Former BC MP Bill Siksay Backs Topp To Lead NDP

Calls Topp’s vision of a more equal Canada “Truly Inspiring”

Burnaby – Former BC MP, Bill Siksay today endorsed Brian Topp to be the next leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada. Siksay joined Topp at a packed townhall meeting in Burnaby, BC to make the announcement.

"Brian's strength of character and commitment to economic justice and equality for all Canadians is truly inspiring,” said Siksay. “He is the leader that knows how to get the job done. I also appreciate Brian’s commitment to protect our coast from oil spills, and his strong opposition to the Enbridge pipeline.”

Elected in 2004 from the riding of Burnaby-Douglas, Siksay served seven years in the House of Commons. An outspoken advocate for human rights, Siksay served in a variety of Shadow Cabinet roles including: Housing, Ethics and Access to Information, and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Issues.

Siksay’s endorsement comes as the Topp campaign continues to gather momentum. Late last week, Chief Opposition Whip Chris Charlton backed Topp’s campaign.

Topp told supporters in Burnaby that New Democrats don’t have to become Liberals to win. He said the task of the next leader is to join Jack Layton’s optimistic vision with the NDP’s best governing traditions.

Quebec MP Charmaine Borg, who was elected in last spring’s “orange wave”, was a special guest at the Burnaby Town Hall. She said Topp’s deep roots in Quebec, where he was born and raised, will ensure the NDP remains strong in continues to grow in that province.

“New Democrats have a different vision from the Harper Tories,” said Topp. “We can build a sustainable green economy and protect our environment from ill-conceived projects like the Enbridge pipeline. We can work to eliminate child poverty, which is at record levels here in BC. And we can build a more equal BC – a more equal Canada.”

“Together, as New Democrats, we can defeat Stephen Harper. Together, as New Democrats, we can get the job done.”

Topp has already earned considerable support in BC, including former provincial leaders Joy MacPhail, Carole James, and Dawn Black, federal Deputy Leader Libby Davies, and numerous other MPs and MLAs. Topp also has broad national-wide support, and is endorsed by former leader Ed Broadbent.

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Contact: Jim Rutkowski 250-812-1741