Turmel accepts NDP leadership during Layton absence

Former union leader Nycole Turmel won final approval Thursday to lead the New Democratic Party on an interim basis after Jack Layton recommended her, and as CTV's parliamentary reporter explains, the party's federal council agreed.

CTV News Channel: Nycole Turmel in Ottawa

The NDP interim leader speaks at a press conference in Ottawa, where she says the party supports her new role, and affirms she is strong enough to represent Canadians and take on the new responsibilities.

CTV News Channel: Anne McGrath, chief of Staff

Jack Layton's chief of staff describes the atmosphere inside a NDP meeting that marked Nycole Turmel's takeover for Jack Layton, saying that there is a lot of hard work ahead for the party.

CTV News Channel: Don Martin in Ottawa

The host of CTV's Power Play says Nycole Turmel admitted she was not as charismatic as Jack Layton, and explains how she will introduce herself to Canadians fairly quickly by visiting communities in the country.

Canada AM: Robert Fife in Ottawa

CTV's Ottawa bureau chief says while the NDP unanimously approved Nycole Turmel to act as Layton's replacement, there is much grumbling among the party, as many don't believe she has what it takes to act as leader.

CTV National News: Robert Fife on the choice

CTV's Ottawa bureau chief says some NDP MPs don't think Turmel is a good choice for interim leader, saying she is no real match for Liberal Interim Leader Bob Rae.

CTV News Channel: Turmel unanimously endorsed

The NDP caucus has met and has picked a new leader to replace Jack Layton while he takes time off to fight cancer. Nycole Turmel will step in as leader of the caucus. Turmel says however she will not be a leadership candidate even if Layton does not return.

CTV News Channel: Brian Topp, president

The president of the New Democratic Party of Canada says the strong party will pull together and show what it's got in the next coming months, and explains while Nycole Turmel may be a new MP, she is 'certainly not a rookie.'

CTV News Channel: Joe Comartin, NDP MP

NDP MP Joe Comartin says Nycole Turmel is very capable of leading the party and the entire caucus is absolutely determined to do all they can to back her up.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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NDP interim-leader Nycole Turmel speaks with the media following the NDP Federal Council meeting in Ottawa on Thursday, July 28, 2011. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTV News.ca Staff

Date: Thu. Jul. 28 2011 8:25 PM ET

Nycole Turmel has accepted her party's call to lead the New Democrats while Jack Layton is seeking treatment for cancer.

Turmel was confirmed as the interim NDP leader on Thursday morning, a day after the caucus offered her their unanimous support for the job.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa Thursday morning, Turmel said she believed she was "strong enough" to take the reins of the party while Layton is away seeking treatment for his illness.

"I'm honoured by the confidence the council has shown in me as well as my team and Jack Layton," Turmel said.

"I clearly have big shoes to fill, but I'm also fortunate to be standing on such a solid foundation.

"Jack Layton has spent eight years building this New Democrat movement for a better Canada, eight years building a team that is ready to tackle any circumstance with hope and optimism.

"That's exactly what you can expect from us in the coming weeks."

The New Democrats moved to rapidly appoint an interim leader after Layton announced Monday that he has been diagnosed with a new cancer and must take a leave of absence to attend to his health.

When Layton made the announcement about his health, he named Turmel as the person he would like to see take over his duties.

Turmel is a retired union leader who was elected to the House of Commons for the first time in the recent May election. She also is the chair of the NDP's parliamentary caucus.

After Layton, Turmel becomes the seventh person to lead the NDP.

Despite the strong support Turmel has seemingly received from the party, some parliamentarians are grumbling that she does not have the temperament to be a thorn in the side of the government.

But CTV's Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife reports that these dissenting New Democrats did not openly express their views during Wednesday's caucus meeting because of the circumstances surrounding Turmel's ascension to the job.

