Kennedy's Stance On Quebecois Gains further Support

Gerard Kennedy gains further support due to his strong stance for a united Canada and against the lack of clarity proposed in the motion that wished to recognize Quebecois as a nation.

In the Globe and Mail, in this article it describes Gerard's growing support.

In any event, they suggested that Mr. Kennedy, by coming out forcefully against recognition of Quebec nationhood, may have boosted his support enough to hang onto third place without any help.

Indeed, Mr. Kennedy picked up an endorsement Wednesday from former cabinet minister Sergio Marchi, who said Kennedy's position on Quebec nationhood tipped him into his camp.

“I just thought Gerard's position was one of courage and respect,” Mr. Marchi said in an interview.

Mr. Kennedy said he doesn't know what impact the nation controversy will have on Saturday's leadership vote and denied that was a factor in his decision to oppose Prime Minister Stephen Harper's surprise motion recognizing the Quebecois as a nation within a united Canada.

Like the other candidates, Mr. Kennedy welcomed the decision of the Quebec wing of the party to withdraw a similar resolution from consideration at the convention.

“I've said all along . . . somebody has made this about leadership politics — it shouldn't be,” he said, in a shot at Mr. Ignatieff who started the debate over Quebec nationhood.