Elected officials share their impressions

Provincial Member of the National Assembly (MNA) for l'Acadie Yvan Bordeleau, knew Stéphane Dion in 1997. "Upon his arrival, I had a lot of cooperation with him on files of mutual concern which affected residents," he said.

For Bordeleau, Dion is a determined person, an honest, proud candidate who wants to succeed. The l'Acadie MNA emphasized the ability of Dion to bring in-depth discussions to the public. "During the leadership race, he was the only one to refer to important Canadian issues, such as the environment," he said, noting that with Dion as Liberal leader, the issues eventually discussed with the federal government will be influenced by these discussions.

Bordeleau also acknowledges the ease at which the new leader rallies people. "It is important not to go out with divided forces, but rather with a good cohesion," he said. "Since his election as leader one can already see that he has this ability."

In Dion's career, DeSousa was especially marked by the way in which his counterpart delivered the goods as Minister of the Environment. As a person in charge of sustainable development in the city of Montreal, DeSousa had many contacts with Dion in such areas as the Conference on Climate Change. "He was able to work quickly and stay focused with municipal and provincial officials to make it possible for Montreal to welcome the Conference on Climate Changes," he said.

Before making the jump to politics, she acknowledges having been inspired by the integrity of Dion. "These morals make me say that one lasts in politics and in life in general when this attitude is adopted," said Beaudoin. "For me, it is an unquestionable influence."

For Beaudoin, the tenth anniversary of Dion's political career represents a strong moment in the career of the politician. "I have much admiration for elected people," she said. "Ten years, it is a success and the population has confidence in him." (Translated by Michael Beigleman)