Delegates reinforce Layton's call to end the wrong mission for Canada
QUEBEC - At the NDP Federal Convention in Quebec City this morning, New Democrats overwhelmingly voted to send the clearest message yet to the Harper Conservatives that this is the wrong mission and that Canadian troops must be withdrawn from their fighting mission in Afghanistan.
"This is the wrong mission for Canada," NDP leader Jack Layton said. "New Democrats have sent the right message today by overwhelmingly voting to withdraw our troops."
"This motion demonstrates the clear and unequivocal support that the NDP has for the women and men of our armed forces," NDP defence critic Dawn Black said.
The resolution called on Harper to begin "the safe and immediate withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan" and "support the continuation of development assistance to Afghanistan and democratic peace building."
"This sends a loud clear message from New Democrats," NDP foreign affairs critic Alexa McDonough said. "Democracy building is what the Afghan people want, not more violence and instability. A comprehensive peace plan is what is critically important to building democracy and peace in the region."
Over 1,800 delegates, staff and observers are meeting for the second day of the NDP's convention in Quebec City, a convention that is hearing from speakers including Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Stephen Lewis call for an NDP federal government.
