Canada PoliticsFormer Liberal cabinet minister Martin Cauchon files 11th hour leadership race papers
The federal Liberal leadership race just got a little more interesting.
The Canadian Press is reporting that former cabinet minister Martin Cauchon has joined the contest filing his paperwork with the party just hours before the deadline on Sunday night.
Cauchon may not have the same 'panache' or name recognition as Trudeau, but he does have the most impressive political resume in the race.
He was an MP from 1993 to 2004 serving as a senior Quebec cabinet minister in the Chretien administration, in portfolios such as National Revenue and Justice. As explained by the Canadian Press, Cauchon spearheaded the move to decriminalize marijuana and legalize same-sex marriage.
"He [will] likely position himself as a champion of progressive Liberalism amid a leadership field that has so far shown a pronounced rightward tilt," notes CP.
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According to LaPresse, despite Cauchon's retirement from politics in 2004, he's maintained a "network of organizers" across the country.
With Cauchon now in the race, we could also see some fireworks.
In December, Cauchon slammed Trudeau for saying that the Liberal's long-gun registry was a failed public policy.
"I believe that we have to update our policies and make sure that next election we're going to be able to show leadership to Canadians," Cauchon said in an interview with the CP.
"But, you know what, I believe as well ... that a candidate running should have the backbone to respect and stand for the principles that we have always stood for."
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Trudeau and Cauchon will face off against each other and the other seven leadership contenders in Vancouver, next Sunday, for the contest's first debate. The Hill Times reports that the event will include topics such as Alberta oil-sands exploration expansion and the controversial Enbridge Gateway pipeline.
The 9 candidates are as follows:
