“As we gather with friends and families to celebrate the New Year, we are compelled to look back at the year that was and think about what we’d like to see in the year ahead. We will reminisce about good times, and be thankful for the support of our loved ones through tough times.

“This past year hasn’t been easy for a lot of Canadian families, and many of us are worried about what next year is going to bring. To everyone who shares these concerns, I’d like to say that New Democrats are listening – we get it. We know that you are looking for change in this country and I promise that we will do everything in our power to protect the prosperity of hardworking people in our nation.

“That being said, 2008 was a remarkable year in many ways. We saw the government of Canada formally apologize to survivors of residential schools, something many people thought would never happen. We watched our neighbours in the United States make a huge shift in politics with the election of Barack Obama. This year showed us what we can achieve when we pull together around a common purpose.

“For New Democrats, this was a year where the hard work of our supporters, party members and Members of Parliament paid off. We gained seven more seats in the House of Commons because our message of change really spoke to our fellow citizens and reflected their hopes for the future. To you I send special thanks for a job well done.

“And on behalf of all New Democrats, I wish everyone a happy new year, and invite you to join me in a resolution inspired by the words of Tommy Douglas: Courage, my friends, ‘tis not too late to make a better world.”