Quebec New Democrats prepare for federal convention

NDP’s Quebec Section expresses concern for families affected by flooding in Montérégie

OTTAWA – At their General Council in Montréal today, members of the New Democrat Quebec Section adopted resolutions to bring to the party’s federal convention to be held next month in Vancouver, including an emergency resolution criticizing the inconsistent approach of the federal government to the floods in Montérégie.

Speaking to delegates gathered from every region of the province, NDP leader Jack Layton took the opportunity to mark the recent historic election of 59 New Democrat MPs in Quebec.

“The people of Quebec put their trust in the NDP to represent them in Parliament. It is a tremendous responsibility that all New Democrat MPs take very seriously,” said Layton. “In this Parliament, we will work hard to live up to their expectations. I have no doubt that our amazing Quebec caucus will succeed in proudly representing the people of their province.”

Layton’s Quebec lieutenant and Deputy Leader Thomas Mulcair also addressed the delegates, talking about the work that needs to be accomplished by the Quebec Section over the coming years. “With such a big caucus, the NDP will have a stronger voice to move forward on the issues which can finally give substance to the unanimous recognition of the Quebec nation by the House of Commons,” said Mulcair.

New Democrat MP Matthew Dubé spoke about the federal government’s approach to the flooding in his riding. “I am glad to see the NDP delegates showing such solidarity with those affected by the floods,” said the new MP for Chambly-Borduas. “Those families not only have to deal with the floods, but with the federal government’s inconsistent decisions.”

According to New Democrat MP Tarik Brahmi (Saint-Jean), the Conservative government’s disregard for victims of the flooding was clear with comments made by the Minister of Public Safety, Vic Toews. “By dismissing the Quebec government’s demands out of hand, Minister Toews has shown he and his government are just not concerned enough about the families affected by this natural disaster,” said Brahmi.

New Democrat MPs in the region pledged to keep up the pressure on the federal government to respond adequately to the Quebec government’s request for help.

Delegates also adopted a series of resolutions regarding a variety of issues, including: the next federal-provincial Health Care Accord and restoring the long-form census.