Below are just a few of our newest endorsements from prominent Canadians; click here to see even MORE.

• Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain, Former Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick
• Aldéa Landry, Former Deputy Premier of New Brunswick under Frank McKenna
• Weslyn Mather, Former MLA, Edmonton-Mill Woods
• Charlie Coffey, Former Executive VP, Government Affairs Business Development for RBC
• Kent Hehr, MLA, Calgary-Buffalo
• Jared Walker, NY State Chair, Students for Obama

Martha in the media:

We’re also thrilled with even MORE great media coverage that resulted from Saturday’s National Leadership Showcase. Check out what a few of Canada’s pre-eminent political pundits are saying:

“If the party sees the way out of its current morass as reinventing itself as a serious party of ideas, it will choose Martha Hall Findlay. Of the six remaining candidates, indeed, [Martha] is the only candidate one can even imagine in the prime minister’s chair.“

~Andrew Coyne, National Post

“In fact, it may now be Hall Findlay who has the best chance of defeating Trudeau if she can capture enough support from those who oppose both Trudeau and Murray’s electoral co-operation idea, which has proven to be a controversial proposal.”

~ Lee Berthiaume, Vancouver Sun

“On experience, Martha Hall Findlay is unmatched in the leadership race. …Martha Hall Findlay has proven herself during the last five months and deserves to win as the candidate of substance and ideas. …Martha Hall Findlay has proven herself able to stand a chance against Stephen Harper and Thomas Mulcair in 2015.”

~ Prince Arthur Chronicle

Thanks to our volunteers: you were a huge part of Martha’s success

It was a truly great Showcase – largely thanks to the incredible number of volunteers and supporters who came out in droves and cheered their hearts out! THANK YOU!

We are also pleased to announce that our Campaign has been run on a tight budget. With our final fundraising push, we expect to be IN THE BLACK by April 14th. We’re all very proud of our ‘fiscal responsibility’ – just like how Martha will run the country!

During Martha’s Showcase speech, she asked people to imagine the debate in 2015 when the Liberal Leader we choose now will go head to head with Stephen Harper and Thomas Mulcair. Who will be the person who can best debate Harper and Mulcair?

You know that we will need someone who is business-conscious, market-oriented, and who can take on both Harper and Mulcair on challenging issues such as the economy and international affairs.

You know that we will need someone who can tell Harper, Mulcair, and all Canadians the importance of our energy resources to our national prosperity, at the same time as knowing that protecting our environment is critical to our economic prosperity - that they must go hand in hand. 

You know that we will need someone on that stage who is experienced, clear, firm, decisive, no nonsense, and tough.

If you haven’t voted, vote now.

~ Martha’s campaign team

Martha Hall Findlay’s response, as published:

1. As leader of the Liberals, what would be your top three  foreign affairs priorities, in order of importance?

1) Given the appalling deterioration of the relationship between the Prime Minister’s Office and the experienced and capable people at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, I would work with them to ensure a relationship of respect and trust with the Liberal Party, with a view to a running start back at rebuilding our foreign policy in 2015.

2) With that renewed relationship of trust and respect with our foreign affairs experts, build back up our diplomatic presence where needed, with two main goals: (A) a foreign policy re-focused on peace-making/peace-building, governance capacity-building, thoughtful and balanced diplomacy, working in collaboration with others toward international prosperity and better protection for human rights; and (B) encouraging a much greater connection between our diplomatic and international trade efforts. Relationships are key to increased commercial relationships, particularly in many of the big and growing markets and I believe the two can and should be encouraged to work even more closely.

3) Although I recognize the deterioration in effectiveness of the UN over the years, and the challenges of an immense bureaucracy, I believe in the power (and importance) of multilateralism. Rather than turn our backs on the UN, as Stephen Harper is doing, I would have Canada do the opposite. And just as we stepped up initially to help its creation, that Canada should step up again now to work at rebuilding the UN into an effective, 21st-century organization.

2. What personal, political, academic or other related  experience do you have in the field of foreign affairs?

• BA in international relations from the University of Toronto

• LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School with a significant focus on international law

• Several international business courses from the Schulich MBA program at York University

• Was chief legal and regulatory adviser to a major telecommunications company in Europe

• Have written and spoken on the Responsibility to Protect, particularly in the last two years given events in Libya and Syria, including for the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute

Read full article here (under subscription).

Originally published in Embassy News, on April 10, 2013.

Read full article here. 

Originally published by The Prince Arthur Herald on April 9, 2013.

