Stephenville can’t be part of that new economy, then government is not serving the people of Stephenville properly,” Mr. Burton said.

He said one of the goals of the federal government is for people to have opportunities to work where they live and although that’s not always easy, he believes that is what government needs to strive for.

#Alex Burton #Federal Liberal Party of Canada #lpc #LPCldr #Liberal Party leadership race

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Meet Justin Trudeau’s no-name Liberal leadership challenger

November 13, 2012. 1:58 pm • Section: News, Ward 3, Windsor

Liberal leadership hopeful Alex Burton, right, talks with Ryan Mulder during a campaign stop in Windsor, Ont. on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Burton, who is from Vancouver, has crossed the country making stops from coast to coast. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE / The Windsor Star)

And in the red corner, the man with no name and marginal party profile, the fighter who pledges to punch way above his political weight, challenger to Justin Trudeau’s claim to the future federal Liberal leadership, ladies and gentlemen, from British Columbia — Alex Burton.

In what is shaping up to be a Rocky-like bid to knock-out the flashy, charismatic and presumed No. 1 contender for the leadership crown, Burton, a B.C. prosecutor and long time (if low profile) party activist, did some of his grinding political road work Tuesday by mainstreeting in Windsor on Ouellette Avenue.

“When other politicians say they’ve crisscrossed this country to speak with Canadians, they’re talking about flying,” Burton told Windsorite Ryan Mulder during his campaign whistle-stop. “We’ve driven across Canada.”

Liberal leadership hopeful Alex Burton made a campaign stop in Windsor, Ont. on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Burton, who is from Vancouver, has crossed the country making stops from coast to coast. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE / The Windsor Star)

And it’s that 12-hours and hundreds of handshakes a day, 8,000 kilometres and counting roadwork that has Burton’s campaign director, Kevin Chalmers, predicting his obscure candidate is about to “take names, kick ass and surprise people” across Canada before the vote is taken for the party leadership in April.

“Scaring the people at the top is always fun,” said Chalmers, referring to former prime minister Pierre Trudeau’s son.

For his part, Burton is more than willing to hitch a ride on Trudeau’s buzz of national attention, in the short-term.

“Other candidates bring more attention to the race,” he shrugged, when asked about Trudeau’s huge name recognition advantage. “We’re the third party in the House of Commons, so attention is a good thing…. But I’m in this to win.”

Along with a commitment to reach as many Canadians as possible in the communities he passes through on his return trip from Newfoundland to B.C., Burton said he has the ideas and platform he believes in “will resonate with Canadians.”

“The way to rebuild our party and this campaign is by connecting with Canadians in the smaller towns and cities from the ground up and not from the top down. I share my vision of Canada … to build a just and secure society, to support democratic reform and rebuild the economy.”

In Southwestern Ontario, he added, Job 1 is repairing the economy and creating employment, investing in training for the jobs of the future.

For the country, Burton has a six-point plan which includes defining a just and secure society by addressing childhood poverty through early learning, and education, providing affordable housing and health services and reforming the judicial system by strengthening the principle of criminal denunciation and deterrence in sentencing.

He is for more transparency in government, renewing the economy through fair taxation and boosting foreign trade, burnishing Canada’s traditional role as peacekeepers in foreign affairs and making health care a priority by improving pharmacare and continuing care programs. He describes himself as a “small l liberal.”

Burton is a 44-year-old father of two, a B.C. Crown attorney, president of the Vancouver Kingsway Liberal Riding Association, sits on the board of the Vancouver Child Care Society and has been actively involved in politics since age 10, though he has never been elected to public office.

He acknowledges his low profile, in comparison to his No. 1 opponent, but insists he will raise it through constant campaigning and the rolling out of six major addresses he hopes to give before the vote.

“My campaign will talk about real ideas and issues,” he said. “It’s not just putting my hand over my heart, saying I love Canada and figuring that’s enough.”

As he moved along Ouellette Avenue, it was clear the challenger still faces a challenge. He introduced himself to people who did not know his name, some of whom were only vaguely aware of the campaign or other candidates.

After meeting Burton Windsorite Louis Lecunff said: “I actually saw him on the news. There are a few throwing their hats in the ring. I heard he was not an MP. That’s really all I knew about him.”

Asked for his impressions he added: “Politicians say a lot. But they’ve got to fulfil their promises.”

Mulder said he had never heard of Burton, but was searching the web for information, even as he spoke.

