Joe Volpe and Bob Rae will be getting some support from this area in their respective bids to become the next leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Volpe, MP for the North Toronto riding of Eglinton -Lawrence, will be getting the backing of Oak Ridges - Markham MP Lui Temelkovski. Meanwhile, newly minted Liberal Bob Rae has the support of his former opponent at Queen's Park, Vaughan - King - Aurora MPP Greg Sorbara.

In a statement released by his office, Temelkovski said he was pleased with the wide range of candidates who are seeking to fill the vacancy created when former prime minister Paul Martin announced he was stepping aside as leader after the January election.

"Joe Volpe is best positioned to be Liberal leader and, subsequently, the next Prime Minister of Canada," Temelkovski stated. "He has solid Parliamentary experience in both opposition and government, he speaks several languages and has consistently handled his work files in a competent and professional manner."

Temelkovski also pointed out that Volpe represents the new Canada.

"Joe came to Canada as an immigrant and his family had to adapt to a new land," he said. "I can relate to this as my family emigrated from Macedonia in the 1960s and had to learn about our new country. Joe overcame similar challenges and now demonstrates that Canada is truly a land of opportunity for everyone,

even affording immigrants the opportunity to serve in public office."

"Joe's linguistic ability, his work with groups across Canada and experience as an immigrant make him an ideal candidate to lead Canada and ensure it becomes all that it can be," he added.

Sorbara said his backing of former Ontario premier Rae is "clear and unequivocal."

"I've got a sense there is an element of destiny here," he remarked, adding Rae can inspire the imagination.

"I'm glad he's finally on our team, not their team," he added.

The fact that they Rae's election in 1990 as Ontario's first New Democratic premier sent Sorbara from the provincial cabinet to opposition doesn't prevent him from supporting him now.

"When Roger Clemens pitches against me, I hate him," Sorbara observed. "When he pitches for me, I love him."