Montréal, QC – Federal NDP candidate Jagmeet Singh did not waste any time trying to drum up support in Québec for his leadership bid and he went straight to the Quebec Machinists Council to test the waters. Formally announcing his candidacy on May 15th, he met later in the week with members of the QMC. “He spoke to us about issues which occupy much of our time,” explained IAM Quebec Coordinator David Chartrand. “We’re concerned about contract flipping at our airports, airport privatization, the lack of a national aerospace policy and a procurement policy which encourages Canadian content. He’s currently an Ontario MPP and his riding is next to the country’s largest airport so he’s aware of how important these issues are to members of the IAM.”
Singh is currently the deputy leader of the Ontario NDP but isn’t well known outside Ontario. “He approached us and requested a meeting and it gave us the chance to get to know him,” said Chartrand. “His French is good and he had no trouble communicating with our board members and he listened. We didn’t commit our support, it’s far too early for that and we would like the opportunity to meet with all the candidates if possible so we can make an informed choice.”
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