Layton celebrates next generation of leaders

New Democrat leader says talented young caucus will build bright future

VANCOUVER – New Democrats have achieved a lot in their first 50 years, but their youthful caucus is laying a foundation for an even brighter future, said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton. The party held a showcase on the Next Generation of Leaders at their National Convention today. “What better way to celebrate 50 great years than to elect our youngest-ever team to build our future,” said Jack Layton. “These young MPs bring tremendous talent and life experience to our caucus, and they’re in it for the right reasons. Their new energy and ideas will help drive this party forward for years to come.” Layton’s 103-strong caucus includes 31 MPs under 40 and 20 MPs under 30. That’s up from just two MPs under 30 in the last Parliament, among all parties. Layton’s under-30 caucus includes medical professionals, small business owners, students, a high school teacher, a bricklayer, a lawyer, a hardworking single mom, and many Canadians with international experience. “When young people look to Ottawa, they’ll see themselves reflected in our caucus and the ideas we champion. They’ll see us working to re-engage young Canadians who’ve turned off voting. Our younger MPs won’t be scrambling for re-election, as some suggest—they’ll be helping me lay a path into government,” Layton said. Standout young MPs with core responsibilities in Layton’s shadow cabinet include Rathika Sitsibaiesan, 29 ( Post-Secondary Education), Christine Moore, 27 (Military Procurement), Megan Leslie, 37 (Environment), and Hoang Mai, 37 (National Revenue). Nine members of Layton’s under-30 caucus are working as lead or deputy critics.