The True North - Liberal Party leadership election, 1990

[MAINEiac4434]

John Turner, the man who saved the Liberals?

The Liberal Party more than doubled their seats after the disaster of 1984, but still had less than 100 MPs. John Turner, who led the party out of the darkest days, failed to take advantage of the Progressive Conservative's most unpopular policies. He announced his resignation in May 1989. The party now had three directions to choose from:

Sheila Copps, MP for Hamilton East - Copps, 37, is aiming to become the first female Liberal leader. She's a member of the left-wing "Rat Pack", a more progressive, young wing of the federal LPC. The Liberals' environment critic, she's thought of highly by environmentalists.

Jean Chrétien, former Deputy Prime Minister - Chrétien represents the more centrist wing of the party. He seeks to win back Quebec for the Liberals. He is undoubtedly the establishment choice, receiving the endorsement of the majority of Liberal caucus members. The Shawiningan native is vastly experienced, and has long been considered a future Prime Minister of Canada.

Paul Martin, MP for La Salle-Emard - Martin is a centrist, but a political newcomer, unconnected to the scandals of previous Liberal governments - but also unconnected to the successes. While a centrist, he's considered slightly more conservative than Chrétien. His father served in the cabinets of every Liberal Prime Minister except Mackenzie, Laurier and Turner.

John Nunziata, MP for for York-South West - Like Copps, Nunziata is a member of the Rat Pack. He's even younger than Copps at 35, and was a member of the NDP in his youth. He is considered more socially conservative than Copps, opposing abortion.

Tom Wappel, MP for Scarborough West - At 40, another youngster, but Wappel is considerably to the right of the Rat Pack. He is the pro-life lobby's candidate, and opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest. He further believes that people who administer or receive abortion should be tried as murderers. He also opposes increased rights for LGBT couples, and opposes Chrétien's initiatives in favor of LGBT rights.

Two days, and the top two will advance to a second round.

[Kingpoleon]

I voted for Chrétien but would prefer Martin.

[MAINEiac4434]

I voted for Chrétien but would prefer Martin.

If you wanted Martin why didn't you vote for him?

[Antonio the Sixth]

Copps!

[Kingpoleon]

I voted for Chrétien but would prefer Martin.

If you wanted Martin why didn't you vote for him?

Nobody else would prefer him, and I want Chrétien in the second round.

[🦀🎂🦀🎂]

Wappel

[MAINEiac4434]

I voted for Chrétien but would prefer Martin.

If you wanted Martin why didn't you vote for him?

Nobody else would prefer him, and I want Chrétien in the second round.

Makes sense. Martin's proving to be a nonentity in the election.

[Njall]

Chretien

[MAINEiac4434]

Chretien

Surprised he isn't doing that well in this election.

[MAINEiac4434]

Poll closed. With a left-winger and a right-winger facing off on the second ballot, the Liberal Party is about to radically change course.