"Nobody wanted to raise objections for the obvious reasons that it would have seemed unseemly to do so, particularly when Mr. Layton was listening in (to the Wednesday caucus meeting)," Fife told CTV's Canada AM from Ottawa on Thursday morning.

Fife said these same party members are concerned that Turmel could be overshadowed by Liberal Leader Bob Rae, who is a proven performer in the House of Commons and a better-known personality with Canadians.

"They think this could be a gift for Bob Rae and that Canadians will see him as the official leader of the Opposition," Fife said.

While Layton intends to be back at the helm of the New Democrats when Parliament resumes in September, many suspect that the battle for his health could permanently force him from his job. And that could leave Turmel as the NDP leader well into the fall.

The 61-year-old Layton had faced health problems for some time before making his announcement on Monday. He fought a battle with prostate cancer that he appeared to be winning, though the NDP leader has said his current illness is a completely new cancer.

Layton's illness comes at a time when the New Democrats have enjoyed the greatest electoral success in their history.

The results of the May election left the NDP as the Opposition for the first time in their history, as they won dozens of seats in Quebec, largely at the expense of the Bloc Quebecois party.

With files from The Canadian Press

Comments are now closed for this story

Trevor
said

Get well soon Jack! We nned you in Office.

dorothy
said

dear jackI'M HOPE YOU WILL GET BETTER SOON

Swarles
said

They probably only picked her because she has a very thick french accent. Way to kiss up to Quebec. BTW, why are most of our federal elections decided by Ontario and Quebec? Too many ridings. It's a load of bull.

Drew in NS
said

Jack Laytons criteria for interm leader was I want a Quebecer, A woman, Union Leader, apparently fluent English was not a necessity

JBurey
said

Wow, her English is horrible. I hope this is a very temporary appointment because English Canada won't be going for Madame Turmel anytime soon. Stephane Dion was a Rhodes Scholar in English compared to her.

Gman
said

Keep feeding the unions at at our expense is sure to be Nycole Turmel's major objective

Paul ~ Kitchener
said

This former Union Leader now heads the N.D.P.The N.D.P. has their Quebec leader now - (from whence came their number of seats to oposition).This lady says she will "FIGHT the Government" ~ with what ??? Here is a prime example of going to a gun fight with a knife. Thank God, our Prime Minister doesn't need to listen to N.D.P. Socialist programs for Quebec, & the Unions of Canada.Keep going Mr. Prime Minister , your doing a great job of sticking to your platform. The N.D.P. are on a solid course of destruction, what Jack Layton built, the party will destroy in the next 4 years. GOD Bless Canada, & our Prime Minister, and his solid majority government. Vive le Canada !

Will
said

There is nothing the NDP can offer this country, and their union supporters (masters) are just as bad. Disband the unions and watch the economy flourish and the NDP sink into oblivion.

B.J.
said

Glad we have a majority Government, cant stand the idea of listening to their interim leader forever. I hope she speaks English well, altho I could care less, the NDP are on a downward slope.

Catwoman 39
said

I am not sure how this will work out .The NDP are quite good at tackling issues, but they have to reach out to voters.To answer your question Adam , NDP were able to steal seats from the Bloc in the federal election because the NDP have similar values as the Bloc.Both of the parties lean to the left. Only difference is the bloc would raise up the issue of seperation & language.Although, by the time the Liberal get a new leader through a Convention , and rebuild, some of these seats will go back to the Liberals.Who knows the Liberals might actually do quite well if all we hear is fighting between the big Conservative Corporations & unions.Not everybody works in a big corporation, or union.What about everybody else in this country, don't we matter?

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Quebec has merely decided to date the fawning NDP because it got "neglected" by its usual suitors. We all know that it's only a matter of time until the NDP gets dumped, or, it finds Quebec in bed with somebody else. Enjoy the political sex, NDP. It won't last, and then you'll be left crying in your cappuccino.