“I have no preconceived ideas of anyone,” he said. “He seemed like a nice guy, pretty straight forward. I’m on his site right now, checking it out. It’s impressive he’s driven across Canada twice. That’s a long haul.”

Burton said such interaction is the point of his campaign. The more Canadians he meets, the less of an unknown commodity he becomes, one community, on media interview at a time.

Local Liberal wants youth to “like” Justin Trudeau (blogs.windsorstar.com)

Liberal leadership hopeful Alex Burton, left, talks with Louis Lecunff during a campaign stop in Windsor, Ont. on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. Burton, who is from Vancouver, has crossed the country making stops from coast to coast. (TYLER BROWNBRIDGE / The Windsor Star)

#Alex Burton #Liberal Party #Liberal Party of Canada #LPCldr #ldr

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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From Bonavista to Vancouver Island

FROM BONAVISTA TO VANCOUVER ISLAND

... this land was made for you and me.

We left Vancouver Island about one month ago and have travelled across the country to Newfoundland. We have stopped in small communities, towns, and cities across the country to talk to Canadians where they live, work, and play.

We drove across Newfoundland, from Port Aux Basques to St. John’s. There, we spent some time with the Townies (as the rest of Newfoundland call people who live in the cities) and visited the historic town of Brigus.

I spent an amazing week-end in the heart of the Liberal community with Liberals from all over Newfoundland and Labrador. Federal and Provincial Liberals from across the country gathered in Gander to celebrate renewal and to re-establish those personal connections which are so important, not just in politics but in life.

What a warm reception for a Liberal from so far away. The ties that bind this country were evident from the get go as we shared stories of government cut backs to search and rescue services that have affected both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. The debate over the Muskrat falls hydro-electric project also dominated many conversations. Those discussions, and talk about tough economic times in much of Newfoundland and Labrador (despite recently becoming a “have” province because of a resource boom) reminded me of what real federal leadership could accomplish when a government understands that it can make a difference in people’s lives and be the helping hand to make sure everyone shares in the prosperity of the country.

After Gander, we drove back across the Island, stopping in places like Corner Brook and Stephenville. At the Tim Hortons in Corner Brook a long time mill worker simply asked that I work to get rid of a federal government that does not understand Newfoundland. A bicycle shop owner said that making paper would not support the town forever and that a plan was needed to diversify the economy and grow the tourism sector. In Stephenville, the owner of an electronic shop and the owner of the local taxi company both felt that their tax dollars were not being spent wisely. Everywhere we went there was an appetite for a strong Federal Liberal party to represent the interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who feel like their voice is not heard in our Confederation.

The people of Newfoundland, known for their hospitality, exceeded their reputation and we are sorry to be leaving such a warm and friendly place. We did not get to Bonavista this time, but I have a new appreciation for the similarities between Canada’s east and west coast. I sure hope we can return soon.

#Alex Burton #Federal Liberal Party of Canada #lpc #lpcldr

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Federal Liberal Leadership Candidate Alex Burton Speaks

#Alex Burton #Federal Liberal Party of Canada #Liberal Party #lpc #lpcldr

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Eastward Bound

EASTWARD BOUND

Well, left the Greater Toronto Area and headed up to Cobourg, ON, for the “Red Leaf Reception.” What a success. The Northumberland-Quinte West Riding Association, supported by a number of prominent Liberals, including candidate Kim Rudd, put on a great evening of food, drink, conversation, and speeches by potential candidates for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. The speeches of the candidates who attended can be seen here:Candidate Speeches

I must admit to being a little nervous before my first all candidates meeting, but once on my feet in front of a full house of welcoming Liberals, it was exciting. I have a new appreciation for the courage it takes to step up and I have great respect for my fellow candidates.

It was a real pleasure to be able to talk with Liberals and share my vision for the country, and for the Liberal Party itself. It was energizing to see so many people excited about the future of our Party. Grant Hume, the Liberal candidate for the by-election in Durham, also stopped by before heading back out for more campaigning - Go Grant Go!

From Cobourg we drove to eastern Ontario, stopping in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall – we even managed to find a truck wash to clean the bus! We drove to Quebec and stopped in Sherbrook and Drummondville, before heading for Quebec City. Several people I spoke to expressed concern about the credibility of government and the impact of corruption.

In Quebec, I got to spend a little time with some university students and had an interesting and frank discussion about the importance of culture in Quebec. Here is a link to one of those conversations: Une Perspective Québécoise

After Quebec, we moved to New Brunswick, keeping one step ahead of hurricane Sandy. It was a stressful couple of days as I and the rest of the team tried to stay in touch with loved ones and worried about all the great people we had met who we knew were going to take the brunt of the storm.

