Eager to start flexing what he hopes will be new influence in Parliament, NDP Leader Jack Layton has announced his party's shadow cabinet and executive appointments.

"More than 2.1 million Canadians voted for New Democrats' values, and many more voted Liberal after Paul Martin pretended to share them," Layton says in a statement released on the party's website.

"Our caucus team will work for those values in a proactive way."

At the core of his team, Layton has named Manitoba MP Bill Blaikie to the positions of deputy leader and health critic.

British Columbia MP Libby Davies remains in her role of House Leader, and will also take on the issues of housing and multiculturalism.

Rounding out the team he says will be responsible for handling negotiations with the new minority Parliament, Layton named Judy Wasylycia-Leis caucus chairwoman and returned Yvon Godin to the position of party whip.

Layton will take on the role of climate change and energy critic in his party's 19-member caucus.

According to the newly-elected NDP leader, his team will set out to hold Prime Minister Paul Martin to his promises.

"A few months ago, Paul Martin said this was the most important election in history yet now it appears he's got nothing to do except get us into George Bush's missile plan," Layton said.

"New Democrats want more, Canadians deserve more and we're going to do everything we can to ensure Canada finally receives the progressive agenda the Liberals pretend to support but have yet to deliver."

Combined with the Liberals' 135 seats, the NDP's Parliamentary contingent is one short of the number needed to form a majority partnership.

The Conservatives have 99 seats and the Bloc Quebecois control 54. There is one independent.

Among the issues Layton has vowed to champion are a national child care program, opposition to the North American missile defence program and electoral reform.