Martin was a candidate at the 1990 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election, losing to Jean Chrétien in a bitter race that resulted in lasting animosity between the two men and their supporters. A key moment in that race took place at an all-candidates debate in Montreal, where the discussion quickly turned to the Meech Lake Accord. Martin, favouring Meech, attempted to force Chrétien to abandon his nuanced position on the deal and declare for or against it. When Chrétien refused to endorse the deal, young Liberal delegates crowding the hall began to chant "vendu" ("sellout" in French) and "Judas" at Chrétien. Chrétien was upset at the response from the floor and another similar outburst by Martin supporters at the convention when Chrétien accepted the party leadership. Jean Lapierre and his supporters, who supported Martin, wore black armbands at the convention to protest Chrétien's victory. The Meech Lake accord was officially defeated just one day before the Liberal leadership was to be decided. In the House of Commons, Lapierre then crossed the floor to the newly formed Bloc Québécois.
Martin was a candidate at the 1990 Liberal Party of Canada leadership election losing to Jean Chrétien in a bitter race that resulted in lasting animosity between the two men and their supporters A key moment in that race took place at an all-candidates debate in Montreal where the discussion quickly turned to the Meech Lake Accord Martin favouring Meech attempted to force Chrétien to abandon his nuanced position on the deal and declare for or against it When Chrétien refused to endorse the deal young Liberal delegates crowding the hall began to chant "vendu" ("sellout" in French) and "Judas" at Chrétien Chrétien was upset at the response from the floor and another similar outburst by Martin supporters at the convention when Chrétien accepted the party leadership Jean Lapierre and his supporters who supported Martin wore black armbands at the convention to protest Chrétien's victory The Meech Lake accord was officially defeated just one day before the Liberal leadership was to be decided In the House of Commons Lapierre then crossed the floor to the newly formed Bloc Québécois