vote in the leadership election to take out party membership if they are not a member already or if they are a former member whose membership has lapsed. Those who were formerly "Life members" (a defunct category in Newfoundland and New Brunswick) have until the end of September to renew. July 13, 2006 - The Toronto Star reports that Gerard Kennedy appears to have signed up more new members than any other candidate. The article says that it had been "conventional widsom" that Michael Ignatieff and Bob Rae were the leaders in the race but "(t)hese numbers would indicate a change in the dynamic of the race". July 26, 2006 - Jim Karygiannis resigned as national chair of Joe Volpe's campaign due to disagreements over Volpe's position on the war in Lebanon. August 14, 2006 - Maurizio Bevilacqua becomes the first official candidate to drop out of the race. He throws his support to Bob Rae. August 21–24, 2006 - Vancouver - National Liberal Caucus meets in Vancouver, BC August 22, 2006 - Liberal Women's Caucus Leadership Forum in Vancouver. September 10, 2006 - Quebec leadership and policy forum in Quebec City. September 15, 2006 - Carolyn Bennett withdraws from the race and endorses Bob Rae. September 17, 2006 - British Columbia leadership and policy forum in Vancouver. September 25, 2006 - Hedy Fry withdraws and endorses Bob Rae. September 29 - October 1, 2006 - "Super Weekend" during which all riding associations and party clubs elect delegates to the convention. September 30, 2006 - Deadline for candidates to formally register. October 10, 2006 - A debate for the "frontrunners" is hosted jointly by the Canadian Club of Toronto and the Empire Club of Canada. It is a tradition, according to the clubs, that dates back 100 years to invite the frontrunning candidates in Toronto mayoral elections as well as Ontario and federal leadership campaigns. Messrs. Ignatieff, Rae, Kennedy and Dion were invited but Mr. Ignatieff declined to attend. Mr. Ignatieff said he would not attend unless all eight candidates were allowed to participate though the clubs said he also offered to come and speak individually without other candidates present. October 15, 2006 - Toronto leadership and policy forum. November 29 - December 1, 2006 - Liberal biennial convention. December 1, 2006 - Candidate speeches and first ballot. Joe Volpe dropped out prior to the 1st ballot results were given,