A month after a pivotal election in the U.S., now it's Canada's turn.
Canada's Liberal Party will elect a leader this weekend to help it rebuild nationwide support amid increasing questions about how united the country should be. The election has been a distraction from economic reform, environmental policy and other issues, but the outcome could have an impact a range of issues affecting British Columbia and economic relations with its U.S. neighbors. Historically the Liberal Party leader has gone on to be Canada's prime minister.
Debate began last week when a leadership candidates suggested that Quebec is a separate nation within Canada, a claim that set off much navel-gazing and raised questions about the status of B.C., Alberta and native groups. Reportedly among the top issues for B.C. delegates at the party conference this weekend are health care reform and conservation measures.