him to enter the federal leadership contest. According to the Globe & Mail, Bob Rae has submitted his application to join the Liberal Party. April 6, 2006 - Belinda Stronach announced she wouldn't join the race citing the way the contest is structured. Sources close to Stronach also cite her lack of French as a factor. April 7, 2006 The leadership campaign formally starts on this date, the first in which candidates can officially register and the date from which time window for the selection of delegates and party membership is counted. Stéphane Dion joined the race. His stated priorities include economic and social development, environmental sustainability and a better public health services. Michael Ignatieff officially declares his candidacy. April 8, 2006 - The Alberta wing of the Liberal Party holds its annual convention in Edmonton. A "leadership panel" is organized which is billed as the first opportunity for declared and prospective candidates to appear and "debate" each other. Declared candidates Clifford Blais, Stéphane Dion, John Godfrey, Martha Hall Findlay, Michael Ignatieff, and Gerard Kennedy, participate along with undeclared candidates Maurizio Bevilacqua, Carolyn Bennett, Scott Brison, Ruby Dhalla, Joe Fontana, Hedy Fry, John McCallum, Bob Rae, Joe Volpe, and Paul Zed. Denis Coderre was absent due to a prior commitment. Ken Dryden could not attend due to a family wedding. April 12, 2006 - John Godfrey withdraws from the race, citing concerns about his health. April 19, 2006 - Greater Toronto Area MP Maurizio Bevilacqua officially enters the race. April 21, 2006 - Toronto MP Joe Volpe enters race. April 23, 2006 - Nova Scotia MP Scott Brison enters the race. April 24, 2006 - Former Ontario Premier Bob Rae and Toronto MP Carolyn Bennett formally declare their candidacies. April 27, 2006 - Toronto MPP Gerard Kennedy enters the race. April 28, 2006 - Toronto MP Ken Dryden launches his campaign. May 4, 2006 - Hedy Fry announces her leadership bid. June 1, 2006 - Following demands for an investigation and accusations that he had violated the Elections Act, Joe Volpe gives back $27,000 in donations given by the children of Apotex corporate executives who had exceeded the legal limit for their own individual donations. June 10, 2006 - The first formal leadership debate of the campaign occurred in Winnipeg. June 17, 2006 - Moncton hosted the campaign's second formal debate. July 4, 2006 - Deadline for anyone wishing to