Burnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan is throwing his weight behind Brian Topp, one of seven contestants in the federal NDP leadership race.
"I have met with all the candidates, looked closely at their proposals and watched this debate unfold very closely," said Corrigan. "I have determined that Brian Topp is the best candidate to lead the NDP, defeat Stephen Harper and elect a new national NDP government."
Corrigan said Topp has demonstrated "the right combination of skills and vision to win the election and lead an effective and progressive government."
"Brian worked at the heart of a successful NDP government. He is fluently bilingual. And he knows what he stands for. Brian understands that to win, New Democrats must put forward a bold agenda and deliver on it one practical step at a time. That's how you lead a vibrant and growing city like Burnaby. And that's how New Democrats can lead the country."
Topp is the party's president (but has temporarily stepped down to run) and worked as national campaign director for the 2006 and 2008 elections. He also helped form the NDP platform for the 2011 election, where New Democrats made history by becoming the official Opposition for the first time ever.
Topp thanked Corrigan for his endorsement.
"I am deeply honoured to have Mayor Corrigan's support," he said. "He is the kind of leader that is showing the way for New Democrats who want to govern for a purpose - a better community for all our citizens. His endorsement is a huge boost to my campaign."
Following the death of former leader Jack Layton, the New Democrats have been under Nycole Turmel's interim leadership. The leadership convention is on March 23 and 24 in Toronto. All party members can vote, and some have been voting online already. The other candidates are Niki Ashton, Nathan Cullen, Paul Dewar, Thomas Mulcair, Peggy Nash and Martin Singh. The winner will be announced on March 24.
Burnaby Douglas MP Kennedy Stewart, former MP Bill Siksay, and local MLAs Kathy Corrigan and Raj Chouhan have also endorsed Topp.
