Endorsements
Members of Parliament
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Marjorlaine Boutin-Sweet, MP (Hochelaga, QC) “Our Party needs someone who can bring people together, who will be able to build bridges between different communities all across Canada and lead the NDP to victory as the next Government of Canada. I firmly believe that Peggy Nash is the person to do that. What impresses me most about Peggy Nash is that not only does she possess a truly deep grasp of economic issues, but her vision goes beyond just the financial elements. Peggy’s economic approach is a human approach that takes into account important factors like environmental protection and social inequality. Like Peggy, I come from a union background and through our discussions I realized that she and I share fundamental values and a strong belief in social justice. When I heard Peggy speak to her vision for Québec at the announcement of her candidacy, I immediately thought to myself ‘here is someone who understands Québec; here is someone who can represent and bring together progressive people from coast to coast to coast.’” |
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Raymond Côté, MP (Beauport–Limoilou, QC) “Peggy is the best choice for Quebec. The remarkable team she has attracted here is a testament to the hope she inspires, the energy she ignites, and the sincere reverence she has for our unique perspective and experience.” |
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Randall Garrison, MP (Esquimault-Juan de Fuca, BC) “Peggy Nash embodies the NDP values of social justice, environmental sustainability and prosperity for all. I’m supporting Peggy because she can relate to the working families in my riding, and across the country, that are struggling to pay the bills, and inspire young people to get involved in politics to help build a better Canada.” |
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Laurin Liu, MP (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, QC) “Peggy’s commitment to environmental issues and workers’ rights shows Canadians that she is the leader we need in order to make a just transition to a green economy. Her skills as a negotiator and strong parliamentary performance make her a clear alternative to Stephen Harper.” |
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Elaine Michaud, MP (Portneuf–Jacques-Cartier, QC) “Peggy is the most appropriate leader to build on our Party’s successes in Quebec and the rest of Canada. I’ve followed her for years in the NDP and know that wherever she goes, Peggy effectively inspires and rallies people. This is the kind of leadership our Party needs to topple Harper in 2015.” |
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Anne Minh-Thu Quach, MP (Beauharnois-Salaberry, QC) “Peggy Nash is a passionate and tireless woman who inspires me immensely. As a woman from Québec and a young politician, I share her vision of a country which protects its environment, which defends the less fortunate and fights to improve public services. I also share her vision of a transparent government that actually listens, and actually represents the interests of all Canadians. With her charisma and her vast experience with workers and finances, I feel that she is the best placed to take down Harper’s Conservatives, to lead a united and prosperous Canada, and to instill a breath of fresh air and optimism into Canadian politics.” |
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Dany Morin, MP (Chicoutimi-Le Fjord, QC) “Peggy is a uniter and a leader within our Caucus. Her expertise on the economy will be an essential element to the NDP defeating the Conservatives and forming government in 2015. What’s more, Peggy understands and respects the concerns of Quebeckers. She has what it takes to build our Party in Quebec and garner new support from all parts of Canada.” |
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Denise Savoie, MP (Victoria) and Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons “I’ve seen Peggy first hand in the House of Commons standing up for strong progressive values; she has a clear vision for a more equal and just Canada and she has the strength to lead us in that direction. She has the knowledge as a community activist to lead and grow our party and the proven experience on economic issues to take the NDP into the next election.” |
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Mike Sullivan, MP (York South-Weston, ON) “Peggy is an urban riding candidate and a seasoned MP. One of the challenges the new party leader will have to take on is to lead the party as the real alternative to the mean-spirited, ideological views of the Conservatives. I know she can go head-to-head with Stephen Harper.” |
Provincial Leaders
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Pam Birdsall, MLA (Lunenburg, NS) “I am endorsing Peggy because I believe that she has everything it takes to be a strong vibrant leader, with the unique skill of being a consensus builder. She is just what we need as leader of the Official Opposition and our next Prime Minister.” |
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Sharon Blady, MLA (Kirkfield Park, MB) “Our next leader and next Prime Minister must be able to work with Canadians to build a strong and sustainable economy and advance important social programs like a national childcare strategy. Peggy’s skills as a negotiator, communicator, and advocate make her our best choice.” |
