The elected officers of the Alberta Federation of Labour today endorsed Strathcona MLA Raj Pannu’s bid for the leadership of the Alberta New Democrats. President Audrey Cormack and Secretary Treasurer Les Steel praised Pannu’s leadership and look forward to working with him in the next election.

“Raj Pannu has been an articulate and consistent voice of working people in the Alberta legislature,” says Cormack. “Albertans are looking for a politician with integrity and principles. They need look no further than Raj.”

Secretary-Treasurer Les Steel feels that Raj will bring his hard-work and determination to the job as leader. “He stood alone in the legislature during the Bill 11 debate and took on the government. He was effective and strong during that debate. I am confident he will bring the same work ethic to all issues important to Albertans.”

Cormack and Steel will be presenting the issue of the NDP leadership to the AFL’s governing body at its meeting next month. “We suspect our Executive Council will share our support for Raj and the New Democrats,” says Cormack.

Steel and Cormack point out that in the next election, Albertans will be looking for an alternative to the arrogant Conservative government. “Raj has the skill to get the New Democrat message out,” observes Steel.

“We are confident and energized about the New Democrats’ election hopes under Raj Pannu’s leadership. Bring on the election!” Cormack concludes.

For further information contact:

Audrey Cormack, President @ 483-3021 wk/428-9367 hm/499-6530 cell

Les Steel, Secretary Treasurer @ 483-3021 wk/499-4135 cell