Posted on 01/20/2004 4:25:06 PM PST by Squawk 8888
AURORA, Ont. (CP) - Belinda Stronach made it official Tuesday: the millionaire head of auto-parts giant Magna International wants to lead the new Conservative Party of Canada.
"This morning I'm entering the race to become the new leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister of Canada," Stronach told a news conference in this community north of Toronto where the empire founded by her father, Frank, is headquartered.
"I will make this new party work, build support and win," the 37-year-old political neophyte said to cheers from supporters at a legion hall.
Stronach made a plaintive and poised pitch to Canadians in her announcement, presenting her stand on everything from leaner government and the decriminalization of marijuana to education and the importance of a North American security perimeter.
She repeatedly emphasized her know-how in the business world, downplaying her political inexperience.
"I'm not a professional politician, but I have met a payroll," said Stronach, who resigned as head of Magna earlier in the day.
"I understand what it takes to compete on a global basis. I understand how the federal Liberal government is failing Canadians."
"My experiences have given me a unique window on the world, a window in Canada's job creation, in Canada's competitiveness, in what Canada must do to remain prosperous."
Stronach made frequent reference to her website, belinda.ca, and two flat-screen TVs on either side of the stage showcased the site.
Prime Minister Paul Martin, in Toronto to visit a public school earlier Tuesday, said he welcomed Stronach's entry into the race.
"Obviously I think that Ms. Stronach brings a very different experience to the race than the other candidates," he said. "I think that she has got great intelligence and I'm sure that she will do very, very well."
Stronach's father, Frank, will become interim president of Magna while a new CEO is found.
Supporters are counting on Stronach, a single mother of two, to inject life into a leadership race that has so far been dominated more by the people who don't want the job than those who do.
Only two other candidates have formally launched a bid for the March 19-21 vote: former Canadian Alliance leader Stephen Harper and Tony Clement, an Alliance architect and former Ontario health minister.
Stronach is also seen by some as the perfect balm to soothe the still-visible stitches holding the Alliance and Tory parties together.
In recent days, the departures of Alliance MP Keith Martin and Tory MP Andre Bachand have left the impression that the party is a less-than-friendly place for socially moderate conservatives.
But she's also going to have to win over detractors who cite her lack of experience as proof that she's just another pretty face.
Harper has already complained that the party doesn't have "the luxuries to experiment with on-the-job-training," while Clement - who sought the leadership of the Ontario Conservatives three years ago - has warned there's more to leadership races than "garlands and rose petals."
Stronach has been involved behind the scenes in Ontario and federal conservative politics for several years, playing a brokerage role in getting the Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservatives to the negotiating table last summer.
She has also promoted the participation of young Canadians in political life and is involved in a number of charities.
Stronach's campaign team includes longtime federal Tory pollster and strategist John Laschinger, Ontario PC strategist Jaime Watt, and Rod Love, a longtime Alliance and Reform strategist who helped bring Alberta Premier Ralph Klein to office.
Harris and fellow ex-Ontario premier William Davis are endorsing her leadership bid, and she has sought advice from everyone from Alberta Premier Ralph Klein to former prime minister Brian Mulroney.
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