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Vicki Conrad, MLA (Queens, NS) |
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Cheri DiNovo, MPP (Parkdale–High Park, ON) “I’ve worked with Peggy for years and I know that she is a dedicated activist, a tireless community representative, and a fearless fighter for social justice; exactly what New Democrats across the country expect in a leader.” |
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Cindy Forster, MPP (Welland, ON) and Deputy House Leader “Few of us in Ontario need to be sold on Peggy’s talent, passion, and commitment to unifying progressives and defending our social democratic values.” |
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Spencer Chandra Herbert, MLA (Vancouver-West End, BC) “Peggy is a fierce fighter when she needs to be, and a consensus builder when that’s required to get a job done.” |
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Lorraine Michael, Leader, Newfoundland and Labrador NDP and MHA (Signal-Quidi Vidi, NL) “Peggy Nash and I began working together in the 1980s. Our joint interests in fighting for social justice for every Canadian, and our concerns about what continental economic integration was going to do to our economy and our Canadian quality of life was what brought us together. With each issue that has attracted our attention ever since, our lives have gone down an ever increasingly common path, with both of us now struggling for justice in the political sphere. I have great confidence Peggy has what it takes to lead Canada in a needed new direction. I endorse her candidacy for the leadership of the party because I have great respect for her demonstrated leadership skills and her commitment to making life better for all Canadians, not just the few.” |
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Marilyn More, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education, Immigration and Status of Women, and MLA (Dartmouth South–Portland Valley, NS) “Peggy has the right mix of experience, motivation, principles, and vision to bring Party members and Canadians together at this time in our history to push back against Harper’s misguided policies. As a politician with strong Party leadership experience myself, I appreciate and value the proven track record that Peggy offers. Not only has she the strength, people skills, dedication, and character to effectively lead the NDP, with Peggy, we can grow even further.” |
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Leonard Preyra, MLA (Halifax–Citadel, NS) “[Our] new leader must be able to communicate the party’s position in a calm, constructive, and straightforward manner. Because she has these qualities and more, and because she would make an outstanding leader of the Official Opposition & prime minister in waiting, I will vote for Peggy.” |
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Gerry Rogers, MHA (St. John’s Centre, NL) “We need a leader who can hit the ground running on day one. Peggy brings the best combination of political savvy, grassroots experience, and smarts to take on the Harper Conservatives starting March 25. Now more than ever, Canada needs an economy that benefits everyone, not just a few, and a government that looks after all regions instead of pitting them against each other. Peggy is the leader who can get us there. And with bold ideas like proportional representation, Peggy will help us inspire the 40% of us who didn’t vote in 2011 to join the NDP.” |
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Jonah Schein, MPP (Davenport, ON) “Peggy is tough, graceful, a determined fighter, and fluently bilingual. She has the characteristics of leadership that are most important: She listens. She consults. She brings people with her. I know Peggy can unite our party and take on Stephen Harper every day, and lead us to form government in 2015.” |
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Shane Simpson, MLA (Vancouver-Hastings, BC) “I’ve been following all candidates closely and I am confident Peggy is the one who can most effectively ramp up our party’s momentum to 2015.” |
Municipal Leaders
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Marianne Alto, Victoria City Councillor “For years I’ve watched Peggy work shoulder-to-shoulder with activist women, workers, and environmentalists. Her dedication to equality and human rights has been a constant in her careers. I worked with Peggy when she was president of the NDP, and saw first hand what she can achieve – organizing, inspiring, building. As an MP, Peggy demonstrates a deep grasp of economics, employment, and industry. Peggy has clarity of vision, can bring people of diverse perspectives together, and knows what it takes to get results. She is the kind of leader we need now — a thoughtful, committed, pragmatic facilitator with broad experience, progressive values, in whom voters can place their trust.” |
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Maria Augimeri, Toronto City Councillor (Ward 9) “Peggy’s record of standing up for municipalities is long and indisputable. From both in and out of public office, Peggy has consistently championed the issues most critical in our cities, such as infrastructure funding and housing. Peggy is a fighter who will put municipalities back on the national agenda.” |
