Local New Democrats are throwing their weight behind Brian Topp, one of the contenders in the federal NDP leadership race.
Burnaby MLAs Kathy Corrigan and Raj Chouhan, along with BurnabyDouglas MP Kennedy Stewart, gathered with Topp on Friday in Burnaby to announce their support.
"I think he's going to be the next prime minister of Canada, I really do," Stewart said, adding that Topp has support from some real political heavyweights.
Stewart said Topp designed the NDP's latest platform and he wants to tax the top wealthiest one per cent of the population. Topp also has a "practical position on the economy," according to Stewart; he makes sure there are plans to pay for things before they are promised.
Corrigan said she has worked closely with Topp.
"His vision for Canada is clear, it is bold, and it is firmly rooted in a conviction that we must address the growing gap between the very wealthy and economically powerful inter-ests and the rest of us," she said.
In all, there are nine people vying for leadership of the federal New Democratic Party.
Former leader Jack Layton passed away in August.
The NDP will choose their next leader at end of March.
www.twitter.com/ JenniferMoreau
