Statement by New Democrat Interim Leader Nycole Turmel

Good morning ...

I have just come from a meeting of the New Democrat Federal Council...

... where I accepted their request to serve as interim party leader.

I am honoured by the faith that’s been placed in me by this council... by the New Democrat team...and by Jack Layton.

Jack has asked me to again thank the people of Canada for their tremendous support.

It means the world to him on his road to recovery.

Until he returns, I obviously have big shoes to fill.

But I am also fortunate to be standing on such a solid foundation.

Jack Layton has spent eight years building this New Democrat movement for a better Canada.

...Eight years building a team that’s ready to tackle any circumstance with hope and optimism.

That’s exactly what you can expect from us in the coming weeks.

I have never been prouder to be a New Democrat.

And I’ve been at this for decades!

In the 1990s, I chaired a cross-country NDP panel that consulted Canadians on their ideas about progressive government.

I served as Associate Party President under Alexa McDonough and moderated the leadership process that saw Jack Layton elected.

It was Jack who convinced me that it was time to run for Parliament.

And now this team has a chance to get results for Canadians like never before.

Of course I can’t wait for Jack to get back and work with him — but I’m honoured to stand in for him while he works full-time at getting well.

I have the great benefit of working with a caucus team that is strong, supportive and united.

United in our commitment to hold the Harper government to account.

United in our commitment to earn our chance to form a better government.

United in our commitment to fight for the priorities of Canadian families.

As interim leader of the Official Opposition, I will put everything into helping this team get results.

Two months ago, Canadians elected a history-making New Democrat caucus that ran on five clear commitments:

Strengthening healthcare. Improving pensions. Creating good jobs. Making life more affordable. And fixing Ottawa.

Preparations are well underway for our fall strategy session — where we will hammer out a practical agenda for the next session of Parliament.

New Democrat MPs are already working hard, gathering input from Canadians.

You will be seeing a lot more of me, as well, promoting the priorities of families across Canada.

And Canadians can count on this:

You will see our New Democrat team continue to work for you with the same hope and optimism that define our leader.

The same hope and optimism that we see Jack Layton bringing to his own fight.

Together, we will build a better Canada.

And we won’t stop until the job is done.

Thank you.