It's official

STATEMENT BY LIBERAL PARTY PRESIDENT DOUG FERGUSON ON THE SELECTION OF AN INTERIM LEADER



On December 8, 2008, the Hon. Stéphane Dion signaled his intention to resign from his position as Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. On behalf of the entire Liberal family, I wish to thank Mr. Dion for his unwavering dedication and his unending passion both for his country and for the Liberal Party.



Pursuant to section 54-3(a) of the Liberal Party's Constitution, following Mr. Dion's resignation, the National Executive, in consultation with Caucus, was entrusted with the responsibility of appointing an interim Liberal Leader.



This decision comes at an historic time for Canada. Our Interim Leader will be called upon to lead our Caucus and our Party through a volatile Parliament, and a possible federal election in the midst of the worst economic crisis in memory. For this reason, the National Executive opted to take the unprecedented step of expanding the consultations to include members of the Liberal Party's Council of Presidents, as well as past candidates and Commission club presidents.



These consultations revealed an overwhelming consensus in favour of one individual and the National Executive has now reflected on the consultations it has undertaken.



As such, I am pleased to announce that the National Executive has voted unanimously to appoint Michael Ignatieff as Interim Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.



While this is the case, it is important to remind Canadians and Liberal Party members that the Leadership Convention to be held in Vancouver from April 30 to May 3, 2009 will continue as planned.