Jack Layton announces new shadow cabinet

NDP priorities include protecting working families and the middle class

Edited by Peter Tremblay

OTTAWA – After a momentum-building win by NDP MP-elect Thomas Mulcair in Outremont, Jack Layton, Leader of Canada’s NDP, announced 27 September 2007 his new shadow cabinet.

“Since the last federal election, we have seen a Harper government that can’t be trusted, a weak Liberal opposition that can’t be counted on and a Bloc Quebecois that has passed its best before date and can’t get anything done in Ottawa,” said Layton. “In the upcoming Parliament, the NDP will serve as the effective opposition to the Harper Conservatives by putting the priorities of working families and the middle class first.”

Layton announced Thomas Mulcair and Libby Davies (Vancouver East) have been appointed Deputy Leaders of the NDP Caucus. In addition, Mr. Mulcair will serve as Finance Critic and Quebec Lieutenant. Davies will continue in her role as NDP House Leader and Labour Critic.

Layton outlined his caucus’s three priorities for the coming Parliament: ending the combat mission in Afghanistan, tackling the climate change crisis and closing the prosperity gap by making life more affordable for everyday families.

“Canada must set out a new direction to help the people of Afghanistan with reconstruction, aid and peace,” said Layton. He announced Dawn Black (New Westminster-Coquitlam) will continue to serve as NDP Defence Critic and Alexa McDonough (Halifax) will serve as Peace Advocate. Paul Dewar (Ottawa Centre) will become Foreign Affairs Critic.

“Tackling the climate change crisis is another key priority,” said Layton. “Leading our efforts will be Nathan Cullen who will continue to serve as Environment Critic.”

“At a time when Canada’s economy shows signs of unprecedented growth, working families and the middle class are falling further and further behind. This is not fair and every member of our caucus will be taking on issues in their critic area that address the prosperity gap,” said Layton, highlighting two key examples: the skyrocketing cost of prescription drugs and the manufacturing job crisis. He announced Judy Wasylycia-Leis (Winnipeg North) will take on the role of Health Critic and Peggy Nash (Parkdale High Park) is Industry Critic.

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