Remarks by Paul Dewar, MP

Thank you for joining me this afternoon.

We may be gathered here in the heart of the nation’s capital, but in our heart – as neighbours and New Democrats – we’re here because we care about each other, and share big hopes for Canada.

We’ve been through a lot together over the last five months. We’ve had the happiest of times, and the saddest of times.

First came an incredible election, and then came the loss of our friend and our leader, Jack Layton.

Jack’s work lives on. Our tenacious team of 102 MPs is the team that he built. Our rise to Official Opposition was his victory. 

Jack never aimed low, nor must we. Our mission now is to elect a New Democrat government, and to build a better, more progressive Canada.

My friends, I would have preferred to be here with Jack today.

We have all suffered a tremendous loss. But we have also received the legacy of a great political leader. A legacy of optimism, hope and love. We must keep moving forward.

Here we stand full of promise, and in a few months we choose a new leader.

I’ve heard from many New Democrats about this pivotal vote. They’ve had some keen observations about our party’s future, and why I should consider entering the leadership race. I know other Caucus members are likely receiving similar encouragement.

In all candor, I’ve also been giving thought to my progress as a grass roots MP and our party’s Foreign Affairs critic.

And I’ve been reflecting on my love for people, and my drive to bring them together, and to bring out the best in all of us.

These considerations have led me to a decision.

Today, I am announcing my candidacy for leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada.

I got into politics to make a difference in my community, and my country.

I took the road from aid worker in Central America, to constituency worker in central Ottawa, to public school teacher, to union vice-president. These are my roots, helping people to build a better life for themselves and their children.

Since 2006, I’ve been a Member of Parliament, and a member of the Caucus team which has held Stephen Harper’s feet to the fire.

I’ve been on the front line: dealing with the War in Afghanistan, working on affordable drugs for Africa, advancing human rights, and securing recognition of rape as a weapon of war.

I joined the New Democrat caucus in 2006 because I believed in Jack’s vision.

Jack showed confidence in me, naming me as the party’s foreign affairs critic – a role I assumed with utmost seriousness.

For me, this leadership campaign is our chance to build on our social democratic principles. This is our opportunity to work with Canadians on the challenges we face together:

To build a brighter economic future for working people and their families.

To make Canada a leader, not a laggard, in combating climate change.

To restore the opportunity for young people to get a quality education, and not a crippling debt.

To achieve true reconciliation and respect in our relationship with First Nations.

And to strengthen health care for all Canadians with improved access to prescription drugs and quality home-care.

I know that together we can build a better Canada, fight against climate change and play an active role in global cooperation.

If we strive to be government, to earn the confidence of more Canadians, now is not the time for New Democrats to lean back. Now is the time to move forward, with energy and determination.

Our New Democratic Party starts at the grass roots.

For me, thousands of members like you – working hard and growing our party – are the bedrock for greater electoral success.

Riding associations right across our country, working with our leader and caucus, give us an amazing capacity to connect with millions more Canadians who, I believe, thirst for a meaningful role in our politics.

This campaign relies on the best in Canadians – to come forward and share their ideas for a better future.

This is our New Democratic Party. Open, engaged, and growing.

My friends, you know that the reality for the New Democratic Party has changed. We now have the opportunity to strengthen the dialogue between Quebec and the rest of Canada. A dialogue which was too often ignored in the years of unproductive bickering.

Under these conditions, a mastery of the French language is important to whoever becomes the leader of the New Democratic Party. This is a challenge I can overcome. As a member of the NDP, going from the fourth party status to the Official Opposition, believe me, I know about overcoming challenges.

I embrace every chance I can to meet people, to listen to their personal stories, and to hear about their dreams and their ambitions.

I do this in Quebec, and although my French is a challenge, I understand the values and aspirations of Quebecers.

French is very important to me, and I’m working on it every day. It’s a challenge but I will overcome this challenge, and take on Stephen Harper in both official languages.

My friends, I will connect with Quebec and its diverse communities. I will speak to Canadians of different cities and regions, and I will gather them behind a common a project – not divide them as the Conservatives do.  

I know the bridges we must build between all the different communities in our country.

While this gathering appears to be about me, those who’ve worked side by side with me know it’s really about us, and that together we can do so much more.

For those here, and those New Democrats across the country, who share my determination to reach out to Canadians, who share my determination to be a social democratic alternative to the Harper Conservatives, and who share my determination to elect a New Democrat government, I invite you to join me in this leadership campaign.

My friends, Jack taught us that working together we can achieve great things. So, let’s get to work!

Thank you!