Marketing or congratulations? Online card raises questions
OTTAWA — Federal Liberals are defending an online card marking Roméo Dallaire’s retirement Tuesday from the Senate that appears designed to identify potential supporters, and comes despite Dallaire’s having been removed from the Liberal caucus this year.
Dallaire was one of the Liberal party’s most recognizable senators until Justin Trudeau’s bombshell move to eject all senators from the Liberal caucus in January, which the Liberal leader said was designed to eliminate partisanship and patronage from the upper chamber.
Yet the party was asking Canadians to “sign” an online card on Dallaire’s last day in the Senate, thanking him for his work as a United Nations peacekeeper, distinguished senator and crusader against the use of child soldiers.
Dallaire announced last month he was leaving the upper chamber to dedicate his time to other international obligations such as the plight of child soldiers, though he vowed to continue to champion veterans’ issues in Canada.
“Roméo Dallaire is a phenomenal individual. He inspires us, and he constantly reminds us that we are the change we want to see in the world,” the card says. “If you appreciate what Senator Dallaire has done in the past, and want to wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours — please sign this card.”
Those wanting to sign the card were required to provide an email address and asked to supply their name and postal code.
This is a tactic increasingly used by political parties to create lists of potential supporters for fundraising and outreach efforts.
Liberal party national director Jeremy Broadhurst said Trudeau’s decision to remove all senators from caucus did not preclude celebrating Dallaire’s contributions over the years.
He didn’t respond to questions of whether the card was appropriate given Dallaire’s ejection from caucus.
Dallaire could not be reached for comment.