In the past few months, it has been a great honour and privilege to travel across the country and meet with so many great Canadians. As I listened to people speak about their hopes and dreams, I realized how fortunate we are to live in a country in which equality, opportunity, acceptance and tolerance are the hallmark. These are the values that the Liberal Party has always promoted and continues to champion.
 
Our Party's deep commitment and conviction to these core values has always served as an inspiration for my political involvement over the last two decades.   I believe our Party is undergoing through one of its largest renewal exercises in its history. This is an opportunity to rebuild, renew and empower Liberals with a new vision, fresh ideas and great passion. As we go through this process, we must have the courage to have a meaningful discussion and debate about our Party's vision for Canada. 
 
Moving forward, the Liberal Party must continue reflect a changing Canada.
 
I strongly believe that we must encourage the participation of women, the youth and cultural communities in our Party to succeed. We cannot take their traditional support for granted nor can we afford to marginalize their issues. We must build upon our infrastructure and create an environment within the Party which will further engage these groups. Now is the time to move from listening to engaging women and cultural communities into concrete work and involving them in the decision-making processes. Equally important to the Liberal Party and to the country is the active participation of the young generation in building our future.
 
Ultimately, the Liberal Party must empower Canadians with a hope for a better tomorrow.   We must empower women, the youth and the cultural communities with the right resources and tools for them so succeed in building the Canada they want. After much reflection, I have decided that I will not be a candidate in the present leadership campaign of the Liberal Party of Canada. I believe my commitment to empowering Canadians and contributing to the rebuilding of the Party will be best served at this time by helping to elect a leader who shares my vision. I want to take this opportunity to thank my constituents of Brampton-Springdale and my supporters for their continued faith and dedication. I look forward to continuing our work together.

Thank you