NDP in the news

Alberta New Democrats pick new leader

September 19, 2004
by CBC Edmonton

MLA Brian Mason has been elected the new leader of the Alberta New Democrat Party.

More than 500 party members turned up at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton Saturday to elect a new leader.

Mason will take the helm from current leader Raj Pannu.

Mason says the party has never been stronger or felt more support from Albertans heading into an election.

"We've had a chance to get better organized, better financed, we have more members and I think we just have a real enthusiasm that I think is infectious and I think that is just very attractive to voters," he said.

The convention also attracted the leader of the federal New Democratic Party. Jack Layton said Mason has what it takes to take on Premier Ralph Klein in the next election and believes Albertans are ready for change.