NDP to focus on economy and jobs in fall session

QUEBEC CITY– Canada’s New Democrats emerged from today’s strategy session united and ready to hold the Harper government to account in the coming Parliamentary session – with the economy as their prime focus.

“Starting right now, we’ll take on the Harper Conservatives every day and show that a better way is possible,” said Turmel. “We can put families first, we can have real action on the economy, and we can start to move Canada forward.”

Turmel said the Prime Minister’s rosy outlook on his economic record was proven out-of-touch this week, with unemployment on the rise and stock markets taking another dive.

“While everyday Canadians seem to know there’s a problem, Stephen Harper just doesn’t seem to get it,” said Turmel.

“Just like in 2008, Mr. Harper seems to believe he can simply talk his way out of a recession. But Canadians are not looking for more talk out of Ottawa. Canadians are looking for action – and this New Democrat team is going to fight to ensure that action is just what they get.”

In her speech to caucus, Turmel outlined two key strategy prongs for the fall: a push for an economy and jobs plan in Parliament, and an outreach strategy aimed at uniting Young Canadians, New Canadians and all of the families being left behind by the Conservative government.

Turmel says her team isn’t waiting for a leadership convention to get moving – they’re ready to get to work right now, doing the job Canadians elected them to do.

“We’re going to get down to work and to the job we were sent here to do: to fight for Canadian families, to put their jobs, their pocketbooks and their retirement security first. And to take on the Conservatives every single day.”