Gerard Kennedy - The first Liberal Party of Canada leader born and raised in Manitoba?

Continuing with my profiles of the various candidates running for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, I'd like to say a few words about Gerard Kennedy. He was in Winnipeg on Sunday to gather support.

Gerard is originally from The Pas and is generally considered to be among the top four contenders in a battle that will not be decided until the Convention in Montreal in early December.

After growing up in the The Pas and taking three years of high school in Winnipeg, Gerard went on to attend Trent University and the University of Alberta, where he gained a better understanding and appreciation of the diversity that is Canada. Gerard then went on to become the Executive Director of the Edmonton Food Bank and later the Toronto Food Bank, living his personal committment to social justice.

Still, he has always maintained strong family ties to Manitoba. His parents still live in The Pas and he has returned to Manitoba regularly to visit them and his sisters and brothers in both Winnipeg and The Pas.

Gerard certainly has a broad vision of change and he is determined in his rejection of the status quo. He sees the need to constantly challenge ourselves as Canadians to improve and grow. He is seeking to lead the Liberal Party not only to strive for the very best for Canadians, but so we can play a clear and independent role on the international stage.