Liberal Party takes surprising step
- Share via
From Times Wire Reports
The Liberal Party unexpectedly chose former Environment Minister Stephane Dion as its new leader, overlooking his political shortcomings -- a heavy French accent and unpopularity in his home province of Quebec -- that could undermine the party in an election expected next year.
Dion, 51, beat the favorite, former Harvard academic Michael Ignatieff. The Liberals dominated Canadian politics for a century but lost to the Conservatives in January. The Conservatives have a minority government that is expected to fall.
More to Read
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.