Media Release

MONTRÉAL, March 5 2012 - Following the NDP Leadership debate in Montreal on Sunday, long-time NDP activist and former Quebec MNA Natalie Rochefort today announced her support for Brian Topp.

In a letter to Le Devoir, Rochefort recounted her experience working with Topp in the 1990 Chambly by-election which lead to the election of the first NDP MP elected in Quebec history.  

“Twenty-five years ago, I met an extraordinary New Democrat who would make a huge impact on my life,” wrote Rochefort. “That New Democrat was Brian Topp"

“As NDP activists, we have to choose a new leader - one who can take on our opponents, but who will also bring people together,” add Rochefort. “We need a leader who knows how to keep us motivated to continue building a better, more equal and more just country; a country of opportunity.”

As campaign manager for the Chambly by-election, Topp worked with Rochefort to get Quebec’s first New Democrat elected to the House of Commons.

“Nathalie is a proud fighter and I am very proud to count her among my supporters’’ said Topp.  ‘’Grassroots activists like Rochefort will be the ones who ensure we build on our success in Quebec”. 

- 30 -

Contact :
Jim Rutkowski 250-812-1741

February 28, 2012 WINNIPEG - Brian Topp's campaign for leadership of the NDP continued to pick
up steam on the prairies after yesterday's debate, where Muriel Smith, a long time Manitoba cabinet minister and the first female Deputy Premier in Canadian history, endorsed Topp.

"After watching the Winnipeg debate I am more convinced than ever that Brian is the candidate with the most depth and clarity on the issues, and that his vision of a more equal Canada is what we need," said Smith. "We are closer to forming an NDP federal government than we ever have been before, and Brian is the leader who will finish what Jack started. Moreover, he'll do it by fighting for strong social democratic values."

Smith, who served in a number of cabinet positions under Manitoba Premier Howard Pawley, was also the first female president of the Manitoba NDP and as Minister for the Status of Women oversaw the implementation of pay equity in Manitoba, the expansion of the Manitoba Child Daycare Program and many other improvements to the lives of women in Manitoba.

In 2007, on the 50th anniversary of the Persons case, Smith was named an officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of her critical role in the advancement of women's equality.

"Brian's commitment to gender equality has always been rock solid, and I have tremendous confidence that with him as our Prime Minister this country will once again become a world leader in the empowerment of women" continued Smith.

I am deeply humbled to have the support of someone who has played such a pivotal role, not only in our party, but in the fight for women's equality in Canada" said Topp, "Muriel is an inspiration to all of us who dream of a better world"

-30-

Contact: Jim Rutkowski:250-812-1741

EDMONTON - Edmonton Strathcona NDP MLA Rachel Notley and Public School Board Trustee Sarah Hoffman announced their personal support for Brian Topp for the next leader of the federal New Democratic Party.

"While Brian clearly has the ability to speak persuasively to voters in his home province of Quebec, I'm impressed with his grasp of Prairie political sensibilities" said Notley.

Topp served as a staffer to former Saskatchewan Premier Roy Romanow, as well as past NDP Leaders Ed Broadbent and Jack Layton. Originally from Saint-Lambert, Quebec, he has also been a leader in Canada's film industry, chaired a successful venture capital fund, and works in the labour movement.

Sarah Hoffman, who represents southeast Edmonton on the local public school board, said that a Topp government would be beneficial for Alberta's children.

"Brian Topp will put kids ahead of handouts for profitable corporations," said Hoffman.Topp thanked Notley and Hoffman for their support. "It's very humbling to have the support of these two Albertan leaders. I'm looking forward to leading a NDP government that is ready to grow Alberta's economy and standard of living.

-30-

Contact : Jim Rutkowsky (250) 812-1741

TORONTO, February 26^th 2012 - New Democratic Party leadership candidate Brian Topp today welcomed the support of former Ontario Cabinet Minister and Northern Ontario MPP Bud Wildman.

“Bud is a highly-respected and influential New Democrat, and I’m proud to have won his support,” Topp said. “Bud’s Ontario Cabinet portfolios reflect his commitment to values our party has always fought for – Aboriginal rights, protection of the environment and government support for Canadian workers.”

Wildman represented Algoma riding in the Ontario Legislature for 24 years. He won election seven times and served in Cabinet during the 1990-95 NDP government.

“Of all the candidates, I believe Brian’s combination of Quebec roots, experience in organizing across Canada, work in the NDP government of Saskatchewan, and his deep commitment to our social democratic values make him the leader who can replace Stephen Harper and provide a progressive government,” Wildman said. “Brian always says, let’s get on with the job. With Brian as leader, we can make it happen.”

Wildman had impressive accomplishments during his Cabinet years. As Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, he negotiated a political agreement that made Ontario the first government in Canada to recognize officially the right of Aboriginal peoples to self-government. He also led negotiations to resolve long outstanding native land claims.

As Minister of Natural Resources, he worked to replace the Ministry’s approach of timber management with an eco-system approach for forest sustainability. During his tenure as Minister of Environment and Energy, the NDP government passed Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights, allowing Ontarians to investigate and take court action against activities suspected of harming the environment, while protecting whistle blowers.

During the recession of the early 1990’s, Wildman played an active role in re-structuring two major industrial plants in Sault Ste. Marie--Algoma Steel and St. Mary’s Paper-- saving them from closure and establishing employee ownership.

“Bud’s career shows what the NDP is all about, and I welcome him to our campaign,” Topp said.

--30--

Contact:

Jim Rutkowski 250- 812-1741

REGINA – Brian Topp’s campaign for leadership of the NDP continued to pick up momentum in Saskatchewan today, with the endorsement of MLA and former cabinet minister Warren McCall.

