The Okanagan-Shuswap NDP Riding Association is supporting newly appointed interim leader Nicole Turmel.
“She is an experienced national leader, speaks well in both languages, and her career has embodied NDP values. The NDP is in good hands,” said Nick Hodge, riding president.
“Jack Layton had several members of his caucus who he could have called on, but the local membership is delighted with his choice.”
Before her election as an MP this spring, Turmel sat on the Public Service Alliance of Canada executive from 1991 to 2000.
She was then elected the first female president of PSAC, and then was re-elected for a second term ending in 2006.
The association is also supporting Layton and his family while he undergoes treatment for cancer.
“Most Canadian families are aware of the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis. We wish Jack well in his recovery, and will look after things locally until he returns,” said Hodge.