A few days later, after stopping in Edmundston, Moncton, Fredericton, and on up to Sydney, NS, we were buoyed by the stories, both personal anecdotes and those in the media, of people helping people and the willingness of Canadians to reach out and make sure that neighbours, friends, and strangers got the help they needed.

Now we are crossing Newfoundland, and it is a beautiful day. I really missed my kids on Halloween, but am looking forward to meeting Liberals and making new friends at the LPC Newfoundland and Labrador Annual General Meeting in Gander.

#Alex Burton #Federal Liberal Party of Canada #lpcldr #lpc #Liberal Party leadership race

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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A message from Alex Burton - Hurricane Sandy

#Alex Burton #Federal Liberal Party of Canada #lpc lpcldr

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Peeking In on Canada's Election

Peeking In on Canada's Election, THE AMERICAN PROSPECT

PAUL WALDMAN

OCTOBER 26, 2012

A Prospect Q&A with Alex Burton, who's running for the Canadian Liberal Party's top leadership slot.

Last year, Canada's Liberals—the party of Pierre Trudeau and Jean Chrétien, the party that held power for most of the 20th century—suffered a crushing electoral defeat. Its representation in the House of Commons was cut by more than half, and for the first time in its history, the Liberal Party fell to third place in the number of seats, behind Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives and the more leftist New Democratic Party (NDP). Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff immediately announced that he would step down, triggering a leadership campaign that officially begins this November. The early favorite is Trudeau's son Justin, but a number of other candidates have entered the race. We interviewed one of them, Alex Burton, a prosecutor and party activist from Vancouver, about his campaign to lead the Liberals, the differences between American and Canadian politics, and his views on his neighbors to the south.

This year, Mitt Romney spent $233 million during the Republican primaries. According to Liberal Party rules, you aren't allowed to spend more than $950,000 to become party leader. Are there things you wish you could do in this campaign but just aren't possible within the spending limit?

The spending restrictions do not limit the campaign I want to run. For me it is about actually traveling the country and meeting people, rather than bombarding them with attack ads. We will, however, be utilizing our cutting edge digital to connect with Canadians. Canadians follow the U.S. presidential election pretty closely and generally we do not respond well to the kinds of tactics that are used there. That said, the Conservative Party has ushered in a new era of American style political campaigning that has likely permanently changed the way politics are done in Canada.

How so?

Canadian politics have changed with the arrival of the Harper conservatives. [Prime Minister Stephen] Harper's approach [has been] a constant campaign, using negative advertising, and attacking personally not just politicians, but other prominent people who oppose his policies, including scientists and high-level public servants.

Too much of our national political discourse has become about attacking the other guy, and we are losing the traditions of open dialogue, real debate, and the critical exchange of ideas.

Since Harper's arrival the politics of division have also played a more prominent role, with specific messages targeted to specific groups. The result is a country that is becoming more divided, more insular, less interested in the ideas and concerns of others. We are in danger of being a country that listens only to those views and people whose opinions we share, instead of being a country of dreamers, innovators, and people who can respectfully disagree with one another.

Are there particular techniques and methods you'd borrow from American campaigns? For instance, in recent elections in the United States, the campaigns have gotten increasingly sophisticated about voter targeting. How do you go about identifying potential supporters and getting them to participate in the party convention?

Targeting specific groups or demographics is a newer phenomenon in Canada, and is an area in which the Liberal Party needs to improve. That said, there is a real danger in targeting specific messages for a particular group. The Conservative Party recently came under fire for targeting members of the gay community in a direct communication. There was a lot of legitimate concern about how the Conservatives, a political party which traditionally has not be very welcoming to the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgendered community managed to identify gay voters.

Also, in Canada because of our unique history and our bilingual traditions, people are very aware of politicians saying something to one group and something else to another.

In a leadership race like the one I am in, the core group of voters has historically been pre-identified because only members of the Party could vote. However, the Liberal Party has introduced a new approach to this race, by creating the supporter category. For the first time in Canadian history, non-party members will have the opportunity to vote in a leadership race if they sign up as a Supporter. No membership dues are required, and people not traditionally involved in this stage of the political process will have a chance to pick the next leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Our perception is that Canadian campaigns aren't driven by divisive social issues the way ours are, like abortion and same-sex marriage. Is that accurate, or are there "identity" issues that divide Canadians and drive contentious political fights?

