Laval-les-Îles MP supports Mulcair bid for leadership

Mulcair, who attended the annual general meeting of the NDP Laval-les-Îles riding association on Nov. 6, praised Pilon, who is backing Mulcair’s leadership bid, during an interview with the Laval News.

A key player
“François is one those exceptionally capable new members of Parliament who’s doing a wonderful job in his riding,” Mulcair said. “He’s a key member of our team. He’s somebody who works at the ground level. He knows absolutely everybody. I’ve watched him work a room.
“And he’s an extraordinarily strong speaker in the House,” Mulcair added. “He asks questions, he gives speeches, I just find him an extraordinarily capable colleague. And we’re so proud to have him as part of our team. He’s understood that the key to success for the NDP is to maintain what we’ve got, and he’s putting everything in place to make sure that he’s going to get re-elected in October of 2015.”
Mulcair also praised Pilon, who was a municipal blue collar worker labour activist before being elected, for his knowledge and expertise in labour issues. “He comes from a strong labour background, which also gives him a lot of skills in negotiation and skills in conciliation. In terms of building things he understands structures. He’s just a tremendous guy.”

Challenges ahead
During the riding association meeting, Mulcair addressed the problem his campaign faces given that the NDP has so few members in Quebec, compared to the other regions of Canada. “In Quebec, we have challenges the other provinces don’t have,” he said. “They have provincial candidates and associations, which insure a far more important membership.
“Here, we did things backwards. We successfully got a record number of candidates elected without having a solid membership. We now need to give a structure to the party, to build its base. For the first time, we can offer our members something tangible: the possibility to have a say in choosing the new NDP leader, to determine who will be prime minister in the next election.”
Mulcair also insisted on the importance of keeping the party united, not only after the race, but especially during the leadership campaign. “I intend to have a clean campaign,” he said. “Some launched rumors, but I’m not into that kind of politics.” Pilon then addressed the riding association members and congratulated them for their dedication and efforts.

Out to change the world
“Because of all the work and energy deployed by the NDP Laval-les-Îles association, starting in November 2010, we reached the riding’s constituents and passed along the NDP’s message,” Pilon said. “Canadians, and Quebecers even more, clearly stated their need for change by placing the NDP as the official opposition last May.
“Your presence and confidence in the NDP are the foundation allowing the party to have a strong and imposing presence in the House of Commons,” he continued. “And when the party gets elected in four years, it will be because of each and every one of you. Together, we can change the world!”