Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome our new leader and a new era for the Liberal Party of Canada. Over 100,000 Canadians participated in the largest leadership vote in the history of our country.
During the campaign, our new leader spoke abut the need to find a new way of doing things. We have to set aside politics that pit the regions against one another, as well as the politics of fear and envy. Instead, we must think about Canada's overall long-term interests.
I crossed our country over the last five months and saw for myself the hope our new leader is helping to foster. I met Canadians who are not cynical but who believe that we can, and must, build a country that creates opportunities for everyone to succeed, a country full of promise.
I have never been more optimistic about the future of the Liberal Party and our country. I have the great pleasure, together with the whole caucus and all Canadians, to welcome our new leader.