Prominent Quebec human rights and democracy leaders endorse Paul Dewar for leader of the NDP

MONTREAL – New Democrat leadership candidate Paul Dewar welcomed the support of former staff at Rights & Democracy, a Canadian organization whose mission and leadership were undermined by ideological attacks from Harper appointees.

"I appreciate the support of the former employees at Rights & Democracy who for decades worked to promote human rights and democractic development abroad only to have the same values undermined by the Harper government at home" said Dewar. "What happened at Rights & Democracy happens too often under the Conservative government where labour rights are undermined, G20 protesters are arbitrarily arrested and Parliament is frequently ignored."

In an open endorsement letter signed by Caroline Brodeur, Élaine Brooks, Marie-France Cloutier, Danielle Laferté, Jean-François Lesage, Maxime Longangué, Razmik Panossian, Lauren Ravon, Stephen Smith, and Dominic Tremblay, experts in the field of human rights and democracy explained their support for Paul Dewar’s leadership.

“We are impressed by Paul’s deep commitment to social justice, his drive to be fair and yet forceful, and his charismatic personality” wrote former staff at Rights & Democracy in an open letter endorsing Dewar’s leadership. “As Quebecers, we cherish his commitment to Quebecois values of justice, rule of law, respect for human rights and diversity, and of course his deep respect for Quebec’s unique place in Canada.”

"Stephen Harper's record at home has weakened our credibility to promote rights and democracy abroad" said Dewar.

Dewar pointed to his experience in Parliament opposing Stephen Harper’s agenda. He fought against the Conservative-Liberal deal to extend the war in Afghanistan for three additional years without even a debate and a vote in Parliament. He played a central role in securing the return of Abusfian Abdelrazik from Sudan and continued his work to defend the human rights of Bashir Makhtal and Omar Khadr. He led the fight to shed light on the detainees torture file and Harper government’s disregard for human rights and international obligations in Afghanistan.

“Stephen Harper has already abused his new mandate to undermine the right to strike and to ignore Prairie producers’ legal right to a referendum on the future of Canadian Wheat Board” said Dewar. “I will stand up against Stephen Harper's agenda and protect human rights and democracy at home and abroad.”

Text of the letter:

We, former staff at Rights & Democracy, endorse Paul Dewar’s leadership bid for the New Democratic Party.

Paul was a tremendous support to us during the crisis at Rights & Democracy in 2010. He immediately realised what the fundamental problem was and took a principled stand supporting the staff in the face of unjust attacks against it. We very much appreciated his eloquent and energetic interventions at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development. His sharp mind and knowledge of international questions made him a shining example of what a foreign affairs critic should be.

We are impressed by Paul’s deep commitment to social justice, his drive to be fair and yet forceful, and his charismatic personality. As Quebecers, we cherish his commitment to Quebecois values of justice, rule of law, respect for human rights and diversity, and of course his deep respect for Quebec’s unique place in Canada. We sincerely hope to see him as the leader of the NDP.

Caroline Brodeur
Élaine Brooks
Marie-France Cloutier
Danielle Laferté
Jean-François Lesage
Maxime Longangué
Razmik Panossian
Lauren Ravon
Stephen Smith
Dominic Tremblay