Canada's Top Liberal Steps Aside

Former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin said Thursday that he will formally step down this weekend as leader of the Liberal party, a move that appears to end any lingering possibility that he could attempt to lead the beleaguered party into another election.

Martin, whose party suffered a stinging defeat in January elections to the Conservative Party led by Stephen Harper, sent a letter of resignation declaring he would step aside when the Liberals set a convention date this weekend.

"I wish to confirm my intention to resign as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada upon the formal call of the convention," Martin said. "I look forward to continuing to serve and contribute to the party that I have always and will always regard as my second family."

Martin retained his Quebec seat in the Jan. 23 vote and will remain a member of Parliament.

His party's defeat in the general elections put the Conservatives in power for the first time in 13 years, after the Liberals were unable to overcome a money laundering and kickbacks scandal and some Canadians grew weary of increasingly sour relations with the United States.

Although he had already stepped down as the parliamentary opposition leader, Martin had earlier indicated that he he would stay on as Liberal Party leader until a new one was named. He did not explain why he had chosen to resign earlier than previously stated.

Some party loyalists had tried to persuade Martin to remain as leader, but he said he would bow out now that the party has agreed on setting a convention date.

Leadership of the party that has governed Canada for much of the last century is still up for grabs and will not be known until the Liberals vote at their convention. Speculation centers on Liberal members of Parliament Michael Ignatieff, Joe Volpe, Tony Ianno, John Godfrey, Belinda Stronach, Scott Brison, Stephane Dion, and Maurizio Bevilacqua.

Formal candidacies were expected to be announced next week, after the party announces the location and date of the leadership convention and the financial limits governing the race.