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Constance Barnes, Chair, Vancouver Park Board “Peggy is such a breath of fresh air. I am always amazed when I listen to her speak — she connects with everybody on a true and real level. She is an amazing listener and has addressed my #1 issue — universal, affordable, accessible early care and learning for our children. Plus, isn’t it about time Canada had a woman Prime Minister?! Peggy is definitely the right person for the job!” |
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Janet Davis, Toronto City Councillor (Ward 31) “We know that Mayors like Rob Ford rely on Stephen Harper as an ally every day. We need a fighter for cities on our side and leading Canada’s NDP. That’s Peggy.” |
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Heather Deal, Vancouver City Councillor “Peggy has the leadership qualities that will continue to grow the NDP. She has a depth of experience and knowledge that make her a formidable opponent for Stephen Harper. Peggy is a strong and passionate speaker, able to hold her own in Parliament, in debates and large gatherings, and in conversations with small groups of people. She is tireless, articulate, and compassionate. Peggy is a leader who people want to follow, and that will make the NDP successful.” |
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Trevor Loke, Vancouver Park Board Commissioner “Peggy has the energy to unite Canadians and move Canada forward. Her passion draws in people who have never been involved politically, and ignites a sense of belonging among those who have felt alienated by our political discourse.” |
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Sarah Doucette, Toronto City Councillor (Ward 13) “It was the leadership and commitment I saw in Peggy Nash that inspired me to enter politics. Peggy’s work to create day-care spaces, increase the minimum wage and help families with affordable housing showcases what one woman can do to make a difference. Peggy’s ability to unite people will be necessary for New Democrats and all Canadians as we fight to create a better, more inclusive, Canada. I urge New Democrats to vote for Peggy Nash as leader, and work to make Peggy the next Prime Minister of Canada.” |
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Piper Huggins, Municipal Councillor in Montreal, Plateau-Mont-Royal Borough “Peggy Nash is the best candidate to take up the torch to strengthen the inroads we have made in Quebec. Those inroads were made not because Jack was born or brought up in Quebec, but because he spoke the language and personified the values and principles that are common to both NDP and Quebec culture, values of social responsibility and caring, of collective action for the protection and promotion of the common good over individual profit.” |
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Ben Isitt, Victoria City Councillor “I am supporting Peggy for NDP Leader because of her strong roots in the social justice and labour movements, and her vision for a fairer country and world. I look forward to working to elect Peggy as Canada’s first NDP Prime Minister.” |
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Ron Jones, Windsor City Councillor (Ward 2) “Peggy Nash has a close connection to Windsor and our surrounding communities. She has been here countless times over many years in her former role with the CAW, supporting all working families but also in numerous progressive efforts. During her time as an NDP MP and most recently Official Opposition Finance Critic, I’ve seen her stand up and fight for the values that are at the core of our communities.I’ve been active in our region for over 40 years and I know Peggy has what it takes to stand up to the Conservative agenda in Ottawa, grow our party, and form a government that will act in the interest of our communities. People ask me if she is going to fill Jack Layton’s shoes, I always respond: ‘of course she’s not, she’s got a brand new pair of shoes.’” |
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Michelle Kirby, Oak Bay City Councillor “Peggy is a leader I can believe in: grounded, and strongly principled. She always does her homework to learn about issues, and find diplomatic solutions. She is the best choice the build the party, and to defeat Stephen Harper in 2015.” |
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Dianne McNally, Victoria School District Trustee “Peggy’s commitment to social justice, to the interests of working people before the interests of corporations, her long-term vision for just and sustainable economic policies aligned with protection of the environment, and her support for the arts — these are only a few of the reasons I support Peggy. She is the leader who can restore the NDP’s and Canada’s places as national and international exemplars of social justice.” |
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Gord Perks, Toronto City Councillor (Ward 14) “I can think of no one better able to take on Stephen Harper than Peggy Nash. She has the vision for how to move the country forward, on the economy, on the environment, on job creation, and she has the experience to make it happen.” |
