Statement by NDP Leader Don Davies

“I have the good fortune of working with six incredible NDP MPs from across the country. They are all strong voices advocating for working people and their communities in Parliament. It is an honour to be on a team with these MPs.

I also deeply appreciate the trust that our Federal Council has placed in me to lead our party as we prepare to select a new leader.

As a political process, the selection of an interim leader is an opportunity to unite New Democrats. It is important to me that the decision of our Federal Council has the full support of our parliamentary caucus. To ensure that all in our caucus feel they are accorded the respect within the process they are due, this morning I submitted my leadership to the ratification of our full caucus.

I am pleased to report that I have received their unanimous endorsement as interim leader.

I am deeply grateful for their support and pledge that I will work diligently with them to advance the progressive policies and values that are so important to working families across our nation.

In addition, this morning our caucus requested our Caucus Chair to administer the votes prescribed under section 49 of the Parliament of Canada Act - the so-called Chong bill - so that I and my caucus colleagues could consider how we can be more accountable to each other.

By majority vote, Caucus chose to adopt sections 49.2 and 49.3, regarding expulsion and readmission of caucus members, and section 49.4, regarding election of caucus chair. By majority vote, Caucus declined to adopt section 49.5 (1) to (3), regarding leadership review.

Over the past 4 weeks, NDP MPs have already proved in the current Parliament that we punch far above our weight.

Notable achievements so far include the following:

• Passing a sub-amendment to the Speech from the Throne respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in determining Canada's economic future:  MP Jenny Kwan (Vancouver East)
• Tabling the first Private Members' Bill: C-201 An Act to amend the Canada Health Act (mental, addictions and substance use health services), MP Gord Johns (Courtenay - Alberni)
• Securing an Emergency Debate on wildfires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan:  MP Leah Gazan (Winnipeg Centre)
• Tabling the first Private Members' Motion: calling on Canada to recognize Palestinian statehood: MP Heather McPherson (Edmonton Strathcona)
• Advocating for the full implementation of Jordan's Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative, and pressing for an Emergency Debate in the House of Commons: MP Lori Idlout (Nunavut)
• Fighting against unfair government interference in collective bargaining at Canada Post: MP Alexandre Boulerice (Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie)
• Tabling amendments so that many marginalized Canadians, including those living with disabilities, are not hurt by tax cuts:  MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway)

As a strong and united caucus dedicated to building a Canada that works for everyone, we look forward to continuing to hold this government to account while offering positive, effective and constructive proposals to make life better for all Canadians.”