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By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator, Thursday November 29, 2012

Garneau campaign officially blasts off

A confidential report says Former astronaut and Montreal MP Marc Garneau launched his Liberal leadership bid Wednesday, joining an already crowded field of those hoping to win the party’s top job. Garneau made the announcement Wednesday morning in his riding of Westmount-Ville-Marie. Alternating between French and English, a fiery Garneau said it’s time for the Liberal party to set aside issues that divide and focus on those that unite.

“As leader, I will focus on the issues that matter to Quebecers and indeed to all Canadians. I will do this by making the economy my number one priority because I have to say it, how we propose as Liberals to deal with the economy will be crucial not only to our fortunes but to our country,” Garneau said.

The former Canadian Space Agency chief said Canada has become “angry, divisive and intolerant” under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and it’s “time for change.”

“I’m talking serious change to my party and my country. My goal is to restore integrity and principled leadership to Canadian politics,” Garneau said.

Earlier in the week, B.C. MP Joyce Murray also announced her intention to compete for the leadership position. As part of her bid, she said she would, as leader, enter talks with the New Democrats and Greens before considering fielding a single candidate in tightly-contested ridings during the next federal election.

Garneau said he wasn’t open to such a measure, saying he would field a Liberal candidate in every riding in Canada if elected leader. However, he conceded there is a sense among many Liberals that the party is being squeezed on the right by the Conservatives and on the left by the New Democrats. (Source: CTV News)