Some of the stars came out and federal Liberals were in a celebratory mood Thursday night in Winnipeg as they opened their first major convention since sweeping to power in last October's general election.
Liberal Party President Anna Gainey said that “it’s stunning, frankly, to look back at where we’ve come from,” referencing the 2011 election result that plummeted the party to third place and only 34 MPs in the House of Commons.
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She noted the party worked hard from the grassroots up to modernize. “Together we built a team, we built a plan, and a strategic campaign powered by volunteers,” she told supporters at the RBC Convention Centre.
Manitoba Métis Federation president David Chartrand also challenged the Canadian government as he spoke to delegates. He said that the government never kept its promises to settle with Métis veterans.
He had spoken to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding how his dad, former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, recognized Métis in the Canadian constitution but didn’t act.
“Your dad put us in the constitution, gave us a box, but there was nothing in it. You have a chance to fill this void,” Chartrand said. “We will find our place in the constitution.”
He said he wanted to speak to Veterans Affairs Minister Kent Hehr about it further.
He also defended the prime minister for the “elbowgate” incident.
“Our prime minister would never hurt a fly," Chartrand said.
Here are some images from the opening night of the convention.
Liberal Party President arrives on stage at Winnipeg convention on May 26, 2016. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Liberal Party President Anna Gainey praises the team at convention in Winnipeg on May 26, 2016. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Defence Intern Harjit Sajjan photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Manitoba Métis Federation president David Chartrand spoke to Liberal members during the opening ceremonies of the party’s convention in Winnipeg, Man. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna share a laugh at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights after the opening ceremonies of the Liberal Party convention in Winnipeg on May 26, 2016. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Finance Minister Bill Morneau attends the opening of the Liberal convention in Winnipeg. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Olivier Boulet, a local Metis musician, opened the Liberal Party convention. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Olivier Boulet, a local Metis musician, plays Red River Jig. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault is a convention co-chair and hosts the party’s online coverage. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Liberals mingle at the opening of their 2016 convention. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Liberal delegates talk politics at Canadian Museum of History in Winnipeg. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Chief Dr. Robert Joseph was a keynote speaker at the Liberal Party convention in Winnipeg, Man. He is a residential school survivor, and spoke about how Canada is on the right track when it comes to truth and reconciliation. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.Convention co-chairs Liberal MP Terry Duguid and Young Liberal president Mira Ahmad speak to delegateson May 26, 2016. Photo by Bea Vongdouangchanh.
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