MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

17th May, 2000.

CANADIAN ALLIANCE LEADERSHIP HOPEFUL WITHDRAWS FROM RACE

"Canadian Alliance candidates have illuminated political landscape by flashes of lightening," says Kopala as she endorses Manning.

Margret Kopala, Federal Progressive Conservative Candidate of Record for Ottawa West-Nepean, today announced that she will not be seeking the leadership of the Canadian Alliance and will instead support Preston Manning.

"The response I received to my potential candidacy has been gratifying. By rolling out the welcome mat, Canadian Alliance members from across Canada have spontaneously and generously demonstrated their depth of commitment to the democratic nature of this race. Even though I was able to meet the nomination requirement for 300 signatures from 30 riding associations in 5 provinces and the deposit of $25,000, I felt I could make a better contribution by supporting someone who deserves to become Prime Minister of Canada."

Kopala stated that her work to achieve feasible partnerships between toryism and reformism, between passionate nationalism and respectful provincialism, between making Canada ship shape and launching the country into the 21st century, will now be placed in support of Preston Manning. "Canadian Alliance leadership candidates Day, Long and Martin have illuminated the Canadian political landscape with flashes of lightening. The person who is responsible for it all, though, is Preston Manning who demonstrated courage, depth and imagination in starting this remarkable process. As a cutting edge federal Tory, I have supported his efforts to bring conservatives together. I am pleased now to support his leadership bid of the Canadian Alliance. I am confident Ontarians will recognise he has paid his dues and give him a fair hearing."

For more information call (613)225-1736.

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