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ciroccojI don't know whether to cheer or cry. Cheer, because
WINNIPEG (CP) - Conservative leadership candidate Belinda Stronach formally kicked off her western campaign swing Wednesday by wading deeper into the potentially divisive issue of same-sex marriage.
Stronach told CJOB radio host Charles Adler that same-sex unions are a human right. "People should be treated equally under the law, whether you're a man, woman, whatever religion you may embrace or whatever culture you come from," said Stronach during her first public event since launching her campaign Tuesday in Aurora, Ont.
But she said she understands that many party members don't share her position and added she will listen to them and would ultimately leave the issue up to a free vote in Parliament.
Stronach's position contrasts with that of her opponent Stephen Harper, who drew applause during a speech in Winnipeg last week when he defined marriage not as a human right but as a social value shared between a man and a woman.
Harper, leader of the Canadian Alliance, is widely perceived to have a strong lead in western Canada because of the party's strong numbers within the new Conservative party.
However, former Manitoba Premier Gary Filmon and several former and current provincial Tories are among those offering Stronach help and endorsements.
The former president of auto-parts giant Magna International frequently referred to her corporate experience as evidence she is the "middle-of-the-road" candidate who can bridge the varying levels of social conservatism among former members of the Alliance and the Progressive Conservatives.
"I do think this new party needs to create a bigger tent where Canadians can feel comfortable and come into that bigger tent," said Stronach.
Aside from her comments on same-sex marriage, Stronach provided little detail about her platform during her brief stop in Winnipeg.
She made repeated references to the need to "bake a bigger economic pie" but didn't provide a recipe or ingredients when pressed by reporters after the radio show.
Stronach talked about making stable health-care funding a priority, but did not state a position on the provinces' request for a $2-billion increase in federal transfer payments.
Stronach said this initial phase of the campaign is not the time for specifics.
"At this point I'm still speaking with Canadians across the country," she said. "I would like to continue to do that and we'll come with a firmer, more defined position in the coming weeks."
The leadership vote will take place March 19-21.
Cry, because we got a new piece of music for the Songs in the Key of Luuuv concert. "Can't Buy Me Love", by Ye Olde Beatles. And it's been converted into a Madrigal, sort of like Medieval Muzack. It even says "Madrigalian tempo".
There is no God.
WINNIPEG (CP) - Conservative leadership candidate Belinda Stronach formally kicked off her western campaign swing Wednesday by wading deeper into the potentially divisive issue of same-sex marriage.
Stronach told CJOB radio host Charles Adler that same-sex unions are a human right. "People should be treated equally under the law, whether you're a man, woman, whatever religion you may embrace or whatever culture you come from," said Stronach during her first public event since launching her campaign Tuesday in Aurora, Ont.
But she said she understands that many party members don't share her position and added she will listen to them and would ultimately leave the issue up to a free vote in Parliament.
Stronach's position contrasts with that of her opponent Stephen Harper, who drew applause during a speech in Winnipeg last week when he defined marriage not as a human right but as a social value shared between a man and a woman.
Harper, leader of the Canadian Alliance, is widely perceived to have a strong lead in western Canada because of the party's strong numbers within the new Conservative party.
However, former Manitoba Premier Gary Filmon and several former and current provincial Tories are among those offering Stronach help and endorsements.
The former president of auto-parts giant Magna International frequently referred to her corporate experience as evidence she is the "middle-of-the-road" candidate who can bridge the varying levels of social conservatism among former members of the Alliance and the Progressive Conservatives.
"I do think this new party needs to create a bigger tent where Canadians can feel comfortable and come into that bigger tent," said Stronach.
Aside from her comments on same-sex marriage, Stronach provided little detail about her platform during her brief stop in Winnipeg.
She made repeated references to the need to "bake a bigger economic pie" but didn't provide a recipe or ingredients when pressed by reporters after the radio show.
Stronach talked about making stable health-care funding a priority, but did not state a position on the provinces' request for a $2-billion increase in federal transfer payments.
Stronach said this initial phase of the campaign is not the time for specifics.
"At this point I'm still speaking with Canadians across the country," she said. "I would like to continue to do that and we'll come with a firmer, more defined position in the coming weeks."
The leadership vote will take place March 19-21.
Cry, because we got a new piece of music for the Songs in the Key of Luuuv concert. "Can't Buy Me Love", by Ye Olde Beatles. And it's been converted into a Madrigal, sort of like Medieval Muzack. It even says "Madrigalian tempo".
There is no God.