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Adam Vaughan, Toronto City Councillor (Ward 20) “Peggy is the only candidate to have released a detailed plan to support Canada’s cities, through investment in public transit, green infrastructure, and affordable housing. She She understands that cities are critical to the Canadian economy.” |
Movement Leaders
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Margaret Birrell, First woman to run for leader of a political party (NDP) in BC “Peggy has a comprehensive understanding of a healthy economy to deliver sustainable jobs and essential social programs for Canadians. She is a knowledgeable environmentalist clearly aware of the long-term damage of going for a “quick” fix economic strategy at the expense of our air and water quality. And her open and proven support for women is an essential leadership role in Canada today.” |
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Lynn Bueckert, Vice President, BC NDP “I am supporting Peggy because she is smart, strong, energetic, and inclusive. Peggy’s passion for a sustainable economy, experience fighting for social justice, and her commitment to working people, their families, and communities, makes Peggy a great leader and what the NDP needs to win in 2015.” |
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Mae Burrows, Environmental Health and Green Jobs Advocate “I’ve known Peggy since the nineties when we were both environmentalists at a time when it wasn’t easy to be one. She’s very effective at creating programs and policies that favour jobs and the environment. And she’s proven that she can stand up to bullies for her principles. She is trilingual, has good connections in Quebec, and has the pragmatic leadership needed to keep us on a progressive path.” |
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Karen Cooling, Labour Environmental Activist “I fully support Peggy Nash because she has demonstrated that she has the full range of skills and abilities to get elected, to lead our party and to lead our country. Whether it is the economy, the environment, foreign affairs or social programs, Peggy has what it takes to lead us through all the challenges that Canadians are facing.” |
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Elizabeth Cull, Former BC Cabinet Minister, small business owner “I’m supporting Peggy Nash because she has the right combination of vision, experience, and political smarts. Tough economic times require a pragmatic leader with a strong sense of social justice and the ability to bring people together to find solutions. I believe that’s Peggy.” |
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Charles Demers, Author/Comedian “What our party needs most right now is a leader who can reach out to the broadest number of voters without sacrificing NDP principles of equality, peace, and ecological responsibility. Peggy understands that the choice — votes or values — is a false one. We can have both, and under Peggy’s leadership, we will.” |
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Pierre Ducasse, Former Special Advisor on Quebec to Jack Layton “Peggy understands Québec and she’s someone who really brings people together. She will be able to rally progressives from Québec and from all across Canada to defeat the Conservatives in 2015. People in Québec will appreciate her positive approach and her credibility on the economy.” |
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Joel Duff, Director of Communications of the Ontario Federation of Labour and former Ontario Organizer for the Canadian Federation of Students “In the many years I have been an activist – first in the student movement, now in the labour movement – I have always seen Peggy as an important ally in campaigns for equity, labour rights, human rights, and social justice. She is a brilliant, principled, and dedicated advocate of the interests of working people. I am proud to have dedicated my time to every one of Peggy’s electoral campaigns in Parkdale–High Park, and I am proud now to endorse her candidacy for leader of the NDP. As a bilingual anglophone who believes strongly that the NDP needs a strong, bilingual profile, Peggy is the best person for the job. Her strong social justice principles and optimistic vision have the potential to build on the momentum Jack created and finally unite Canadians under an NDP government.” |
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Kassandra Dycke, BC NDP provincial candidate (Comox Valley) “I am proud to say my vote will be cast for Peggy. We have to choose the person most ready not only to lead our party, but to become our next Prime Minister. Peggy is that candidate. She has demonstrated tremendous personal and political integrity throughout this race, and I have no doubt she has the capacity to fill any shoes she puts on. My vote for Peggy is a vote for youth, for women, for New Democratic values through and through, for dynamic management and leadership, and for someone who has proven over and over she is a great friend to our country and will not let us down.” |
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Colleen Fuller, health/pharmaceutical policy researcher, writer “Peggy will represent New Democrats in Parliament with commitment and integrity. We need a leader who will sincerely listen for direction from those on the front lines of our struggle to make Canada a better and more just country. Peggy will be such a leader.” |
