Oakbank’s Shane Geschiere is running for the
leadership of the federal Liberal party.
Photo by Dianne Hamill
'Go big or go home'
Oakbank man makes run at federal Liberal leadership
By Dianne Hamill
He’s an unknown on the political scene and has never run for public office – not exactly someone you’d expect to see in the federal Liberal leadership race.
But Shane Geschiere says that his anonymity and inexperience are likely two of his greatest assets as he prepares to face off against some of the well-known faces that make-up Ottawa’s parliamentary landscape.
“We’ve had experienced leaders before – where has it gotten us? It’s time to review why and how we do things. We need a game changer, ” Geschiere said.
A member of the Liberal party for just a few weeks, the 32-year-old Oakbank resident said he has always had an interest in politics but only recently decided it was time to ‘step-up’ and try to change the direction the party and the country are headed.
“We can’t complain unless we do something about what’s going on.”
Citing the recent decline in Liberal support across the country, Geschiere said he hopes to inject new energy into the flailing party.
“This is an opportunity for change. There’s no better time to lead. This is an opportunity to go in and make a difference. It’s time to go big or go home.”
The first to officially put his name in for the top job, Geschiere - who has a degree in sociology and criminal justice from the University of Winnipeg and is currently working full time on his psychology degree from the University of Manitoba - will likely face off against MPs Marc Garneau and David McGuinty when the race is decided in 2013. Interim leader Bob Rae has agreed not to run.
Admittedly the long shot in the race, Geschiere said despite the odds, he’s in it for the long haul.
“It’s an uphill battle. Nobody’s really done this before. I’m very serious about going the whole way if I can.”
Coupled with being an unknown, the expected $50,000 entry fee to run in the leadership race could also hamper Geschiere’s chances of winning – something the former Oakbank paramedic said he wants to change.
“It’s an unreasonable amount. My message should be more important than the amount I can pay to get there.”
Despite the obstacles, Geschiere said recent changes to the leadership election process could help him in his bid.
In January, the Liberals opted to elect their next leader using the supporter system.
Under the new system any voter who supports the Liberals, and is not a member of another party, will be able to vote for its next leader – without being a card-carrying member of the Liberal party.
“It will enable people to vote who don’t want to commit,” Geschiere said.
While Geschiere knows the odds are stacked against him, he hopes if nothing else the upcoming leadership race will serve as an inspiration to others.
“At some point we stopped believing that we can do anything. I’m here to say we can.”
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