Layton ready to build on Newfoundland and Labrador breakthrough

ST. JOHN’S – Fresh from a successful round of leaders’ debates, Jack Layton’s New Democrats were riding high on momentum in Newfoundland and Labrador today, where Layton told a packed rally that after years of let downs by Conservative and Liberal governments, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can choose a leader they can trust.

“Michael Ignatieff supported Stephen Harper over a hundred times – and got nothing for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in return,” said Layton.

“He certainly hasn’t stood up for the people here. In fact, in his first vote as opposition leader, Michael Ignatieff rubber-stamped Stephen Harper’s budget which slashed payments to the province - cutting almost a quarter of Newfoundland and Labrador’s provincial budget.”

Layton reinforced New Democrat support for renewable energy initiatives in Atlantic Canada, saying his party will support a loan guarantee and a $375 million contribution to the Lower Churchill agreement between Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

“I’ll stop Mr. Harper’s subsidies to the big polluters,” said Layton. “Instead, I’ll invest in the new energy economy. Right here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”