Libertarian Party of Manitoba
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The Libertarian Party of Manitoba is the former name of a provincial political party in Manitoba, Canada. The party was created in the mid-1980s, and formally changed its name to the Manitoba Marijuana Party in early 2005.
Like most Libertarian parties, the LPM advocated the view that government activities which affect the lives of citizens (whether in social or economic matters) be kept to a minimum. The party's last leader, Chris Buors, is a marijuana-rights activist and has also run as a candidate for the Marijuana Party of Canada.
The LPM ran four candidates in the provincial election of 1986, one fewer than was required for official party certification. It achieved ballot status in 1988 with six candidates, and ran five in 1990.
The LPM ran six candidates in 1995, six again in 1999 and five in 2003. It has never come close to electing a member to the legislature, and Buors has acknowledged the LPM is a marginal political force in the province. Like other "fringe parties", the LPM claims to present ideas to the public which are ignored by mainstream organizations.
The party appears to have been founded by Clancy Smith, who is still an active member. Dennis Rice became party leader at some point in the earl 1990s, and stepped down two days after the 2003 election was called. Chris Buors was chosen without opposition as Rice's replacement, and led the party into the election.
Buors is primarily known as an activist in Canada's cannabis movement. In 2005, he legally changed the party's name to the Manitoba Marijuana Party.
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