Media Release

Dear friends,

I have said it on Twitter and on Facebook, and now I'd like to say it in a letter to you:

Thank you so much for your friendship and support during the 2012 leadership contest, just concluded.

When it's over, it's over. And like all New Democrats all across Canada, there must be only one thing on all of our minds from now on -- unity behind our new leader, Tom Mulcair; strength; and an absolute focus on the task at hand, which is to offer Canadians a better government.

Still and all, perhaps I'll offer a few parting thoughts on what we've all just been through.

National campaigns are always intense experiences -- but they usually last for seven weeks or so. And then we go whew! that was quite a ride. This seven month marathon was of an entirely different magnitude. And so, it was a unique opportunity to see our country, to get to know our party in its deepest grass roots, to get to know my colleagues in the race, and to renew and make friendships I will treasure for the rest of my life.

This really is a remarkable country. It's an ocean of land. It is an archipelago of communities. And it is something more -- a country of citizens who share some powerful communitarian values and principles that our current government does not understand. Canadians are looking for something better. That's going to be us.

Our party is remarkably strong -- Jack Layton's gift to Canada. It is bursting with young people; crackling with ideas; it is asking good questions; it is smiling, optimistic, and serious about its role. I will always be grateful to the many hundreds of members who came to talk to me during this campaign I was honoured to have my time with you.

Martin Singh with his passionate commitment to national pharmacare; Robert Chisholm with his deep experience as a successful provincial leader; Romeo Saganash, one of Canada's most accomplished First Nations leaders, with much to teach us; Niki Ashton with her remarkable polylingual prairie determination to renew politics; Paul Dewar with his passionate decency, engaging family and impressive grassroots campaign; Peggy Nash, my fantastic MP here in Parkdale High Park, the rassembleuse; Nathan Cullen, who reminded so many of Jack, challenging us to think new about what it's going to take to unseat Mr. Harper; and Tom Mulcair, my colleague on the last ballot, now my leader, who lived up to his reputation as a truly formidable opponent -- not a bad thing to put up against this Conservative government. All of my colleagues in this race were members of the "Layton generation" -- and collectively, they have proved that we have the leadership under Tom Mulcair and the team  to not only challenge Mr. Harper but to replace him. I was very lucky to have been allowed to stand with them on those stages.

Finally, I hope you won't mind if I take a moment to thank the many people who helped me in this campaign.
I was blessed to have the support and endorsement of some of the most impressive and accomplished Parliamentarians, past and present, federal and provincial, in our party. I will find my way to each of you in coming weeks to thank you personally. I was deeply honoured and moved by your support. I hope you won't mind if I say what a particular thrill and honour it was to see Shirley Douglas stand up to nominate me and to remind us all, once again, why we are here -- and why we will never give up.

My campaign manager Raymond Guardia is the architect of our electoral victory in Quebec, a goal he has worked towards all his adult life, so much of which he has devoted, passionately, to our party and our cause. He headed an extraordinary team of organizers, writers, web-warriors, phone bankers, videographers, and many many others who gave their hearts and souls to my campaign through grinding hours. To all of those who helped me in so many ways: I will always be grateful to you. I will always treasure your help. And what a treasure it is to have such friends, now and for the rest of our lives.

My brothers and sisters at the United Steelworkers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union led a fine labour team. I was just about as proud to stand with you in this campaign, as I will be in the many campaigns we in the labour movement will work together on in the years ahead. A special thank you to Leo Gerard, Ken Neumann, and Dave Coles for your help and support -- and to all my labour colleagues in many unions across Canada who stood with me. Now we stand together with our party and our leader, Tom Mulcair.

I am blessed to have a remarkable partner, Rebecca Elbourne, and two remarkable sons, Simon and Alex who, fortunately, take after their mom. They were pretty hoarse after convention (twelve hours or so of chanting slogans will do that to you), just a little taste of the support my family gave me on this journey. Paul Dewar's partner told the media after convention, "we have each other, we're ok". That's exactly how I feel about things, and am so lucky that is so.

