Topp picks up support in Surrey for NDP leadership bid

SURREY (NEWS1130) – He’s never held public office, but that hasn’t stopped Brian Topp from wanting the federal NDP’s top job.

Topp, one of six men vying to replace late party leader Jack Layton, has picked up key support in Surrey. He revealed today he has the endorsement of all five Surrey NDP MLAs and MPs, as well as that of former NDP leader Ed Broadbent.

Topp, who is currently president of the federal NDP and lives in Toronto, says his lack of experience in Parliament isn’t a hindrance

“Jack Layton wasn’t a member of Parliament and neither was Alexa McDonough, but, you know, that was then, this is now,” he says. “We’ll see what the members think. At the end of the day they’re going to make those judgements based on what they think of the candidates.”

He’s already ruffled feathers in this province by insisting Quebec get extra seats in the House of Commons, despite stagnant population growth.

Topp says the measure simply acknowledges Quebec’s special place in Canada.

“A small, appropriate adjustment in the province of Quebec goes some distance toward maintaining a historical role that has long been in place, as, for example, is the case for Prince Edward Island, which has four seats,” he explains.

He told the Surrey gathering that his campaign will focus on a national education strategy and a climate change policy.

Skeena-Bulkley Valley NDP MP Nathan Cullen is the only British Columbian competing to become leader of the official Opposition.

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