“You could conceivably vote for me because of my new hairstyle or this killer dress but I ask you to vote for me because of my ideas and because of what I know we can do together. You know where I stand on many issues. I have never shied away from giving straight, substantive answers to any policy questions.”

Originally posted by CBC News.

Full English text below. (Texte intégral français ici)

***

Thank you.

Fellow Liberals, friends.

My name is Martha Hall Findlay.

And I’ll be your underdog this afternoon.

It’s OK.  Really.

Because I am proud to be a member of the Liberal Party of Canada.

I am proud to be a candidate for the leadership of this great party.

The Liberal Party of Canada has had a remarkable past, and I want to lead this Party to a remarkable future.

And we — you — hold that future in your hands.

* * * *

Right from the start of this campaign, given all the hype and media, so many people said, “why bother”?

Well, when you care so much about this country, when you care so much about this Liberal Party and what it can and should do for Canada – you bother.

And I say this to all our volunteers, donors and supporters – wonderful people all across the country – they all know how important it is to step up, even if it’s against the odds.

Sometimes, indeed, because it’s against the odds.

Thank you to all of you, from me, from the Party, and from this country, for stepping up. Thank you for your help, your support, your dedication – your friendship.

I also want to thank my fellow candidates. We share a belief that we can make a difference in the Liberal party, and that the Liberal party can once again make a difference in the lives of Canadians.  In a cynical time, we believe the things we do in public life can improve the well-being of Canadians – protect and grow our country, and help families to prosper.

I am proud to have walked this road with you – and even though some of us have disagreed on certain issues, I am inspired by your talent, your intelligence and your commitment to the Party we believe in and to the country we love.

Thank you finally, to all my family, including my three kids – Katie, Everett and Patrick, who are all here today. Sorry my place is such a mess, guys – where is Marc Garneau and his vacuum when you need them??

Seriously, thank you for always being there for me. Love you!

* * * * *

Once more, I’ve had the opportunity to travel our great land. This time with the added “je ne sais quoi” of being on the road through the “30 belows” of winter. All I can say is — thank God for longjohns.

Or — as evidence of my non-partisanship – thank heavens for Stanfields.

I have met so many inspiring Canadians.

I have visited so many towns and cities.

I have rrrrrolled up so many rims.

In fact, I believe our “Tim Hortons” record was the 8 different locations in one day on Prince Edward Island.

To all of the many, many Canadians who took the time to tell me their stories, to better MY understanding of their hopes and dreams, to share their wisdom and improve my ideas, I thank you.

* * * *

So for all of you here, all of you watching, I have a question: As a Party, as Liberals, where did our confidence go?

The Liberal Party we once knew, of bold and brave ideas, brought us Health Care and the Canada Pension Plan. Old Age Security. Our Flag. Peacekeeping and International Respect  – I mean, we’re the Party of both Lester Pearson and Romeo Dallaire!!

We were also the Party of economic responsibility and fiscal prudence. We eliminated deficits, brought in consecutive surpluses and paid down debt. Yes, the Party of both Jean Chretien AND Paul Martin. We were the Party of Kyoto, of the Kelowna Accord, of same sex marriage, and saying “NO” to invading Iraq. We were the Party that not only believed, but acted on, the principles that economic prosperity is key, and that our prosperity must have purpose.

I want that Party back.

* * * *

But how will we get it back? Do you know where our Party will stand in 2015?

This is why your decision, your vote for our next Leader, is so critical – for this great Party, and our country.

Yes, you have choices. You could, conceivably, vote for me because of my new hairstyle,

… or this killer dress (Canadian-designed).

But I ask you to vote for me because of my ideas, and because of what I know we can do – together.

You know where I stand on many issues. I’ve never shied away from giving straight, substantive answers to any policy questions. You know that a vote for me is a vote for my clear vision for economic success, prosperity and fiscal prudence; environmental sustainability; social justice and equal opportunity — and thoughtful, engaged international diplomacy.

* * * * *

You have heard from some that the Liberal Party needs to do politics differently.

I agree.

But for me, it’s not a catch phrase — doing politics differently means something very specific.

I have been clear – for years now – in advocating for that critical combination – principles and policies that are not “right”, not “left”, but the best ones, together, to take Canada forward.

We can no longer fall back on policies simply because they are safe. We can no longer feel as though we need to please everyone. We must be bold and choose policies because they are the right ones for Canadians.  Yes, that means, sometimes, being willing to challenge some sacred cows.