So this campaign is over and the next begins -- our campaign to replace this Conservative government with a better one.

To work, friends.

All my very best,

Brian

Bonjour mes amis, bonjour Toronto, et bonjour Canada.

Quelle bonheur d'être avec vous aujourd'hui.

My first words are for my colleagues in this race. Congratulations to each and every one of you on a well-fought campaign, colleagues -- what a great team we’re going to be!

Friends, Jack Layton taught us to be loving, hopeful and optimistic.

I’m loving that our party has grown to over 130,000 members.

But I am not only hopeful and optimistic about defeating Stephen Harper…

I KNOW we will defeat him!

And we will elect Canada’s first NDP government!

Friends, throughout much of the world, Conservatives are in power -- and have a firm grip on failure.

They’ve delivered growing inequality, rising poverty, and failure on climate change…

…just about what you’d expect from conservatives.

But there is new hope.

In Canada, and all around the world, progressives and social democrats are rediscovering our courage, and taking the fight directly to old-style conservative thinking…

Like the idea that tax giveaways to the 1% will trickle down to you.

Like the idea that climate change is a problem we can leave to our children.

Like the idea that gross inequality is a good thing, and needs to get worse….

Do those sound like good ideas to you?

I don’t think so.

That's old-line, traditional thinking -- that we say has had its day.

We say we can do better.

Like a string through pearls, we say there are common Canadian values – different values – NDP values -- that hold us together, and call on us to work together.

I am a proud New Democrat and an unapologetic social democrat. I bet you are too.

And if we fight as social democrats, not only will we win…

…not only will we defeat Stephen Harper.

But, friends…

…winning will be worth it!

Mes amis, le 2 mai dernier, des millions de francophones aux Québec et à travers le Canada ont découvert ce que nous espérions depuis trois décennies.

Vous avez découvert que les valeurs du NPD sont celles des progressistes québécois...

Ensemble nous avons élu 59 députés de partout au Québec.

Grâce à nous, ce parlement à un nombre record de femmes!

Grâce à nous, ce parlement à un nombre record de députés autochtones.

Grâce à nous, on a réussi à élire le plus grand nombre de jeunes de l'histoire du Canada!

Mes amis, le printemps dernier vous avez accordé votre confiance à Jack Layton et notre parti.

Vous NOUS avez demandé de parler pour le Québec dans ce parlement.

De NOUS battre corps et âme contre des politiques mesquines et divisives.

NOUS avons eu le mandat d'être une opposition officielle offrant une alternative crédible, positive et fidèle à nos valeurs.

Oui, on a perdu Jack...

Mais, NOUS pouvons continuer son travail.

NOUS pouvons construire un pays plus juste et plus égalitaire.

Un pays qui respecte le Québec.

Un pays qui fait la promotion de la culture québécoise, de ses artistes et de sa langue.

Mes amis néodémocrates...

Membres et nouveaux députés du Québec...

Ne prenons rien pour acquis....

Pour les trois prochaines années, travaillons d’arrache-pied pour mériter cette confiance une nouvelle fois.

Et si on fait ça, en 2015, on va pouvoir dire Bye-Bye Mister Harper!

***

So where the conservatives have destroyed public finances, spending billions on tax giveaways for those at the top…

…we must fight, and fight hard, for a progressive tax system.

It’s wrong…

…that the men and women who work in the hotels we’re staying in this weekend pay a higher tax rate…

…Than some of the people making millions gambling on the stock market a few blocks from here.

So where the Conservatives have turned their back on Climate Change, with Mr. Harper fighting his own personal war on science…

…New Democrats must lead the fight.

We will cap and price carbon;

We will end coal as a source of electricity;

We will bring in a home and industrial retrofit program;

And we will bring in a national public transit plan that starts to get cars out of our biggest cities – just like Jack proposed.

(Got that, mayor Ford?)

En bref, le Canada ne devrait pas être le plus grand obstacle dans la lutte aux changements climatiques.

