Brian Topp elected New Democrat president

Long-time party strategist sets sights on earning a mandate to govern

VANCOUVER – Brian Topp was elected President of Canada’s New Democratic Party today, vowing to continue laying the groundwork to challenge the Conservatives for government in 2015.

“This is a great day for our party,” said leader Jack Layton. “Brian Topp is one of the most principled and hard-working people I know. He’s been an integral part of our team for years and is just the person we need to bring us to the next level.”

Topp has decades of experience with the New Democrats. After serving as deputy chief of staff to Premier Ray Romanow in the 1990s, he coordinated the national campaign war room in 1997 and 2004. He was the party’s national campaign director in 2006 and 2008, and was a key advisor for this year’s election breakthrough.

“On May 2nd, a record number of Canadians voted for change, and our job is to build on that trust and turn it into a mandate to govern,” said Topp. “New Democrats need to grow our party while staying true to our values. We need to be practical and responsible, to put families first and to prove that a better Canada is possible.”

Topp is the Executive Director and CEO of ACTRA Toronto and writes a current affairs blog for The Globe and Mail. He is fluently bilingual. Topp succeeds outgoing President Peggy Nash, who was elected as the MP for Parkdale–High Park.