OTTAWA — NDP leadership hopeful Paul Dewar has snagged the support of one of the his party's most effective parliamentary performers.

Charlie Angus, the veteran MP from Timmins-James Bay, has endorsed Dewar's bid to fill the shoes left by Jack Layton's death last August.

Angus is responsible for bringing national attention to the appalling living conditions in the Attawapiskat First Nation, which is located in his northern Ontario riding.

He's also largely responsible for keeping the heat on Treasury Board President Tony Clement over a controversial $50-million fund which spread money around Clement's riding prior to the 2010 G8 summit.

The popular MP briefly flirted with running for the leadership himself.

Dewar is making Angus his deputy, putting him in charge of building support for the New Democrats in the 70 additional ridings the party needs to capture to win a majority government.

The Ottawa MP says Angus is the perfect person to engage what Dewar calls Canada's "real majority."

"They're Canadians who work hard to pay their taxes and look after their family but they're being left out by (Prime Minister) Stephen Harper."

Angus said he believes Dewar is the best choice to carry on Layton's work because he "connects with families and their priorities."

"He brings to the table the kind of ideas, energy and leadership that a majority of Canadians are looking for from their government."

Dewar is one of eight contenders in the NDP leadership contest, which will culminate with a vote by all party members on March 24.