HB
said

I wonder if she got the full support due to Jack's support. If Jack had not made the suggestion, I don't think the support would have been so unified

reidjr
said

Steve G
No in i would not unions are needed more then ever 50 years ago they were needed to protect workers rights now some not all but some unions are very greedy and in fact could result in companys moving out of the country.

pasquinel
said

Shouldn't the headline read NDP accepts Turmoil? Maybe it was just a misprint from the reporter.

Rajinder
said

So what? People who have supported the Bloc in the past are not allowed to become federalists and join other parties?, Is this not precisely what we want? We had a former separatist supporter as Governor General of Canada, so as far as I'm concerned, this debate is dead. I think it's wonderful that Jack recommended a woman to be interim leader. All the best to Ms. Turmel and of course all the best to Mr. Layton.

Al Capone
said

Who cares? Another french female that wants free everything for families like free day care. The NDP has reached it's pinnacle and is headed down to the dumps now.

Hi Jacques
said

At the end of the day, as they say, the Bloc hi-jacked the NDP.

Michael in Ontario
said

I watched this lady last night on the news saying how she was going to fight the Harper Government. My lord, have these people not learned yet that we do not want them fighting the government for the sake of the NDP fighting the PM on every move he makes. We would rather see the NDP working with the government when they can to make this a stronger Canada. If all they want to do is fight the government at every turn then all I can say is thank God we elected a majority government. I also chuckled when Jack appointed a X union leader instead of a more experienced member to take over in his absents. It just shows the mentality of the NDP, no matter what support the unions.

Mac11
said

harmony will slowly give way to postering - lust for power....
regardless of Mr. Layton's illness why - - though many wont say anything today or tomorrow there are many who smell opportunity knocking ...

it will be 'fun' to watch !

Mike in Mississauga
said

I am not an NDP supporter, but let's look at this objectively. In the last election, the NDP won official opposition status primarily due to the surprising vote collapse of the Bloc Quebecois in Quebec and the fact that neither the Liberals, nor the Conservatives were able to attract Quebec voters in sufficient numbers. In the rest of Canada, the NDP vote count was on par with historical pattern. Therefore, it seems logical enough that the reason Mr. Layton chose Ms. Turmel as the interim Leader has more to do with holding on to their new base of power, Quebec, than anything else. In my view, this is probably a smart move on Mr. Layton�s part, with his clear belief that, in September, he will be able to return as the Leader of the NDP.

Katie
said

Jack Layton probably knows he won't be back and he wanted to pick his successor. Who in the caucus could dare to say no to a very sick man's choice? If I were one of the vetran MP's who has worked tirelessly over the years, perhaps patiently waiting for a shot at the leadership some day, I would not be pleased. Jack Layton has just circumnavigated the democratic process and guaranteed this woman the permanent leadership. I don't think its right.

danR
said

best wishes!

RJ of TO
said

If Turmel does for the NDP what she did for PSAC, the NDP are toast!

jackaranda1
said

She looks about ready to go to the bone yard as well. Bye Bye NDP. God Bless.

TomPatty
said

I hope Jack recovers! But I don't see it happening.

Nycole Turmel is the new leader for good.

Stefan P
said

To Jasondominey

When it effects all Canadains that needs there mail for business then they don't have the right to strick because you are effected alot of people, plus they are payed real well to a services is slowly going out like dinosours. The NDP is for the union not for the normal people and business.

Keith
said

I concur, she is the Dion of the NDP.

Bryan of Saskatoon
said

Debbie, I'm a staunch Conservative, but I agree with you. She does deserve a chance, a chance to show everybody what she can do. And if she proves to be bad, it is only going to be good for my party.Joe Spumolio - you're an obvious Liberal. It is only wishful thinking that your pathetic party will ever get back into contention. You guys fall to third place, and you still feel you are entitled to everything. You Fiberals are just as arrogant as ever.As for Jack Layton, get well soon. You'll never get my vote, but you have my sympathy. Nobody deserves to go through what u are experiencing.

