HALIFAX – A rousing speech by former leader Ed Broadbent kicked off the 2009 New Democrat Federal Convention in Halifax and was greeted with a roar of approval from more than 1,300 delegates.

“It’s great to be here in good old Nova Scotia, how history is unfolding. Here we are from all parts of the country, home of Sidney Crosby, home of the Canadian navy, and I can say with pride, Nova Scotia is now the home of the first NDP government in Atlantic Canada,” said Broadbent. “Since Jack Layton became leader we have had three federal elections and the NDP is the only party that has increased our vote and our number of MPs in every federal election. I have no doubt that in the next federal election Jack and the NDP are going to return to the House with the largest caucus in the party’s history.”

“In the midst of a global economic crisis we are also at a crossroads for our party. The NDP has never been more relevant to the hopes and desire to all those millions of Canadians that want practical answers and social justice.”

The convention opened with a welcome ceremony from Murdena Marshall, a Mi’kmaw Elder, and the national anthem sung by Maureen Smith, a young Halifax resident. Led by Peter Stoffer (Sackville-Eastern Shore), who was joined on stage by 30 armed-services veterans, delegates held a minute of silence for Canada’s fallen.

The 2009 convention is set to be a dynamic event with speakers including Obama for America Chief Operations Officer Betsy Meyers and New Democrat Premiers Gary Doer and Darrell Dexter. Delegates will debate policy on the economy, environment, social programs and more.

Ed Broadbent was leader of the New Democrats from 1975-1988. He led the party to its best result of 43 seats in the 1988 federal election.

Watch the video: Ed Broadbent launches HFX09 [8]