Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to speak at the 2023 Liberal National Convention in Ottawa on May 5th. The event, also known as Lib2023, will feature a conversation between Clinton and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland about how Canada and the United States can work together to promote economic growth, human rights, and progress on the global stage. Liberal Party of Canada national director Azam Ishmael highlighted Clinton’s extensive experience in public service and her commitment to promoting human rights and strengthening the middle class in the United States.
Clinton previously endorsed the federal Liberals during the 2021 federal election campaign and referred to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as her “friend”. This year’s convention will also feature speeches from several other high-profile figures, including Trudeau himself, former prime minister Jean Chretien, and Liberal Party of Canada president Suzanne Cowan.
The announcement of Clinton’s participation in the convention has garnered significant media attention, with many speculating about the impact of her appearance on the upcoming federal election. Some political analysts believe that Clinton’s endorsement of Trudeau in 2021 helped to boost his support among certain segments of the electorate, and her presence at the convention may similarly energize Liberal supporters. Others, however, have suggested that Clinton’s involvement in Canadian politics may be seen as unwelcome interference by some voters.
Despite the potential controversy, many Liberals are excited about the prospect of hearing from Clinton and engaging in important conversations about the future of Canada-US relations. The convention, which runs from May 4th to 7th, is expected to attract thousands of delegates and feature a range of workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities for attendees.