Paul Dewar Picks Up Four Northern Endorsements for Leader

Paul Dewar Picks Up Four Northern Endorsements for Leader
February 9th, 2012

SUDBURY—Days after the NDP Leadership debate in Sudbury Paul Dewar has received four more high profile local endorsements from across Northern Ontario.

Today, Nathan Aubin, President of the Northern Ontario Council of Federal Ridings, Richard Eberhardt, president of the Sudbury NDP, and Paul Loewenberg former Ontario NDP Candidate and Maurice Grinstead, president of Thunder Bay Superior North have all endorsed Paul for leader.

Aubin who has been active in Northern Ontario for years sees Paul as the only candidate who understands Northern Ontario. “Paul's passion is inspiring, he is energetic and has fresh new ideas that connect with People here in North and across Canada,” said Aubin. “I know Paul will engage issues that are key in Northern Ontario, and understands the significant difficulties faced by Northern Families.”

“In an excellent group of candidates, Paul stands out as the only candidate with the plan for the party and the vision for a more progressive Canada,” said Eberhardt, who has lead the Sudbury riding since 2006 and has been a strong advocate of a regional approach for organizing the federal NDP. “The Orange Wave started here in the north in 2008 as a result of solid regional organizing. Paul’s Next 70 plan would use this model to build victory across the country.”

For Loewenberg, it is Dewar’s ability to connect with people that helped bring him onside.

“Paul has visited Sudbury many times during the leadership campaign and every time he comes through he impresses me,” said Loewenberg. “He connects with people, both in a large group like we saw in the debate last week and one-on-one. On the door step or just having a beer with him you can tell that Paul gets people – and people get him.”

Loewenberg finished only 500 votes behind the incumbent in the last provincial election, and is at the heart of the city’s music scene, managing Sudbury’s iconic Townhouse Tavern as well as directing the Northern Lights Festival Boreal.

"In my thinking, it's about which candidate could walk into any constituency in this country and bring people to our party,” said Grinstead. “Paul is the only candidate who, once he's leader he will grow the party from ocean to ocean to ocean."

“These are the type of people that we need more of in our party. They are hard working and know how to fight when the odds are against you,” said Dewar. “I am thrilled that they are supporting my campaign and joining our team. They were instrumental to the orange wave that swept Northern Ontario in 2008. Their experience will be needed in the years to come to beat Stephen Harper’s conservatives.”