Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention, 2003
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The 2003 Liberal Party of Canada leadership convention ended on November 14, 2003, electing Paul Martin as the party's new leader. The official campaign had lasted several months, although the candidates had been campaigning for years.
Paul Martin spent the entire race as the unquestionable front runner. Because of this, many notable candidates did not enter the race or dropped out, including John Manley. Stakes for the race were very high as the winner would become Prime Minister, and would take over party that was high in the polls and likely to win re-election.
Outgoing Prime Minister Jean Chrétien was often viewed as working to prevent Martin's victory and to boost Manley's chances.
See also: Liberal leadership conventions
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Candidates
- Paul Martin - former finance minister (winner, 93.8%)
- Sheila Copps - Heritage Minister (6.2%)
Withdrew
- John Manley - Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister
Announced they would not run
- Allan Rock - Industry Minister
- Frank McKenna - Former New Brunswick Premier
- Brian Tobin - Former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier
Timeline
2002
- June 2 - Paul Martin, Jr. resigns as Finance Minister of Canada. John Manley is named to replace him.
- August 21 - Prime Minister Jean Chrétien tells Canadians he will step down in February 2004.
2003
- February 13 - Sheila Copps announces she is going to run for leader.
- March 7 - Martin announces he is going to run for leader.
- March 17 - Manley announces he is going to run for leader.
- July 22 - Manley drops out of the race.
- September 21 - Paul Martin's victory becomes a certainty when he secures 92% of the party delegates from across the country.
- November 14 - Martin officially becomes leader of the Liberal Party of Canada winning 3242 of 3455 votes against Copps.
- November 28 - Manley announces his retirement from politics.
- December 12 - Paul Martin, Jr. is sworn in as Canada's 21st Prime Minister, along with his cabinet.