Le Canada devrait être un leader!

But, for me, there is one question that stands alone.

…a question that lies at the core of new democratic values…

What kind of Canada do we want?

We want a nation built on fair taxes.

A nation that acts on climate change.

A nation that cares about our seniors, and our children.

A nation that cares about art and artists.

A nation with a strong, well-run, universal public medicare system.

A nation committed to equality for women, and new Canadians.

A nation that turns our own resources into our own jobs, right here in Canada.

And above all else, a Canada that is more – MUCH more – economically and socially EQUAL.

That’s the country Canadians want.

That's the kind of government Canadians want.

And if you put your trust in me, that’s the government I’ll lead…

No gimmicks.

No shortcuts.

And no false flags.

Jack Layton won on honesty, openness and conviction.

So will we.

From J.S. to Jack – We stand on the shoulders of giants.

We have come so far. We are so close.

To arriving at a better Canada – one practical step at a time, just like we do in our best provincial governments.

A better Canada -- led by men and women committed to social justice -- and equality.

A better Canada -- respected for its leadership in the world for peace.

A better Canada -- that we will hand to our children proudly.

My friends, in asking for your support today you have my pledge…

If you elect me as leader, I'm going to be right back, asking you to do a great deal of work.

To build our party, in every corner of this country.

To elect a government WORTH electing.

Un gouvernement NPD qui vaut la peine d’élire.

And I will always honour the trust you place in me.

And together, we’ll get the job done.

Merci.

VANCOUVER: The Brian Topp NDP leadership campaign continues to grow in BC, as more key party activists announce their support.

Topp, who early on earned the backing deputy leader Libby Davies, and former BC leaders Joy MacPhail, Carole James and Dawn Black, has picked up a slew of new endorsements in the past week.

These include former Premier Dan Miller, Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan, former environment minister John Cashore and key party activists around the province.

Today the Topp campaign announced yet more endorsements, including:

·         Rob Wynen, Vision Vancouver School Trustee

·         Ken McRae, past Mayor, Port Alberni

·         Barbara Price, Comox Councillor

·         Michael Charrois, 2011 candidate, North Vancouver

·         Kate Greening, Cumberland Village Councillor

·         Charmaine Murray, former city councillor, New Westminster

·         Frank and Yvonne Slyman - Honorary NDP Life Members

·         Jarrett Hagglund, youth rep for Vancouver Hastings NDP constituency

·          Julius Fisher, working TV

"I am deeply humbled by the tremendous grassroots support in British Columbia," said Topp.  

Dear fellow New Democrats,

A value I instilled in Jack from an early age was to build his life on core principles, and his friendships on a shared commitment to justice.

These are the family values Jack used to build a party, a caucus, and a winning team.

Our party, our Official Opposition, is in some ways the house that Jack built, with our help, based on those shared values.

Always with an eye to social justice and improving Canada, Jack continually expanded that house, building each addition on the foundation of the last. From a caucus of 13, to 29 to 37 to 102, each victory was built on the last -- convincing more Canadians of our principles through an ever-clearer message.

I have no doubt that Jack would agree our task now is more than securing the foundation of that house. Our job is to take the final steps towards government by growing our house. We will not do this by seeing our principles as a liability to hide or run away from, but as the backbone that will give us the strength and foundation to grow even larger.

As the senior woman in the Layton family, I’ve seen what it takes to be a good politician, a strong leader and a principled statesman. And like Jack, Brian Topp has what it takes.

I watched while Brian, working hand-and-glove with Jack, brilliantly orchestrated some of the best election campaigns this country has ever seen. I listened while Jack and Brian developed some of the clearest social policy ever brought to our party membership, and I lent my hand when Brian and Jack methodically build a team from Canada’s best and brightest.

Brian not only learned what Jack had to teach, but Brian was the co-author of much of what Jack gave to all of us.

