Thomas Mulcair elected next leader of Canada's New Democrats

Choice sets the NDP on the path to forming next government in Canada

Thomas Mulcair was selected new leader of the Official Opposition today by thousands of New Democrats gathered in Toronto and tens of thousands more who voted online or in advance.

Mulcair highlighted that he would take the late leader Jack Layton's legacy forward and work from Day 1 to bring change that puts Canadian families first.

“It is with great honour but also with humility that I accept this position”, said Mulcair. “The challenges facing me and my caucus are significant, but we have a tremendous team of dedicated and hard-working MPs. I know that by working together we can continue to achieve great results for Canadian families.”

Mulcair said that he is ready to get right down to work, starting now. “There is no time to lose. With the reckless Conservatives budget cuts we know are coming next week, Canadian families expect the Official Opposition to stand up to Stephen Harper and hold him to account. And this is exactly what the NDP will continue to do, every single day. We won't rest until we defeat the Harper Conservatives in 2015 and form the first New Democrat government.”