New Democrats focus on rebuilding Canada’s status in the world

VANCOUVER – With Canada’s global reputation faltering in recent years, New Democrat national convention delegates adopted policies today aimed at restoring Canada as a respected voice in the world.

“Canada used to have a wonderful reputation among our international allies, but we’ve seen that reputation fade, and under the Conservatives we’ve lost our footing,” said New Democrat Leader Jack Layton.

Delegates passed a resolution making it a top priority to amend laws to get affordable life-saving generic medications into developing countries. New Democrats successfully passed such legislation in the last Parliament, but it was allowed to die in the Senate.

"We lost our bid for a Security Council seat. It's time to revive Canada's reputation on international development issues”, said Stephen Lewis, former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, in a speech introducing the resolution block.

As well as focusing on Canada’s role in international conflicts, delegates passed a resolution calling for fairer treatment for returning veterans and their families.

“Canada has a role to play in international conflicts, but we cannot forget our Canadian Forces once their rotations are complete,” said Veterans Affairs Critic Peter Stoffer (Sackville–Eastern Shore). “I was very proud to see our members pass this resolution committing the party to standing up for military and RCMP veterans.”