March 21, 2007 - This is written with the knowledge that there is no one leadership camp that stands alone in the following criticism.

It is coming on four months since the Liberal Party of Canada chose a new leader, and I have been made aware that many staff and volunteers are still out of pocket for hundreds and in most cases thousands of dollars.

For many that worked in the various leadership campaigns, getting paid was something that wasn't thought about too closely, as most of those involved were too passionate about working their tails off to get their respective candidate elected.

Thus, not only were paycheques often forthcoming, but so too were the reimbursements for the expenses that were incurred along the way. Credit card bills grew, and the campaigns soldiered on.

Now I am sympathetic to the fact that it was not easy to raise money this time around, and that covering debts to creditors and banks are of the utmost importance.

That being said, I am also aware that while some of the day-to-day central staff have been paid in full, many of the regional coordinators and volunteers still sit on their hands in anticipation of receiving their dues.

I have a lot of respect for the people that worked on all of the leadership campaigns - their commitment demonstrated through blood, sweat and tears was truly inspiring to witness.

The time has come to do the right thing and clear off the outstanding commitments that were made many moons ago. And, if that isn't possible, those financial agents in charge of the administration of monies should make a better effort to keep in touch and make people aware of what the exact situations are.

Maybe it is time that the candidates themselves started to step in and at the very least, calm the anxiety that those with large voids in their bank accounts are currently suffering through.

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