Although abortion and same sex marriage are not as divisive in Canada as they are in the U.S. there are still strong, vocal groups who oppose both. The Prime Minster says he does not want to re-open these debates, but just recently there was an attempt in Parliament to start a debate on the question of when life starts. Trial balloons on not recognizing the same sex marriages of foreign nationals were also floated in the past year.

That said, there are identity issues that go to the core of who we are and who we want to be, as a country. Our unique history means that there continue to be debates over our identity. The debate over Quebec independence and its place in Canada; minority language rights and the protection of French language and culture; the rights of First Nations people and their place in Canada, our official policy of multiculturalism; even the structure of our national government have been the subject of fierce political debate. In many ways Canada is still a young country and the process of defining ourselves is on-going.

Lately Mitt Romney has been claiming the United States can achieve "North American energy independence," meaning we'll get most of our oil from Canada. He's also been a big proponent of the Keystone pipeline, which is meant to bring oil from the tar sands in Alberta down to the US. Environmentalists would tell you that oil from the tar sands is one of the most environmentally destructive sources of energy there is, yet here in America, climate change has fallen off the political agenda. What's the current state of the debate in Canada about the tar sands?

Canada is blessed with abundant natural resources. One reason our economy has come through the recent financial crisis better than some is because of those resources (and not as the Harper government claims because of any of their particular policies or economic management—another reason is how our banks were regulated, but that is a different questions).

The political consensus in Canada now appears to be that the oil sands will continue to be developed. The debate is now focused on where the oil should be senteast or west [either to Canada's eastern provinces or for export to Asia]. There does seem to be a lack of focus on the southern route, but many Canadians feel that will change right after the U.S. election, no matter who wins, and that a southern pipeline will be built.

Norway is one of the world's leading oil producers, as well as a leader in environmental standards and safety. We can and should be equally successful in utilizing our resources and protecting our environment.

You spent a few years living in the States, working as a prosecutor in New York. Was there anything you saw in American politics when living here that you hadn't quite grasped observing it from outside before then? And what did you take back (about politics or anything else) that influences your perspective today?

When I moved to New York I harbored some of the same beliefs and prejudices that many Canadians have about the United States. I held these views despite having many American friends, a mother who was born in Chicago, and I even lived in Tucson for a year as a child.

My time in New York was a rich and rewarding experience, and I did learn a lot about the U.S., its politics, but also about myself and my own values. I was able to see firsthand some of the things in American politics that disturb many Canadians. I worked on the Gore campaign, fundraising, in Portland, Oregon. I also worked on Hillary Clinton's Senatorial campaign, working for her election day legal team in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

One of the things I learned was the importance and prevalence of money in American politics. Who was raising more money was as important a news story, if not more important, than key policies or ideas. It does take money to run a political campaign—but the elevation of money to exclusion of all else, was something that shocked and disappointed me.

I also was surprised by the lack of real political choice. For my entire life, Canada has prided itself on having three major parties that offer real choice to voters. As a potential candidate in the race to lead the Liberal Party of Canada, I believe having reasonable political choices strengthens a democracy. In a dual party system like in the States, if you do not like the party in power, you are only left with one real alterative – what if that is not to your liking? What if the particular candidate for that single alternative is someone who you do not think is suitable for the job?

I was also surprised by the absolute dominance in some states of one particular party. New York was a good example. Although the mayor was a Republican, no one really saw him as such. As for the other elected positions, they were almost all held by Democrats. While I obviously supported Democratic candidates, I was disturbed by the lack of choice. When one party controls too much, for too long, no matter which party it is, that is not good for accountability or for democracy.

Finally, my experience scrutinizing polls in Bedford-Stuyvesant was a wake-up call, and gave me real concern for the health of democracy in the U.S.; something that was re-enforced by the debacle in Florida and the on-going voter suppression tactics I see across the United States.

While monitoring the polls, three large men came and said they had been sent to take away three voting machines (after many votes had been cast). They could not or would not say who sent them. Fortunately, the woman running the polling station was having none of it, and she basically told these guys, you are taking these machines over my dead body. She insisted that if they wanted the machines their boss would have to come down personally and then she and practically marched them out of the station.

Perhaps I was naive, but I was shocked to see such open and blatant attempts at voter manipulation. Unfortunately, voter suppression has recently raised its ugly head in Canada–another American-style tactic introduced by the Harper Conservatives. It should be of grave concern to anyone who values our free and open democratic process.

