After winning by nearly 10 points against New Democratic Party candidate Susan Wallace in this month’s federal election, Member of Parliament Bob Rae has been picked to be the interim leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, according to the
Canadian Press.
The party’s national board of directors chose the former New Democratic Party Ontario Premier over Quebec MP Marc Garneau.
The Liberal caucus is expected to ratify Rae’s appointment by the end of Wednesday. The board is hoping to postpone a vote for permanent leadership by about 18 to 22 months.
“I guess I’m a bear for punishment,” said Rae when asked why he decided to serve as interim leader instead of permanent, reports the
Globe and Mail. “It’s a chance to serve the party at this stage of my life and I’m looking forward to it if the party gives me that responsibility.”
Michael Ignatieff resigned from his post after the party suffered its worst defeat in Canadian history – Ignatieff lost his own riding in Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Rae has served as a heavyweight in Canadian politics. The author of
“Exporting Democracy” is a former Member of Provincial Parliament, an MP for three Canadian districts, a party leader (NDP) and Ontario Premier.
In 2006, Rae was a candidate for the Liberal leadership, but he finished in third place on the third ballot. He is now giving up his long-term leadership aspirations for a temporary post.
