January 18, 2012
For Immediate Release

Vancouver—Nathan Cullen’s NDP leadership campaign got a big boost on Wednesday, with two British Columbia MPs announcing their support.

Fin Donnelly (New Westminster—Coquitlam and Port Moody) and Alex Atamanenko (B.C. Southern Interior) said they are supporting Cullen because of strong stands on important issues.

“British Columbia’s coast and environment is under attack from the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline,” said Donnelly, the party’s fisheries and oceans critic.  “Nathan Cullen has been standing up on this issue since day one and his strong stand deserves support.”

Donnelly, a two-term MP elected in a 2009 by-election, said stopping the pipeline is important in the fight against climate change. He also said bringing oil tankers to B.C.’s North Coast would be disastrous environmentally, socially and economically.

Atamanenko, a three-term MP first elected in 2006, said Cullen’s support for voting reform and openness to doing politics differently were key factors. He also said Cullen’s ideas on rural issues, including food security and the Canadian Wheat Board, helped.

“The fact is that to defeat Stephen Harper, we’re going to have to win Conservative seats outside big cities,” he said. “Nathan Cullen’s record of bringing urban and rural people together is a big plus.”

The new support continues Cullen’s recent momentum, particularly in British Columbia, where he also has the support of four MLA’s; former Deputy Premier Lois Boone; and former Cabinet minister Corky Evans.

“I’m honoured to have the support of Fin and Alex because New Democrats know the best way to get things done on issues like the pipeline is to come together,” Cullen said. “Stopping Stephen Harper’s pipeline isn’t just a rural issue or a coastal issue, it’s an important national and international issue. 

“Here in British Columbia and across Canada, people want a government that acts on climate change instead of acting for big oil companies. Fights like this need all hands on deck, and I’m thrilled strong MPs like Alex and Fin are on board.”

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For more information contact: Francoise Godet, 1-855-397-5339