The General Council meeting of the Quebec wing of the Liberal Party of Canada is underway this weekend, as new poll numbers show increased national support for Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff and his party.
Some 400 party members gathered at the Sheraton Laval Hotel on Saturday to discuss their political future.
"The tendency, the trend is good -- but you know, I'm not na�ve," said Liberal MP Denis Coderre, who serves as the party's lieutenant in Quebec.
"We need to work and make sure that our foundation is on solid ground, but I believe we have all the ingredients to succeed."
The day's agenda included a "pre-electoral preparation speech" delivered by Coderre, even though there are no indications that there will be a federal election anytime in the near future.
There was also an afternoon panel discussion about the economy and social issues.
Recovering from the last election
In the most recent federal election, last Oct.14, the Liberals suffered one of their biggest defeats in party history.
The party won only 76 seats, a 27-seat decline from 2006.
"Ignatieff impact"
On Sunday morning, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff will deliver a speech to party members.
On the first day of the General Council meeting, party members and political analysts alike credited Ignatieff with bringing positive changes to the Liberal party.
"Part of what's happening today is the fruit of our labour over the years, but part of it is also the Ignatieff impact," said Liberal MP Marlene Jennings.
"Michael has re-energized our party."
Political analyst Liza Frulla said Ignatieff is on the right track, although he still has some work to do.
"He came in in December, so he has to define himself, define his policies and make himself known even more. But there's a positive aura around him," she said.
With files from The Canadian Press
