After a spaghetti dinner in honour of NDP leader Howard Hampton’s 15th anniversary as MPP here Saturday night, Winnipeg-Transcona MP Bill Blaikie promised a revitalized NDP if he’s elected leader of the federal party in January.
Blaikie began his speech by congratulating Hampton for his fight to keep Hydro One a public resource.
“The struggle for public ownership of public resources was fought and won by Howard Hampton,” Blaikie said, to cheers and applause from the 200 people on hand at the Elks Hall.
Blaikie also updated the crowd on the upcoming parliamentary session in Ottawa.
“On Sept. 30, the House [of Commons] opens. The throne speech will [discuss] how the Liberals will do something about poverty, aboriginal affairs . . .,” he said.
“Did you ever see the movie ‘Groundhog Day’? The Liberals are the same way—they never get past the throne speech to legislation,” Blaikie charged.
The key points to Blaikie’s leadership bid include restoring democracy, bringing environmental issues to the forefront of parliamentary debate, and ensuring equality for all.
“In seven elections, people have been clear where I stand,” he said. “I’d like to bring that clarity to the federal government. They’ll know exactly where we stand.”
Blaikie was given a standing ovation both before and after his speech.
