OTTAWA- This week’s by-election results confirm it – across the country, New Democrats are the alternative to Stephen Harper’s Conservatives. Voters in New West Minister-Coquitlam handed Fin Donnelly a decisive by-election victory – and candidates in Quebec and Nova Scotia earned impressive second-place finishes.

“Fin’s victory, and record-breaking NDP results in Hochelaga and Cumberland–Colchester–Musquodoboit Valley are a clear sign that we’re on the right track,” said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton. “Voters showed they want action to protect their pensions, strengthen EI and fight climate change. And that they don’t want Mr. Harper’s HST.”

New Democrats’ share of the vote increased 19% in New Westminster-Coquitlam, jumped 35% in Hochelaga and more than doubled in Nova Scotia.

“I’m excited to have Fin join our team in Parliament,” said Layton. “With his energy we’ll step-up our efforts to hold Stephen Harper to account and get things done on the issues that matter to everyday people.”