Doug ^^^ BC
said

With all due respect to Jack Layton,and my best wishes for his personal future, I doubt this story will excite many people. In fact, it almost looks like it confirms that the NDP is now a Quebec party. When you add this choice, and the changes they've made to what they all a "national" program, the only thing you can conclude is that it's all about Quebec. Like the Liberals of old, they know full well, that is they can make a big splash in Quebec, they can be relevant. Just keep an eye on the NDP. If they stick with some of the policies thay were talking about before the last election, the rest of Canada is about to be short changed,and thrown under the bus. I'm NOT saying abandon them, I'm just saying make sure you fully understand their polices on things like immigration, OAP, and the SCOC, to mention just a few.

Steve G
said

Best wishes for your full recovery Jack.... Canada needs you! Lots of union haters posting today! The way that corporations are stripping workers of their benefits and pensions, unions are needed now more than at any time in the past 50 years just to ensure there is such a thing as a middle class for the next generation to enjoy!

MARG MM
said

Thankfully we have a majority Conservative Government, so things will get done regardless of what Ms Turmel has to say. Personally, I think that Jack Layton's recomendation for interim leader should have been someone without such strong union ties. Hopefully he will be back in the HOC as official opposition leader when Parliament resumes, then it won't matter who is in charge now.

Michael from the real world
said

The rip tide will drag the NDP back out whence it came. Boob Rae will mop the floor with Turmel after the PM is done with her.

Wayne Colegate
said

Just what the country needs. A party leader who is so intensely Union that she would unionize her family if they would fall in line.
She should belong to the communist party. She would certainly have a major recession in the works if she had the reins. Giving Unions whatever they want. I say the media should pretend she doesn't exist.

Thomas
said

I hope they aren't picking her just to be political correct, the hiring and appointing of women is a way out of proportion, enough already, time to start including men again! It is like men are being forgotten about totally in the employment arena, to the point, it is becoming just sad, in Canada, they make up the vast majority of homeless and little to no social support for them and their needs, let alone to be hired by anyone, it just ain't right. That being said, the best to Jack Layton in his recovery, he done well to bring his party this far...

Josey Wales
said

Listening and watching this union head/bloc supporter/entitled socialist(sorry for redundancy) beating her chest desiring a "fight" with 'arper.....?Makes me think something I never thought I would. I miss Jack already! I have never voted NDP ever, and maybe never will...but this chic? she will do damage both to 'er party and dis country. Watching her and Stevie go at it, should be like watching Fog Horn Leghorn... telling her she is NOT a chicken hawk... and is biting off far more than able to chew. Anybody remember Iggy? Yeah I thought so..... he used to represent a party whom used to be the opposition, now he teaches in University on how to lose effectively.

raj
said

Poor choice. The bloc? seriously. He could have picked someone better.

oddmelee
said

Seems to me she only wants what is good for Quebec--all other Provences!!!! what kind of majority government have we got here in Canada seems the opposition have more say than the majority government-- we do not want a socialistic country -- wake up Canada or we will be a third world country -- or are we already?????

beenthere
said

Turmel is great at back room deals then stabbing those she's supposed to be representing in the backs. No wonder she has some gov't reps worried that she could be a thorn in their side.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

A prime example of what you get when you allow your better judgement, experience, and gut instincts to be trampled by wishful thinking, progressiveness, and political correctness. Poor choice. (Credit to the many NDP parliamentarians who recognize that this appointment puts one of their feet in a hole.)

CraigW
said

Hopefully Ms Turmel's agenda includes being the opposition instead of just doing what you think you have to in order to get re-elected.

Adam
said

I'm beginning to wonder if the NDP is metamorphizing into the new PQ or OAQ (only about Quebec)

Jon in London ON
said

First impressions. Well, I just watched Turmel speak and I'm sorry, is it just me, or does anyone else see the NDP version of Stephane Dion here? Get well soon Jack!

