2003 Liberal Party of Canada leadership race

2003 Liberal Party of Canada leadership race ended on November 14, 2003, with Paul Martin victorious. The official campaign had lasted several months, though the candidates had been campaigning for years.

Paul Martin spent the entire race as the unquestionable front runner. Because of this, many notable candidates did not enter the race or dropped out as did John Manley. Stakes for the race were very high as the winner would become Prime Minister, and would take over party that was high in the polls and likely to win reelection.

Outgoing Prime Minister Jean Chrétien was often viewed as working to prevent Martin's victory and to boost Manley's chances.

See also: Liberal leadership conventions

Candidates

• Paul Martin - former finance minister (winner, 93.8%)
• Sheila Copps - Heritage Minister (6.2%)

Dropped out

• John Manley - Deputy Prime Minister, Finance Minister

Announced they would not run

• Allan Rock - Industry Minister
• Frank McKenna - Former New Brunswick Premier
• Brian Tobin - Former Newfoundland and Labrador Premier

Timeline

2003

• December 12 - Paul Martin, Jr. is sworn in as Canada's 21st Prime Minister, along with his cabinet.
• November 28 - Deputy Prime Minister John Manley announces his retirement from politics.
• November 14 - Paul Martin officially becomes leader of the Liberal Party of Canada winning 3242 of 3455 votes against Sheila Copps.
• September 21 - Paul Martin's victory becomes a certainty when he secures 92% of the party delegates from across the country.
• July 22 - John Manley drops out of the race.
• March 17 - John Manley announces he is going to run for leader.
• March 7 - Paul Martin announces he is going to run for leader.
• February 13 - Sheila Copps announces she is going to run for leader.

2002

• August 21 - Prime Minister Jean Chrétien tells Canadians he will step down in February 2004.
• June 2, 2002- Paul Martin resigns as Finance Minister of Canada. John Manley is named to replace him.