Tony Martin Acclaimed Sault Ste. Marie NDP Candidate

SAULT STE. MARIE -- Tony Martin, MP for Sault Ste. Marie, was acclaimed the NDP’s candidate for the 41st Canadian Federal Election last night at the NDP nomination meeting at the Royal Canadian Legion.

Martin’s acclamation was preceded by an address from the Federal NDP’s Justice Critic, Windsor--Tecumseh MP, Joe Comartin. Comartin was recently named by
Maclean’s Magazine “Most Knowledgeable MP” for the third year in a row. He was first elected in 2000 after beginning a law practice active in environmental issues including with Pollution Probe.

Members were also treated to a phone-in address by Federal NDP leader, Jack Layton, who celebrated the recent NDP by-election win in New Westminster--Coquitlam and encouraged party activists to remain vigilant in the next election.

“Tony is the kind of man who, when he speaks, everyone listens,” said Layton, “and it’s not just our members, it’s the whole House. Whether it be Conservatives, Liberals, everyone listens [...] Time and time again, Tony has brought us back to the issues that really matter.”

Martin, in his acceptance speech, thanked the riding association, volunteers, and his staff that work tirelessly to deliver results for the people of Sault Ste. Marie and have stood by him over the past 19 years. Martin committed to continuing to work with Jack Layton and the 35 other New Democrats in the House of Commons on reforming Employment Insurance, securing pensions, and stopping the unfair HST tax-grab.

Martin also reminded members of the importance of the fight against poverty and invited members to join him at the Soup Kitchen Community Centre’s “Great Soup Kitchen Sleep Over” in the James Street mall on Friday evening November 13. Martin has been collecting pledges and will join nearly a hundred other concerned citizens in an effort to raise awareness and money for the fight against poverty.