The Footnotes Blog

Photo belongs to James R. Howard

What better place to find real leadership then at a leadership convention? Join me for reflections on my time at the Ontario Liberal Party’s AGM in Hamilton Ontario this past weekend, March 3-5, 2023.

This past weekend I had the privilege of representing the Provincial Liberal Association of London-Fanshawe as a delegate at the largest AGM of the Ontario Liberal Party in recent history. For a party that is older than the country itself, it was refreshing for a progressive from Southwestern Ontario see so many like-minded people from across the province in the same room, intent to mingle, socialize, debate, and vote on constitutional amendments and a new executive leadership.

On Saturday the party voted almost unanimously to adopt a one member one vote party leader electoral system, that gave each PLA the same proportional weight, in effort to create a more open, and comprehensible leadership process than the delegated system they had previously. As the last party to have delegated conventions, this change was seen as necessary to create a more inclusive party and shake off the public’s notion the party was fully influenced by activists and elites within it. Saturday was also the day delegates voted for a new executive, including a new Party President, Vice President, regional executives, etc.

Photo belongs to James R. Howard

As this was my first ever party AGM, I was struck by how much leadership took centre-stage with everyone in attendance. Not only could you openly meet with and chat with leadership candidates and their campaigns competing to be elected this weekend, but there were also several leadership campaigns for the party leader that were present. Most major campaigns hosted hospitality suites, areas in and around the Hamilton Convention Centre where party members could socialize and talk to candidates.

I took advantage this weekend of being able to ask leaders what their idea of good leadership was, and what they thought the party needed to provide a viable alternative for Ontario voters. Candidates had lots of different ideas, and I appreciated the enthusiasm of the candidates and their campaign teams in telling me why I should vote for them, or why they support their candidate.

Photo belongs to James R. Howard

Whether you are a Liberal, NDP, Progressive Conservative or a Green voter, I believe it’s important to participate in its development, its critique, and support the leaders you believe in, because that’s where you find real leadership.