McCall, who represents the riding of Regina Elphinstone-Centre, was first elected in 2001 and is the Official Opposition Critic for First Nations & Métis Relations, Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, and the Provincial Secretary.

“Brian understands Saskatchewan. He knows what it takes to win here, and across the country. Perhaps more importantly, when he wins I know he’ll implement the type of progressive, social democratic policies I have spent my life fighting for. Brian is the leader we need at this crucial moment in our party’s history.”

McCall was a cabinet minister in Lorne Calvert’s NDP government, where he was Minister of Advanced Education & Employment, and Minister of Corrections & Public Safety. He also served as Deputy Caucus Chair, Deputy Whip, and chaired a Review of Accessibility & Affordability of Post-Secondary Education in Saskatchewan.

“Accessible education is close to my heart. Speaking to Brian I have no doubt that he is the candidate who can best restore our system of post-secondary education and inspire the younger generation to take a more active role in politics.”

McCall joins an impressive list of Saskatchewan endorsers who have backed Brian, including former premiers Roy Romanow and Lorne Calvert, and former deputy premier Clay Serby.

“I am so honoured to have the support of a person of Warren’s character and conviction.” Said Topp “I’ve been truly humbled by the support I’ve received in Saskatchewan during this campaign. As leader I look forward to taking on Stephen Harper’s Conservatives and winning back the birthplace of our party”

-30-

Contact : Jim Rutkowski 250-812-1741

WINNIPEG - Friday, February 24th, 2012 – NDP Leadership candidate Brian Topp today released his plan to restore Canada’s good name in the world by re-committing the country to values of human rights, environmental protection and social justice.

“If one thing can be said with certainty about the world in 2012, it’s that the experiment with neo-Liberal globalization has failed in spectacular fashion, “ said Topp. 

“The rhetoric spouted by global economic elites about the wonders of liberalized trade, the benefits of concentrated corporate power, and the emancipatory potential of unfettered markets masked a malign self-interest that has now revealed itself in the collapse of the global financial sector, growing world poverty, and environmental degradation that threatens all of humanity.”

Topp’s plan proposes seven key initiatives to begin restoring Canada’s international reputation:

·         Canada should work with other nations to end the current economic and fiscal race to the bottom

·         Canada should work for trade agreements that are fair trade agreements

·         Canada should meet our responsibility to address climate change, which is in the best interests of both our environment and our economy.

·         Canada should be a voice for justice and peace in the world;

·         Canada should be a good partner in the world, committing seriously to the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals;

·         Canada should orient aid to supporting women and their families through gender-targeted development policies; and

·         We should be good stewards of our armed forces, beginning with our servicewomen, men, and their families.

Topp has received the endorsement of New Democrats in every part of the country including Ed Broadbent, Roy Romanow, Lorne Calvert, Alexandre Boulerice, Yvon Godin, Françoise Boivin and Libby Davies because they believe that Brian Topp’s bold ideas and progressive vision are our best route defeat Stephen Harper and offer Canadians positive change

This policy document is the ninth in a series of policy documents that constitute the policy platform published by Brian Topp during the NDP leadership campaign. All of these documents are available online at www.briantopp.ca

-30-

Contacts :
Jim Rutkowski 250-812-1741
Julie-Maude Beauchesne 514-846-1398

Fellow New Democrat,

Well, we’re down to the final few weeks of the NDP leadership race. And I think Jack would be proud. All of the candidates have conducted themselves with grace and conviction, putting forward their ideas for a better Canada.

At the beginning of this race, I said that I thought Brian Topp was the right person to lead our party.

Six months later, I am more convinced of that than ever.

Over the course of this race Brian has laid out a clear and bold vision for our party and for our country. And he has shown that he has what it takes to take on Stephen Harper in every part of Canada and in both official languages.

And Brian is the only candidate who has put forward a courageous plan to reform our tax system so that the top one per cent pays its fair share. Brian understands that if we don’t take on this argument and win it, then we won’t achieve our hopes and dreams for a more equal and greener Canada.

Click here to watch a personal video I taped a few weeks ago to explain why I am supporting Brian. Please take the time to watch it, and if you agree with me, please send it along to your family and friends.

I believe very strongly that with Brian as your leader, we can defeat Stephen Harper. With Brian as our leader we can build a better Canada. And with Brian as our leader, we can get the job done.

Sincerely

-Ed

ED BROADBENT
FORMER LEADER, CANADA'S NEW DEMOCRATS

In case you missed it, Brian was a guest on CBC Radio's The Current with Anna Maria Tremonti.

Listen on CBC.ca

NDP leadership candidate Brian Topp was endorsed today by the leadership of one of the country’s most active youth wings.

Key Executive members of the Nova Scotia Young New Democrats (NSYND) threw their support behind Brian Topp, citing his commitment to reducing the cost of education and working for a more equitable Canada for young people.

“Education is a right, and it should be universally accessible” said NSYND co-chair James Patriquin. “Brian Topp is the candidate who will make that happen.”

The NSYND have been an active arm of the governing NDP in the province. The group is made up of young activists who were crucial in propelling the NSNDP to power for the first time in 2009.

“Throughout this campaign one candidate has risen head and shoulders above the pack. On issues that matter to young people, from the environment to education to the arts, Brian has presented a plan which will engage and inspire young people across the country” said treasurer Kyle Hammer.

The youth wing joins Nova Scotia MLAs Leonore Zann, Gary Burrill and Mat Whynott - himself a former member of the NSYND - in endorsing Topp.

--30--

Contact: Jim Rutkowski 250-812-1741

http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120222_66353.mp3