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Colin Gabelmann, Former BC Attorney General “Peggy is the one New Democrat who will persuade Canada’s progressive majority that she should be their Prime Minister. Passionate and committed, pragmatic and effective — Peggy’s experience with economic, social, environmental, and community issues reflect a lifetime of involvement. She is the clear choice to lead Canada’s New Democrats.” |
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Evelyn Gillespie, Former MLA (Comox Valley, BC) and former Minister for Women’s Equality “I could almost weep with joy at the thought of a woman with Peggy’s priorities leading our country! Imagine a Canada where we can experience true equality, where people are affirmed in all aspects of their being. With that foundation, how much stronger and more creative we could be as a country. Peggy has my full support.” |
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James Gordon, Community activist, Ontario NDP provincial candidate (Guelph), songwriter/playwright “It is an honour for me to lend my support to Peggy Nash. She is my choice for leader of the New Democratic Party and I am confident that she will be our nation’s choice for prime minister. I am inspired by her dedication to social justice and environment issues, coupled with her practical and do-able financial platform. Her job creation ideas, plan for women’s equality, her vision for greener urban planning: these are all areas that will resonate with many Canadians and I believe that Peggy can make these visions a reality!” |
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Marjorie Griffin Cohen, Economist and professor of Political Economy at Simon Fraser University, Author of Public Policy for Women “I am supporting Peggy Nash because she understands the big economic picture and is actively pursuing equality as an economic strategy. She understands how important both public and private sector activities are to a strong Canadian economy and how economic planning is crucial for the environment and the quality of the jobs being developed in all sectors.” |
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Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario and Candace Rennick, Secretary Treasurer of CUPE Ontario “Peggy Nash has spent her career fighting to build a better, more equitable Canada. An exceptional leader in the labour movement, she is also a grassroots activist able to excite young people to take action and transform their communities. As an MP and Opposition Finance Critic, Peggy has led our Party in laying out an alternative vision for the economy that prioritizes people over corporate profits. Peggy is the inspirational, organizing leader our Party needs to build for success in the next election. We are proud to support her campaign for leader.” |
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Joey Hartman, President, Vancouver & District Labour Council “Peggy is the kind of leader who attracts new activists, inspires optimism, and demonstrates the skill and stamina to necessary to realize our values as New Democrats.” |
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Andrew Jackson, Chief Economist of the Canadian Labour Congress, Research Associate of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and a Fellow of the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University “Peggy Nash has an excellent understanding of the economic issues affecting this country. Her approach reflects deep roots in the labour movement, the women’s movement, and in community struggles for social change.” |
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Peter Kormos, Former MPP (Welland, ON) “I’ve known Peggy for years — first, as an effective union leader, then as an outstanding parliamentarian. In a field of strong candidates, Peggy stands head and shoulders above her opponents. She’s a brilliant negotiator and knows how to resolve differences. The NDP needs Peggy, the federal parliament needs her leadership, and Canadians need her. Peggy is top quality Prime Ministerial material.” |
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Gordon Laxer, Political Economy professor and Founding Director and outgoing head of Parkland Institute at the University of Alberta “I admire Peggy Nash’s long-time fight for social justice for working people, Canadian economic and energy sovereignty, and environmental sustainability. Peggy is plucky, well informed and exactly the kind of leader the NDP and Canada need today.” |
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Ken Lewenza, National President of CAW “The opportunity to make Peggy the leader of the official opposition and our next prime minister is one we can’t pass up. She’s a fighter with a long career in community building. Of any of the candidates, Peggy has the strongest commitment to building a more equitable economy, protecting our environment, and sustaining our social programs, and she has a proven record of doing so. I support Peggy wholeheartedly. I know she can bring progressive Canadians together to defeat Stephen Harper in 2015.” |
