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MacGregor chooses Singh for leader

Replacement for Tom Mulcair will be chosen this fall
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Alistair MacGregor, MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, will support Jagmeet Singh to be the new leader of the federal NDP Party. (File photo)

Alistair MacGregor has thrown his support behind Jagmeet Singh to be the new leader of the federal NDP Party.

MacGregor, MP for Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, said he’s endorsing Singh, one of four NDP leadership hopefuls looking to replace Tom Mulcair, because he has a unique ability to inspire a new generation of Canadians away from the “cynical, status-quo” policies of the Liberals and Conservatives.

MacGregor also said Singh would be good for B.C. and the people in Cowichan-Malahat-Langford.

“Jagmeet has an excellent sense of the issues in B.C., particularly those of coastal communities,” he said.

“He’s also a strong defender of social justice issues and I like his platform on reducing green house gases and climate change. I’ve met him a number of times and I find him engaging, intellectual and charming and I think, of all the four candidates, he offers the best chance at the renewal of the party.”

Singh is not currently in federal politics but has been a Member of Provincial Parliament in Ontario since 2011 and was deputy leader of the party.

MacGregor said he doesn’t see Singh’s lack of federal experience and public exposure across the nation as an issue.

“Actually, out of the four candidates, Jagmeet has the most name recognition across the country,” he said.

“He has been reaching out to lots of people. The NDP needs to be the vehicle for real and meaningful progressive change in Canada. To do this, we need a leader who can generate excitement, grow our party, and generate a buzz about our policy ideas. Jagmeet Singh is that leader.”

Singh said he was humbled to accept MacGregor’s support.

“I’m so happy to have Alistair’s endorsement as a justice advocate,” he said.

“He has done great work as our (federal) justice critic and I’m excited to work together to advance economic, social and environmental justice on behalf of Canadians.”

The other candidates are Niki Ashton, Guy Caron and Charlie Angus.

The first ballot will open on Sept. 18, and the NDP will have a new leader by mid October.



Robert Barron

About the Author: Robert Barron

Since 2016, I've had had the pleasure of working with our dedicated staff and community in the Cowichan Valley.
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