Straight Talk

NDP leadership candidate Jagmeet Singh racks up endorsements from eight B.C. MLAs

by Charlie Smith on July 11th, 2017 at 12:27 PM
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      Jagmeet Singh is gathering a great deal of steam in his bid to become the next leader of the federal NDP.

      Today, eight members of the B.C. NDP caucus endorsed the 38-year-old Ontario MPP and lawyer.

      One of them, Surrey-Whalley MLA Bruce Ralston, said in a statement today that he's impressed by Singh's understanding of B.C. and the needs of communities like Surrey.

      "As leader of the NDP, his energy and ability to inspire people across the country will ensure our party's growth and success in 2019," Ralston said.

      Ralston is a former B.C. NDP president and former chair of Vancity credit union.

      Another senior member of of the provincial NDP caucus, Surrey-Newton MLA Harry Bains, noted that Singh has "an unwavering commitment to human rights and workers rights". 

      Victoria–Swan Lake NDP MLA Rob Fleming praised Singh's "tireless energy and willingness to work to make life better for people".

      New Westminster NDP MLA Judy Darcy, a former national CUPE president, called Singh "a really exciting candidate who can generate support from people of all ages and diverse communities from coast to coast".

      Lana Popham, the NDP MLA for Saanich South, credited Singh's courage in bringing forward long-term commitments to address climate change.

      "I have dedicated most of my political career to foood sovereignty in relation to climate change and I know Jagmeet shares these values," Popham said.

      Rookie NDP MLAs Anne Kang (Burnaby–Deer Lake), Ravi Kahlon (Delta North), and Rachna Singh (Surrey–Green Timbers) also endorsed Singh, as did former NDP MLA Jane Shin and former NDP candidates Amandeep Singh and Bobby Deepak.

      In addition, Singh is supported by two NDP MPs from B.C., Kennedy Stewart and Randall Garrison.

      "Having the support of this incredible team from BC is surreal and inspiring," Singh tweeted. "I can't wait to see what we accomplish together."

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