The New Democrats’ campaign in Gatineau got a boost yesterday when the party’s leader, Jack Layton, joined in on the door-to-door canvassing efforts.
Layton and Françoise Boivin, the federal NDP candidate for Gatineau, met with supporters in Gatineau’s Touraine sector. The visit was Layton’s third to Gatineau since the election call (he launched his campaign there), and was his second door-to-door canvassing effort in town.
The NDP is showing Quebec particular attention as they look to build on their team’s unexpected September 2007 win in the province, when Tomas Mulcair took the Montreal-area riding of Outremont in a byelection.
Such a high-profile visit is wonderful for candidates in the area, said Boivin’s campaign manager, Ursula Strolenberg.
“Madame Boivin is very well recognized in the area, but it never hurts to have the leader here,” she said. “We have to find new ways of drawing (interest).”
Supporters came out to greet Layton and Boivin, who answered questions, including what kinds of programs are needed for families and seniors.
“Each riding has the same general issues — economy, the environment and health,” said Boivin.
With three weeks to go before the election, Boivin feels that the NDP can do well in Gatineau. “I feel it can take the place of the Bloc,” Boivin said.
Added Layton: “I think the values of Quebecers and the values of the New Democratic Party in Canada are very similar.”
Layton said the NDP is going to push to make all handguns illegal.
“There will be the 100 per cent ban on import and sale of handguns,” he said.
“We have to get more serious about gang-related offences and help youth stay out of gangs.”