(This interview was edited for length and clarity)

#Alex Burton #Federal Liberal Party of Canada

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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A Diary from the road

WINNING BACK THE 905

Well, here we are in downtown Toronto. We have driven across the Prairies and Northern Ontario. I had the opportunity to talk to folks about their concerns and hear directly what they believe the federal government should be doing, and what they want to see from the Liberal Party.

The energy and engagement was encouraging. People really wanted to share their ideas and express opinions, and I am impressed by the quality and breadth of their views.

One really cool event I attended was an evening where women working in the trades had a chance to speak to and listen to young women in high school, and answer their questions about the work they do.

Yesterday was spent in the communities around Toronto, like Oakville, Orangeville, and Mississauga, an area where we Liberals need to go and listen to people’s concerns and make sure we are talking about real issues and what we actually stand for.

Now we are in the center of the city. It’s good to be reminded that there are important differences between rural, suburban, and urban Canada. However, having driven across a large part of this country, I know that Canadians share many of the same concerns no matter where they live.

I was born in Toronto, so it has been very interesting to return to this city I have not really seen in a long time and check out how much it has changed. Interestingly, I seem to have met a lot of francophones here. C’est la bonne préparation pour mon voyage au Québec, qui commence la semaine prochaine.

#Alex Burton #Federal Liberal Party of Canada #Liberal party

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Alex Burton on Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline

#Liberal Party leadership race #lpc #Alex Burton #Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Outsider wants in

By Leith Dunick, tbnewswatch.com

Alex Burton says it’s time to rebuild the Liberal brand across Canada. The British Columbia lawyer thinks he’s the man to get the job done, despite never having served in public office. The 44-year-old is on a cross-country trek to show Canadians why Liberals need an alternative to the Trudeau brand name leading a party decimated by the Conservatives and NDP in the 2011 general election, reduced to third-party status for the first time in history. Burton, president of the Vancouver Kingsway riding association, said the party must prove itself all over again to the entire country, not just pockets in the east. His platform includes building a just and secure society, democratic reform, establishing Canada’s place in the world, building a country of opportunity and, most importantly, revitalizing and re-energizing the Canadian economy. Being an outsider to Ottawa’s political machine shouldn’t hurt his candidacy, Burton said on Friday, during a brief stop in Thunder Bay to promote his candidacy. “I don’t think Canadians believe that the criteria for being a politician should be being a politician,” Burton said. “People talk about not wanting career politicians all the time. If we’re going to bring new voices and new approaches to Ottawa, there has to be avenues to do that. Why am I doing this? I’ve been a Liberal for quite a while now, and there’s been a lot of change in our party over the last several years.” When he realized a leadership race to replace Michael Ignatieff at the party helm, he said he asked himself who among the suspected front-runners was going to be the voice that sparked party renewal, who would advocate for the things he believed the party needs to do. And who would step up and actually do those things, not just for the party, but for the country as a whole. “With respect to other names that have been thrown around, I didn’t see that voice. I didn’t see that person who is going to bring the values and the principles and the ideas that I think we must have as Liberals to engage Canadians and rebuild our credibility, quite frankly.” It’s a fundamental change that’s needed, he said. Yes, Stephane Dion and Ignatieff failed to capture the imagination of voters in recent elections, but it’s much more than that. “We have to recognize that we need to do better and we need to change the way the Liberal party does business. We need to engage with Canadians in every region of the country,” said Burton, a self-described small ‘L” liberal who holds a law degree from the University of Victoria. “I am from Western Canada and it’s a place where the Liberals have not fared well. We need to make sure that our ideas, our message, is one that resonates with Western Canadians.” Burton says he believes in individual hard work, and reaping the reward for that hard work. But he also believes that there is a time and place to help your neighbour when they need it. He’s not alone in the race. Candidates in the running include Toronto lawyer Deborah Coyne, government economist Jonathan Mousley and Justin Trudeau, the Liberal MP and son of former long-time prime minister Pierre Trudeau. “He’s going to bring attention to the race, and that’s great for the Liberals,” Burton said. “But I’m not going to focus on shiny objects. I’m going to focus on my plan, my vision.” For more information on Burton, visit his website at www.alexburton.ca.

#Federal Liberal Party of Canada #Alex Burton

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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A Canada of Opportunity... where we connect Canadians, rather than divide them... and work together to create a sustainable future for our children.

