Olivia Chow turns down NDP leadership
Posted Sep 6, 2011 7:45 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Olivia Chow has confirmed she is not going to run to replace her late husband Jack Layton, as leader of the NDP.
She was considered a serious contender, with many people calling for her to carry on her husband’s legacy.
But since she’s decided not to, political scientist Doreen Barrie believes we may see more names on the ballot.
Barrie says it will open up the race, and we could even see more people from outside the House of Commons taking a shot.
There are a few people openly considering a run, including Deputy Leaders Thomas Mulcair and Libby Davies, as well as NDP President Brian Topp.
No one has officially launched a campaign.
The NDP Federal Council meets on Friday to set a date and location for the leadership convention.
Chow also says details about the type of cancer that ultimately killed her husband Jack Layton will remain private.
“Jack’s wish is we don’t talk precisely what kind,” she tells The Toronto Star. “We want to give other cancer patients the type of hope they deserve, and they should have.”