Brian has not only won the confidence of many activists and leaders in our party, his team has been methodically reaching out and signing-up new members in many regions, communities and movements. From over 2,000 in Quebec, to 10,000 signed up in B.C, to thousands more recruited through unions like CEP, Steelworkers and ACTRA. Brian, as always, works through a team effort, and his team has been single-minded in signing up new members and building the party.

Jack always felt comfortable and confident during his election campaigns because he trusted Brian’s guiding hand. One thing Jack always said: “never underestimate, and never count-out Brian, he’ll bring us home to victory.” That was true then, and it’s true now.

Please join me in supporting Brian Topp as our next leader.

Yours,
Doris Layton

Montreal-based political historian Desmond Morton today backed Brian Topp to lead the NDP.

Morton is professor emeritus at McGill University and an authoritative scholar of Canadian history. He has published dozens of books including The New Democrats and The Riverdale Story - important works detailing the party’s formative years.

“Desmond’s support carries enormous meaning for me,” said Topp. “I think he, more than anyone, recognizes that we must keep this party’s roots attached as we move forward.”

Morton’s history with the party dates back to his role as an advisor to Tommy Douglas. Morton also worked closely with the Ontario NDP, alongside Stephen and David Lewis.

“I strongly support Brian Topp. He's unmatched by any other candidate in his combination of deep intelligence, common sense, and experience at the highest level in an NDP government,” said Morton. “And he is fluently bilingual.”

Morton joins the ranks of other prominent Quebec New Democrats supporting Topp, including MPs Alexandre Boulerice, Françoise Boivin, Charmaine Borg, Isabelle Morin, Alain Giguère and Sana Hassainia as well as countless activists, organizers and long-time party members.

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Contact:  Jim Rutkowski 250-812-1741

Says Topp Understands the West, knows what it takes to win and to govern well

 VICTORIA – In the closing days of the NDP Leadership campaign, Brian Topp received another major endorsement today, this time from former BC Premier Dan Miller.

“Brian’s experience at every level in the party is unmatched.  He knows the West, and he knows Canada,” said Miller.  “Brian has put forward a clear, practical agenda built on his experience working in a successful NDP government in Saskatchewan.  I am proud to offer him my full support.”

Miller served as British Columbia’s 32^nd Premier and in a variety of senior ministerial appointments in the 1990s, including the Ministry of Forests and the Ministry of Mines.

“It’s critical that the next leader understands our party and what we need to do to build the NDP and win the election,” said Miller.  “Brian is that leader.   He has worked in the trenches, in Opposition and at the most senior levels of government Time and again, Brian has proven that he has the skills and the vision to lead the NDP forward.”

Topp thanked Miller for his support, saying it was another boost to his campaign.

“Dan represents our party’s strong governing traditions in the West,” said Topp.  “He has spent a lifetime fighting for working people – a committed social democrat who has made a huge impact on the lives of British Columbians.  Like me, Dan believes that New Democrats can win and govern well, one practical step at a time.”

Miller’s announcement is the latest in a series of high-profile endorsements for Topp, including Nova Scotia’s health minister Maureen MacDonald and Quebec MP Sana Hassainia, who announced this week that she was switching her support to Topp from Tom Mulcair.

“Our campaign is building momentum right across Canada,” said Topp’s national campaign manager, Ray Guardia.   “Volunteers and donations are streaming in, the phone banks are packed, and we are seeing support build as New Democrats focus in on this decision.”

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Contact : Jim Rutkowsky (250) 812-1741

March 16, 2012 HALIFAX - Maureen MacDonald, Minister of Health in Nova Scotia’s NDP government, announced today that she would be supporting Brian Topp for the leadership of the federal NDP.

“Brian is a fierce defender of public health care in this country and a champion of equality in all shapes and forms,” said MacDonald. “His message of a fairer, greener and more prosperous Canada is one which resonates with me.”

MacDonald was first elected in 1998 to represent the provincial riding of Halifax Needham and has been re-elected four times. Over her fourteen years in office she has served in a number of high-profile positions, including Caucus Chair, Education Critic and Critic for the Status of Women. Before entering politics she was a professor, social worker and community activist. She is currently the Minister of Health and Wellness.

