NDP MPs happy with their position despite trying times

By GEORDIE CARRAGHER
Feb. 9, 2012

The NDP Members of Parliament are happy with where they stand in federal politics.
Dartmouth-Cole Harbour MP Robert Chisholm and Sackville-Eastern Shore MP Peter Stoffer are still confident the New Democrats will move forward and form the next federal government in 2015.
The New Democrats have been seeking a new leader since Jack Layton passed away from cancer on Aug. 22, 2011.
Stoffer said the New Democrats are in a transition phase following Layton’s death.
“It is very, very crucial, and I think any political party would be careful, to make sure we pick a good leader.”
Chisholm said interim leader Nycole Turmel has the support of the New Democrats during a learning period.
“She (Turmel) has been doing absolutely yeoman work, and we just love her to death, and she’s just been working so hard.”
However, Chisholm said party stability would be welcomed.
“There’s no question that all of us are looking forward to the weekend in March when the New Democrats pick a new leader, and then we can settle down and move forward under that direction.”
Stoffer said the new NDP Leader should be pragmatic, thoughtful, and open to working with others.
“We should say to the government when you do something good, we’ll compliment you, but if you do something wrong, we’ll come after you.”
Chisholm said the New Democrats are always moving forward.
“We’re not looking in the rear-view mirror. We’re focused on ensuring that the Canadians that voted for us in May of 2011 continue to recognize the fact that the confidence they showed in us was well-placed.”
Stoffer said, as the official Opposition, Layton gave the party advice before he died.
“Don’t necessarily just oppose, but propose. Make solutions straight-forward and easily explained, and be very clear with Canadians on where their tax dollars are going.”
The New Democrat vision is to build stronger communities and families, Chisholm said.
“We believe it’s time that we started to develop a more compassionate and positive future for this country.”

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