Layton launches task forces on the middle class, economic recovery

OTTAWA – New Democrat Leader Jack Layton today launched caucus task forces on the economic recovery in Canada and to investigate the effects of the economic crisis on the middle class.

“We are acting on two great challenges facing Canada: reducing the harmful impact of the economic crisis on the middle class and promoting a recovery that puts Canada at the forefront of the 21^st century global economy,” said Layton in his address to the New Democrat Federal Council.

“And so today I am announcing the creation of two task forces to tackle this economic crisis – the Economy Recovery Task Force and the Middle Class and the Recession Task Force. Over nine weeks, the New Democrat caucus task forces will listen to and consult with Canadians across the country, investigate the effects of the recession on ordinary Canadians, and bring new ideas to Ottawa.”

The Task Force on the Economic Recovery will be chaired by New Democrat Members of Parliament Nathan Cullen (Skeena-Bulkley Valley) and Chris Charlton (Hamilton Mountain), while deputy leader Tom Mulcair (Outremont) and Megan Leslie (Halifax) will chair the Task Force on the Middle Class and the Recession.

“Stephen Harper has ensured a slower recovery, and tougher times than necessary for middle class Canadians,” said Layton. “It’s time to re-tool our economy, let the middle class be heard and begin the recovery that paves the way for our future prosperity.”