Melanie
said

Well, I guess these are the days of women taking over. And since the NDP made huge inroads in Quebec, the blatantly obvious choice would be someone from Quebec to fill in for Mr. Layton. She really does not appeal to me. Sorry, but Jack Layton IS the symbol for the NDP Party of Canada and the NDP will have a tough time without the likable Mr. Layton at the helm. All the best to Jack in his fight against cancer.

Pat
said

It doesn't matter who is in charge of the NDP...they are the Opposition and the Conservatives have a majority...no election for 4 years.

lynnees
said

hmmm couldn't have been written better for Rae. This woman is a poor choice. She is a bloc supporter, wants to "fight" the majority govenment (how) and is strictly a figurehead. Bob Rae will now be able to plow along and be heard - at lot better than she will. I'm disappointed to say the least. I didn't want to see the fiberals back but this is certainly going to change that. What exactly is she going to "fight". If Layton returns she won't have any time to "fight" anything. Besides we have a majority government. Whatever she has to say is going to fall on deaf ears outside of Quebec.

Debbie
said

I say let's give her a chance and see what she can do before we start bashing her. Everyone was new at their job at one time so save the insults and rude remarks for the future and see if she deserves them.

Gerry fromMB.but not NDP.
said

N.Turmel is not good but M.Ravignat or P.Martin would fave been worse.

MikeW
said

I saw her on the news last night beating her chest on how she would fight the Harper gov't. Intersting approach, rather than work with the governemt to make it better she would rather fight it. Seems like same old same old to me, even though Jack promised during the campaign that the fighting and bickering had to stop and he would lead that chargeAnd she is a union gangster as well. The NDP is obviously not in tune with the times as unions are not nearly as popular as they once had been.oh well back to third party status at the next election

Jasondominey
said

@tony If you had the right to strike inorder to get better benefits and wages you would as well. Jack was protecting the people of this country. They have the right to Strike and should of been allowed to continue until a deal was reached. Stephen Harper's rules of what's "best" for Canadian's does not reflect democracy as a whole. Canadian's have the right to strike if in a union and its un-constitutional to take this right away from them.

AM
said

I was put off this woman immediately when the first words out of her mouth were about fighting the Conservative majority.
Is the government's job not about working for us as a nation and doing what is best for it's citizens?
Deciding you are going to fight the ruling party just for the sake of it is childish.
Not a good choice.

Joe Spumolio
said

What is to the left of meaningless? Is it insignificant? Whatever it is, the NDP are now there. With Jack Layton piloting the ship, the NDP were passable as a national party. With a francophone unionist in charge, the NDP is nothing more than another QC bloc with no significance west of Hawkesbury. The big gainer in all of this is the Liberal Party Of Canada. They're a shoe in for at least Official Opposition in 2015 with the NDP resuming their place as the Official Party of Slap Happy Fruit Cakes under whomever they chose as their next leader.

Dean in Abby
said

Wow, what a surprise. An ex union leader. The NDP doesn't need a no-mind running the rest of the no-minds. I wonder when these people ever think about how business provides all of their livings one way or another. They are chronic for their over-tax and over-spend policies that end up costing all of us jobs in the end.

Mike S
said

It will be interesting to see how the NDP party will do with out Jack at the helm. Lets face it Jack is the face and backbone of the NDP Party and without him I feel the party will fall very short of what is expected of them as a party. Hurry back Jack and best wishes.

Tony
said

wow the NDP must really want to fall futher in polls! once again they are proving to canadians they are all about the union!!!!! What a shame Jack guess you and your party did not learn a thing after the postal back to work polls showed how much you drop by suporting the union and not the people of canada

Thomas
said

Not necessarily a NDP'er (to far left for my taste, nice to find a place half way between them and Harper) but, always liked Jack's approach and demeanour in his politics, seems like a good man. May God send his blessings into Mr. Layton's full and speedy recovery.

Joe
said

God Bless you Jack and I pray for your complete recovery. You are indeed the face of my Canada.

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