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Darlene Marzari, Former MLA (Vancouver-Point Grey), former Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for Culture & Minister of Municipal Affairs, BC “I’m supporting Peggy because it is the right time to remember our roots as a party and our values as a movement. Peggy represents these basic tenets, not just intellectually, but as a way of living and doing business. Peggy has shown in her work that she can find common ground and unite people, and that she can negotiate wins for all the interests she brings to the table.” |
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Alexa McDonough, Former Leader, Canada’s NDP and Former Leader, Nova Scotia NDP “Peggy has demonstrated in Parliament and in the political trenches that she has what it takes to lead the NDP to greater heights. She is smart, passionate, tough, and tireless. She speaks excellent French and Spanish, in addition to being incredibly articulate in English, her first language. By her very nature and through long experience, Peggy has proven herself to be a skilled mediator and negotiator with the essential skills to build the talented team of 102 New Democrat Members of Parliament into an effective winning team.” |
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Jenn McGinn, Former MLA (Vancouver–Fairview) “What impresses me most is Peggy’s strong performance as finance critic and her solid understanding of economic issues. She is able to articulate our vision of fairness and justice in economic issues that relate to the needs of every day Canadians. Not only is she incredibly bright, she emanates warmth, compassion, and a strong ability to connect with people.” |
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Margaret Mitchell, Former MP (Vancouver East) “Peggy Nash has proven leadership ability. She is fluent in three languages. She has a history on environmental issues, women’s rights and international concerns. With Peggy, we can unite the party factions and win the next election.” |
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Paul Moist, National President, Canadian Union of Public Employees “Now more than ever, Canada needs a leader who can fashion a vision for our economy that will benefit all Canadians. So much is at stake as the current federal government takes Canada in a direction few of us actually want. The NDP needs a leader who can not only present a forceful opposition to growing income inequality and the destruction of Canada’s public services, but who can bring us to power. Peggy is that leader. Peggy has the skills and experience, the passion, and the vision to lead our Party to new heights. I am proud to lend my name as both a trade unionist and a lifelong New Democrat to her candidacy for leadership.” |
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Holly Page, Equity & Human Rights Officer, Aboriginal Liaison, BCGEU “Peggy is someone who will do a great job bringing together progressive people. She has what it takes to build the momentum we started last federal election, enough so we can win.” |
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John Parry, Former MP (Kenora-Rainy River) “Over the last 30 years, I’ve been an activist, candidate and Member of Parliament for the New Democratic Party. I’ve seen our party grow in strength and numbers over the years. And I can say with certainty that Peggy Nash’s progressive vision and passion for labour rights have helped shape Canada’s New Democrats into the party we know today. Peggy is versatile, flexible and ready to fight any battle that comes her way. And that makes her that right choice to lead Canada’s first social democratic government. I’m supporting Peggy Nash for NDP Leadership – and I hope you will too.” |
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Carol Pickup, Former Saanich City Councillor “I am supporting Peggy because we share the same values and principles. Her record in the workplace and in parliament will stand her in good stead to lead our exceptional caucus to form the next Government of Canada. She is more than competent to be our next Prime Minister and lead our country to a better future for all.” |
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Sarah Polley, award-winning actor, writer, director and activist “I believe that of all the candidates in this race, Peggy Nash has the greatest ability to reach out to people who may not have supported the NDP in the past. Peggy is an intensely principled leader with proven respect for grassroots social movements. I believe Peggy has the experience and toughness needed to defeat Stephen Harper in the next federal election and become our next Prime Minister. Whether it’s on the environment or the economy, Peggy has shown consistently and effectively her ability to fight Harper on critical issues. And of course, Peggy’s support of Canada’s artistic community is unfailing.” |
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David Rice, Retired Canadian Labour Congress Director “Peggy is the best balanced of all the candidates and will make our party proud to have such a strong woman as leader. She’s done a great job as MP and critic, got a firm grasp of the economic issues, supports an inclusive party, and has the language and cultural skills to be effective in all parts of our country.” |
