Ottawa / January 24, 2012 – Presidents of five federations of labour today declared support for Peggy Nash, MP (Parkdale–High Park) in her bid to become the next leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada:

Gil McGowan of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL)
Sid Ryan of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL)
Lana Payne of the Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL)
Rick Clarke of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour (NSFL)
Mary Lou Cherwaty of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour (NTFL)

The five high-profile labour endorsements come one day after the Steelworkers’ Toronto Area Council announced its support for Nash.

“There is no question that Peggy will make the best leader of the NDP,” said NLFL President, Lana Payne. “At a time when working people – including working people in unions – are under attack, Peggy has been unequivocal in her commitment to fight for workers’ rights and build a just economy for all of us.”

“I am thankful to have the confidence of these labour leaders,” said Nash.

“Across the country, workers need to know their rights are respected and that their jobs are valued and protected,” Nash added. “This is a commitment close to my heart.”

Regional federations of labour are affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress advocating on behalf of Canada’s workers.

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