Media Release for September 12, 2008

Sue McSheffrey acclaimed as candidate for the New Democrats.

Physiotherapist and union activist Sue McSheffrey was acclaimed as candidate for the Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke New Democrats at a packed meeting in Renfrew Wednesday, September 10.

She told supporters, in her acceptance speech, that Stephen Harper’s Conservatives pose a danger similar to Ontario’s Harris government.

“When he announced the election, Harper said Canadians didn’t want to take chances. They wanted common sense solutions. Well, we all remember fiscal mismanagement, public debt and underfunded services that led to things like Walkerton. That’s what the last batch of Conservatives who promised us common sense solutions left us with.

“A lot of those characters who promised common non sense solutions are now running under Stephen Harper’s banner and that makes me very afraid. People like cabinet ministers Tony Clement, John Baird and Jim Flaherty. I will not stand by and see them do those things all over again not without a fight.”

She said that as a health-care worker, she is especially motivated in this election. “When you ask Canadians today what is their number one concern they say Health Care. It was their number one concern when the liberals took office after the Mulroney years and after years of liberal and conservative inaction it is still their number one concern. With an aging population the publicly funded health system needs shoring up and strengthening not tearing down. The NDP will stop privatization, shorten wait lists and ensure that there are enough long term care and hospital beds.”

She was nominated by Renfrew vetinarian Margaret Robertson and Rev. George Hermanson

McSheffrey took aim at Stephen Harper for “quitting his job as prime minister” and said that Jack Layton had immediately filed an application with the voters to take on the job

“..and what a great prime minister he would be. Imagine a prime minister who puts people like us first; families like yours and mine. Who isn’t afraid to take on the big polluters and oil companies. Who believes in cleaning up the environment, training more doctors and getting our soldiers home. He will take Canada forwards not backwards. He is a leader we can count on to get the job done.”

Ms. McSheffrey focused on the three main issues facing voters in Renfrew County: health care, the environment and jobs

On health care Mrs. McSheffrey said: “We will create a Pharmacare Plan so that everyone has access to the best drug treatments -- not just the cheapest. We will ensure that there is homecare in every province and enough health professionals to see to everyone’s needs. We are the only party that can deliver this. After all, with the legacy of Tommy Douglas in our bones we are the only party you can trust on health care.”

On the environment: “We will make big polluters pay and invest heavily in environmental solutions like retro-fit programs, alternative energy and greener public transportation. Jack Layton has already announced that 1% of gas tax revenue will go back to every municipality in Canada large or small to help fund public transportation needs.

“The tar sands are an environmental disaster and Canada’s world class disgrace. On Monday Jack Layton traveled to the Tar Sands and said enough is enough; it is time to clean up your act. We will protect our natural resources especially water from sale to the highest bidder. Water is a public asset and under the New Democrats it will stay that way.”

On jobs: “People on the street are worried about jobs. Jobs that pay a living wage are getting harder to find, especially in ridings like ours. Jack Layton has a plan to create jobs by building a new energy economy of green collar jobs. We need a government that fights to keep jobs in Canada especially in the manufacturing and forestry sector. Last year alone we lost ¼ million manufacturing jobs and 100,000 Forestry jobs someone has to stop the slow bleed of jobs, who do you trust to get that job done?

There is a widening gap in Canada between the rich and everyone else. Making ends meet is getting harder and harder and people are getting left behind. We have a plan that sets a national minimum wage and that tackles the afford ability of child care, education and seniors’ care. We will do something about the big oil companies gouging us on fuel prices whilst earning record profits. We will take on the banks and cell phone giants that rip you off.”

Her conclusion was a call to arms to the supporters gathered in the room: “I need you to vote New Democrat on October 14th. I need your help in spreading our message of hope in this vast riding. I need your abilities in crafting our campaign. I might be the face of this campaign but you are the heart.

Thank you for your trust and support. I won’t let you down.”

Sue McSheffrey with Supporters at the Nomination Meeting

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