Windsor-Tecumseh MP Joe Comartin Named Opposition House Leader in the Commons

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2011

(Ottawa, ON) – Last Friday, Interim Leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, Nycole Turmel announced the appointment of Joe Comartin, M.P. for Windsor-Tecumseh as Her Majesty’s Official Opposition House Leader.

Comartin was appointed following NDP MP Thomas Mulcair’s decision to step down as Opposition House Leader and formally announce his bid in the upcoming leadership race.

“It’s an honour to be working in the capacity of House Leader. I want to thank Nycole and my New Democrat colleagues for investing their trust in my work,” said Comartin.

Since his election in 2000, Comartin has evolved into a respected figure across party lines. Formerly the Opposition’s Deputy House Leader, critic for numerous portfolios, most recently Justice, and veteran member of the Parliamentary Justice Committee and the Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care, Comartin demonstrates exceptional leadership and expertise in Parliamentary life.

By way of background, each party in the House of Commons assigns a House Leader who is responsible, in conjunction with other House Leaders, to coordinate the sequence and order of daily Parliamentary business. The process is a pillar to the Parliamentary governance in that it ensures the organization of the business of the House.

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