FORMER ONTARIO MINISTER, RUTH GRIER, ENDORSES TOPP TO LEAD NDP

TORONTO, February 21, 2012– The Brian Topp NDP leadership campaign continued to gather steam as Former Ontario Minister, Ruth Grier, today announced that she is supporting Topp to lead the NDP.

Grier said that after watching the campaign unfold, she is convinced that Brian is the best leader to take on Stephen Harper.

“Brian has what it takes to win in Quebec, in Ontario and throughout Canada,” said Grier.  “He is fluently bilingual, he has experience in a successful NDP government and he knows what he stands for.   Those are the qualities I am looking for in our next leader, and I am proud to offer my support his campaign.”

First a councillor in the former City of Etobicoke, Grier was elected M.P.P. for Etobicoke-Lakeshore in 1985.   From 1990 to1993 she was Ontario’s Minister of the Environment and among her initiatives was the Ontario Environmental Bill of Rights.  

From 1993 to 1995  Grier was Minister of Health.   As Minister, Grier created the Trillium Drug Plan, legalised midwifery as a profession, expanded community health centres and passed Canada’s toughest anti-tobacco legislation.  As a member of the Toronto Cancer Prevention Coalition Ruth continues to advocate implementation of those recommendations.

“Brian is a proud social democrat who will speak with passion for the values and aims of our party,” said Grier.  “His message about building a more equal Canada can unite Canadians around a more hopeful and optimistic vision of the future and attract a new generation of activists to the NDP.”

Topp thanked Grier for her support, calling the former MPP an inspiration to those who believe that government can be a force for change.

“Ruth has shown by example that New Democrats can dream big dreams and take concrete action to fulfill our vision.  She is an outstanding New Democrat, and an outstanding Canadian.   I am honoured to have her support in this campaign.

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Contact : Jim Rutkowski 250-812-1741