“In 2009, the Nova Scotia NDP swept to power after decades of hard work at the grassroots level. People like Maureen were instrumental in that victory, and I’m extremely excited to have her on my team,” said Topp.  

“I am very impressed with Brian’s plan to tackle child poverty and make life affordable for Canadians,” continued MacDonald. “I know that his promises to improve child nutrition and access to child care are of critical importance to my constituents.”

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Contact: Jim Rutkowski (250) 812-1741

MONTREAL - The Member of Parliament for Vercheres - Les Patriotes, Sana Hassainia now supports Brian Topp in the NDP Leadership race. Mrs. Hassainia stated that the positions taken by Brian Topp during the race were closest to her values.

"I have carefully followed the debates as well as the race in general. After serious reflection, I decided to switch my support to Brian Topp. I have truly appreciated his determination to put forward progressive values. Like Brian, I believe that we should tackle the growing inequality in our society. And we start doing this by putting an end to an unfair tax system that offers billions in giveaways to the people who need it the least. Among the candidates, I believe that Brian is best placed to defeat Harper and put in place a progressive government" said Hassainia.

"I'm honoured to have Sana's support. Our campaign has a lot of momentum. Sana is an important member of the Quebec Caucus  and I'm delighted that she shares my determination to place equality at the centre of this campaign", said Brian Topp.

Topp also enjoys the support of other Quebec MPs: Francoise Boivin, Alexandre Boulerice, Isabelle Morin, Charmaine Borg and Alain Giguere. For a more exhaustive list of those supporting Topp, please visitwww.briantopp.ca.

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For more information, contact: Jim Rutkowski 250-812-1741

John Cashore, municipal leaders and more key activists join team Topp

PRINCE GEORGE– Following a five-day BC tour which featured strong debate performances in Victoria and Vancouver and a town hall in Prince George, New Democrat leadership candidate Brian Topp picked up several key new endorsements, including two Prince George city councillors and former BC environment minister John Cashore.

Throughout the leadership campaign Topp has continuously gained endorsements from New Democrats in every corner of British Columbia and throughout the country. Yesterday he earned the endorsement of Burnaby Mayor Derick Corrigan. His legislative endorsements from British Columbia include five BC MPs and 17 BC MLAs. 

"Brian is a leader who understands the diverse nature of our country," said Murry Krause, Prince George City Councillor, First Nations health advocate and anti-poverty activist. "He knows how to unite Canadians to build a fairer and more equal country."

With an impressive roster of endorsements from grassroots New Democrats Topp has demonstrated an ability to bring Canadians from all walks of life together.

“New Democrats across British Columbia have told me how important it is to maintain our core values as we seek to unite the country behind our vision of a fairer, more just Canada,” said Topp. “It's a message I've heard in every province and every city. New Democrats want our party to continue to champion strong policies on poverty, inequality and the environment.”

Topp is the candidate of choice for many of British Columbia's most progressive voices, including former B.C. New Democrat leaders Joy MacPhail, Carole James and Dawn Black, plus federal Deputy Leader Libby Davies.

Topp’s new endorsements include:

·         John Cashore, former BC Environment Minister

·         Murry Krause, Prince George City Councillor, First Nations health advocate, and anti-poverty activist

·         Frank Everitt, Prince George City Councillor

·         Nate Bello, former mayor of Quesnel

·         Sage Aaron, board member for Vision Vancouver

·         Joanne Banfield, president Vancouver Kingsway NDP riding association

·         Laney Bryenton, community advocate for people with disabilities

·         Lil Cameron, past president, Burnaby Douglas NDP riding association

·         Jane Ireland, former constituency assistant to MP Bill Siksay

·         Alvin Sanders, Actor

·         Krystal Smith, BC NDP regional rep, Central Interior-Okanagan

·         Wayne Turner, president Newton-North Delta riding association

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A full list of the BC MPs and MLAs who support Brian is attached.

Media contact: Jim Rutkowski (250) 812-1741