Now, being bold itself is not different – the Liberal Party has been plenty bold before. Being bold, being willing to step forward and do what’s right – sometimes against the prevailing wind — has in fact defined the Liberal Party’s best moments — and all that we have accomplished in the past for Canada.

That bold approach is what we need again now.

Canadians are not looking for a Leader with whom they agree on everything.

They are looking for Leadership they trust to make the tough decisions when tough decisions need to be made.

* * * * *

Now — We want to win in 2015.

It won’t be easy, there are no silver bullets.

Let’s face it, Stephen Harper hasn’t won three elections because he’s such a charming guy.

And it sure ain’t because of his charisma.

He focused on the economy. He proposed clear and specific plans. Not the right ones, mind you – but clear plans that focused on key issues that resonated with Canadians.

 * * * * *

So, to win in 2015, we have a job to do, that’s for sure.  So let me just ask:

How many of you have worked on campaigns – making phone calls, stuffing envelopes, banging in lawn signs, knocking on doors?

(And how many of you have noticed, as I have, that the really grumpy people are always Conservative?)

So let’s fast forward to October, 2015. The election campaign is in full swing – and I hope you’re all back out, helping.

The economy, as usual, is the most important issue to Canadians. But there is so much more….

So, it’s mid-campaign 2015 — picture yourself, knocking on a door in Markham, Ontario. It’s opened by Sam, the proprietor of a small business.

You want Sam to know we have a Leader who is business-conscious, market-oriented, leading a Party he can trust to manage our economy and run this country well.

Picture yourself in Montreal. Yvette answers the door and says she’s concerned about Canada’s role and reputation internationally.

Yvette clearly wants a Leader who can discuss the challenges of the Eurozone crisis with Angela Merkel, someone who can face Vladimir Putin over Arctic sovereignty, someone who can work with Barack Obama on making real progress on the economic and environmental issues facing North America.

Now, imagine you’re knocking on a door in Calgary Centre (a riding we recently almost won) and young Paul asks about how to reconcile the oil sands and the environment.

You want Paul to see the Liberal Party as the only party that clearly understands the importance of our energy resources to our national prosperity, at the same time as knowing – as recent events are proving – that protecting our environment is in fact critical to our economic prosperity.

They must go hand in hand.

You’re in Fredericton – Suzanne answers the door, but says she can’t speak long because, while she’s getting supper for the kids, she’s also tending to her aging mother who’s just moved in with them.

You want to be able to tell her that including Home Care and more elderly care in our Health Care System is a key part of the Liberal Party’s platform.

I don’t need to tell you this — You know what it’s like in the middle of a campaign – you know that all-important reaction at the door.  These are real Canadians. Canadians looking for solutions to their problems, their concerns.

The Liberal Party that I lead will be there for Sam, Yvette, Paul, Suzanne, her mother, and the many, many Canadians looking for a change — for a new, and much, much better government in 2015.

But just a sec – my virtual Campaign 2015 isn’t quite over… Let me ask you to picture one more scene.  The all-important debate.  Up on the stage are Stephen Harper, Thomas Mulcair, and …………….. You know that we will need someone on that stage who is experienced, clear, firm, decisive, no nonsense and tough.

* * * * *

Friends, fellow Liberals:

Canadians are watching.

In the weeks and months to come, Canadians will be judging us – assessing our new leader, determining for themselves whether she or he has the stuff to be Prime Minister.

Substantive, experienced, bold, tough — that’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring. The Liberal Party that I will lead – clearly and decisively, together with all of you — will not be right, it won’t be left.

It will always be asking “What more can we do?”

“How much better can we be?”

I know in my head and I know in my heart that with the right leader, and the right plan, we can – we will — bring our Liberal Party back – that Liberal Party of bold ideas, of optimism, commitment, enthusiasm and an unshakeable belief in what we can do together – as Liberals and as Canadians.

I ask for your support. I ask for your vote. And then — I will ask that you join me in taking back the country we love.

Thank you.

Originally published by the Huffington Post, April 3, 2013.

Read article here, including all the candidates’ answers.

Read Martha’s unabridged answers here: Martha Hall Findlay answers six questions from the Huffington Post

Originally published in The Cord, on April 3, 2013. Article by Erika Ymana.

Read full article here.

The former MP from Ontario is running in her second leadership contest and this time isn’t pulling any punches — she’s one who speaks her mind and doesn’t rely on pre-conceived talking points.”

Originally published by Yahoo News Canada on April 3, 2013. Article by Andy Radia.

Read full article here.

Watch full interview here.

See her answers here.