Layton wraps up historic caucus meeting

OTTAWA – Jack Layton wrapped up a two-day strategy session today with the New Democrat's 103-member caucus with a commitment to roll up their sleeves and get results for Canadian families in the upcoming Parliament.

“Four and half million Canadians voted for better frontline health care, stronger pensions, and more family-supporting jobs. They’ve sent us here to put families at the front of the line, ahead of the banks and big polluters. And that’s what we’re going to do—proposing solutions when we can, and opposing vigorously when we must,” said Layton.

This week’s sessions brought Layton’s expanded team together for the first time. Rookies and veterans joined forces to discuss priorities for the upcoming sitting of Parliament.

“Stephen Harper’s majority mandate comes from a minority of voters. He’ll need to recognize that we have a strong mandate too, to put Canadian families first. And if he’s serious about wanting to cooperate this time, we’re ready to reach out—but if he’s not, then we’ll be ready for that as well,” said Layton.

On June 2, Layton will lead the largest Official Opposition into Parliament in 31 years. His team tripled in size this month on the strength of four and half million voters. Its 103 members represent every Canadian region and many cultural communities—with the largest-ever percentages of women and young people under 30.