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Tom Sigurdson, Executive Director, BC and Yukon Building Trades Council “Canada needs a leader who understands the role organized labour brings to government and industry partnerships. Peggy is that leader. She understands that through labour participation, workers’ interests are represented, not marginalized. She knows that building our nation involves all Canadians, not just privileged Canadians. Peggy has vision, provides hope, and has the strength of character required to lead our Party from the opposition benches to the government benches.” |
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Jim Stanford, Economist with the Canadian Auto Workers, author of Economics for Everyone, Globe and Mail economics columnist, and member of the CBC TV National News Bottom Line panel “I worked closely with Peggy Nash for many years, and saw her at work first-hand dealing with some of the largest, most powerful corporations in the world. She was always motivated by her determination to win a better deal for their workers, and for all Canadians. She understands the hard trade-offs that are necessary in the real economy, but has not lost her hope and drive to build a better world for all of us. Her unique combination of principles and pragmatism will make her an outstanding opposition leader, and a visionary Prime Minister.” |
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Bill Tieleman, columnist, commentator, former NDP staffer “It’s rare to find someone who is extremely tenacious as well as gracious — two qualities I admire and easily see in Peggy. And she isn’t about top-down leadership. Fluently bilingual, tough, experienced, knowledgeable, a powerful speaker, a social democrat who understands the economy and someone who will listen and learn as well as lead, Peggy is my choice.” |
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James Turk, Executive Director, Canadian Association of University Teachers “Peggy is the leader we New Democrats need right now. Principled, bright, tough, experienced, and personable, Peggy is the best choice to lead our Party to new heights. She is a fine politician who has handled some of the most difficult portfolios in Parliament very capably. She is also a fine person who lives her politics, as Jack did. She’s my choice and I hope she will be yours.” |
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David Turner, former mayor of Victoria “After comparing the ideologies, experience,and debates of the contenders, Peggy offers the strongest progressive hope — both in terms of forming government as well as what she will do when elected leader of the Official Opposition and eventually, Prime Minister. She has some powerful democratic socialist ideas, and her background with unions, social movements, and progressive groups is impressive. She is a vocal defender of accessible public education and services. And Peggy is the clearest leader on Canada’s relationship with First Nations peoples. That’s why I’m with Peggy.” |
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Cathy Walker, Board of Directors, Toxic Free Canada “Peggy has always been a strong, effective and principled leader in the party, the women’s movement and the union movement in both Quebec and the rest of Canada. Peggy has always done an outstanding job supporting environmental issues important to all Canadians.” |
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Mel Watkins, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Political Science, University of Toronto, and Adjunct Research Professor, Institute of Political Economy, Carleton University “Peggy Nash has a firm grasp of economic issues and an ability to see them from the perspective of working people. She is deeply committed to the NDP. She is the best leader for these troubled times.” |
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Bob White, Past President of the Canadian Labour Congress “Peggy is a positive force in politics — a real leader, someone who brings all sides together and doesn’t ever shy away from a difficult situation. Peggy is by far the best qualified of all the candidates. She would do us all proud as Official Opposition leader and in 2015, as Prime Minister of our great country.” |
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Meena Wong, former NDP MP candidate, Vancouver South “All the candidates have impressive records in terms of their achievement and experience. But I find Peggy most inspiring. She listens to people, an important skill in a good leader. Most importantly for me, she puts into practice her desire to outreach to the immigrant communities. Peggy, you are my number one choice.” |
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Loretta Woodcock, three term member of the Vancouver Park Board “This country is ready for a woman leader who is intelligent, tough, strategic, and effective in building consensus among our many diverse constituencies. For decades, I have watched Peggy combine skillful listening with the deft touch of powerful persuasion. Peggy is absolutely my choice for the NDP leadership.” |
“Peggy Nash embodies the NDP values of social justice, environmental sustainability and prosperity for all. I’m supporting Peggy because she can relate to the working families in my riding, and across the country, that are struggling to pay the bills, and inspire young people to get involved in politics to help build a better Canada.”