Housing Minister Sean Fraser has initiated a Canada-wide fundraising campaign, though he has not commented on whether this effort is part of a campaign to lead the federal Liberal Party.
Kent Hehr, a former Liberal MP for Calgary Centre and one of the organizers of the Petroleum Club fundraiser, shared his optimism about the Liberal Party’s prospects in the upcoming election.
He further noted the challenge posed by the federal Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre, whom he described as “an extremely intelligent and engaging person” who could become Canada’s “most right-leaning Prime Minister ever” if elected.
The fundraiser attracted notable attendees, including former Calgary mayor Al Duerr, former Calgary councillor Evan Woolley, and a host of lawyers, developers, and oil and gas executives from Alberta, marking a departure from the Central Nova Federal Liberal Association’s usual donor base from Nova Scotia, Québec, and Ontario.
Mr. Hehr, in his post, highlighted the challenges faced by the federal Liberals, who are in their ninth year of governance.
“For any government, it becomes harder to win elections the longer you have been in power,” he wrote, noting that governments have typically lasted about 10 years over the last 45 years.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller was also asked at the press conference if he would like to run for leadership of the Liberal Party.
“Not a chance,” he responded.
“We have a leader,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland added.