By 2020, almost 1 in 5 Canadians will be seniors. At the end of the decade, it is estimated that Canada’s provinces will spend 50 to 70 percent of their revenues on healthcare. Health care must be a national priority, and must include national pharma and continuing care programs, given our aging demographic.

We must make prenatal nutrition and a healthy start a priority for Canadian children.

Early childhood learning and affordable childcare must be seen as economic drivers and not as afterthoughts in policy priorities.

Rural Canada matters. Canada’s farmers and agri-food sector provides 1 out of every 8 jobs and generates $42 billion in economic activity. A sustainable, dependable domestic food source is a cornerstone of Canada’s economy and is a national security imperative.

#Alex Burton #Liberal Party of Canada #Liberal Party

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Day 7 of the cross Canada tour

I was in Thunder Bay today and had the opportunity to meet some of the tradeswoman from Skills Work! for Women who mentor young women in their community. Some of these women are welders, general machinists, production miners, cooks and bakers. It was great to hear about their career journey and experiences.

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Day 6 of the cross Canada tour

At the forks in Winnipeg, discussing the recent federal cut backs.... The Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) - A famous research facility in Ontario that pioneered investigations into acid rain is the latest victim of federal budget cuts - being cut in March 2013.

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alexsburton-blog · 13 years ago

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Moose Jaw Times Herald

Seven Question With Alex Burton - Liberal leadership candidate discusses goals, strategy By Justin Crann

Liberal leadership candidate Alex Burton is a Crown prosecutor for the British Columbia Attorney General and president of the Vancouver Kingsway riding for the Liberal Party of Canada. To date, he is the only candidate to declare for the Liberal leadership race out of Western Canada. On Wednesday, he sat down with the Times-Herald staff to discuss his vision for the future of the party in Moose Jaw and across the country.

Q:What is the Burton Brand?

A:I’m a Westerner, from Vancouver. I’m not from the Ottawa bubble. I’m somebody who wants to bring a new voice and new approaches to the Liberal Party and to Canadian politics, somebody who wants to make sure that the voices of Canadians who live between the big cities, and in rural Canada, are heard in this political process.

Q:What is a key element in your platform?

A:I believe that jobs and the economy are something that we must talk about. The Liberals must make sure that we are a credible alternative that can speak responsibly about economic and fiscal policy.

Q:What do you think of the “brand name” candidates in your race?

A:I think some of the candidates will bring attention to the race, and that’s great. We need attention, we need avenues in which to communicate with Canadians. But I’m not going to be distracted by shiny objects. I’m focused on my plan, my vision for the country, my policy ideas.

Q:Would you say the West has a big part to play in the Liberal Party’s reinvention?

A:Absolutely. We cannot go into the next federal election with one hand tied behind our back. We can’t concede Western Canada to other political parties. And so we have to change the way we do business ... I believe the values of small “l” Liberalism can resonate with Western Canadians. Values about individuality, hard work, reward for that hard work, but also helping out your neighbour when they need a hand up ... we need to go and talk to people, and talk about these values and principles that we have, so Western Canadians understand that the Liberal Party actually stands for something.

Q:You are, as you mentioned, the only candidate so far to declare from Western Canada. Does this give you an edge?

A:I think that the country and the party is ready for a leader of the Liberal Party of Canada from Western Canada. There are approaches and voices and ideas that are coming from (the West) that I think are helpful on the national stage, and that I think can contribute.

Q:Moose Jaw isn’t a traditional stronghold for the Liberal Party. What is your message to Moose Jaw Liberals?

A:We need to change that. It can’t be that the Liberal Party of Canada is only a party of urban centres. It has to have ideas, policies and voices that connect with people who live in places like Moose Jaw and other smaller centres, and small towns across the country ... In terms of actually building the party in Moose Jaw and Saskatchewan, we need a plan. We need an accountable, step-by-step plan, and I have one.

Q:Could you explain it?

A:The idea is, there are a lot of ridings in this country, particularly in Western Canada, that don’t have a Liberal presence ... we need to identify people in those communities as potential candidates, not a month before the election, or two months, or three months — how about two years before the election? We need to find somebody who wants to step up, who cares about their community, and who will spend the time to engage their community, go out and talk and listen to people two years before the election and develop those relationships. And then we need a national party that actually listens to those people on the ground ... we need to change the culture and the way the Liberal party works at the national office and listen to the people who are on the ground and know what the issues are in their community.

Interview has been edited for length. For more information, see an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.

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