NDP selects Chief Electoral Officer for leadership race

OTTAWA –The New Democratic Party of Canada has appointed Emily Watkins as Chief Electoral Officer for the upcoming NDP 2017 Leadership Race. Ms. Watkins' appointment was ratified by the Party's Federal Council, as per Article 2 a) of its 2017 Leadership Rules.

Ms. Watkins has over fourteen years of experience in federal politics and an in-depth knowledge of the NDP that stretches across the country. She also has considerable experience working with different stakeholders, media organisations and government officials.

Most recently, Ms. Watkins served as Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations in the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition. As former Deputy National Director, she was responsible for developing the election budget, while managing all operations and human resources at the Party's headquarters. She also served as NDP Leader Jack Layton's Executive Assistant.

Ms. Watkins is bilingual and has a Master's Degree from McMaster University in Labour Studies, where she was the Recipient of the H.G. Hilton Master's Scholarship. She currently serves as Special Advisor to the President at the Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada.