Olivia Chow is staying neutral in the NDP leadership race, adding that even her deceased husband, Jack Layton, wouldn’t have a favourite candidate in the contest.
Ms. Chow said that it would be unfair to other candidates if she endorsed one of them, given her close personal and political ties to Mr. Layton.
The Toronto MP spoke to reporters after appearing in front of the party’s federal council, which is meeting on Friday to set the rules of the race to replace Mr. Layton at a convention next year.
“There are lots of amazing talents in the NDP. ... For me to comment that one person is better than another, I don’t think it’s fair,” said Ms. Chow, who would have the potential to sway many NDP members at the leadership convention. “I’m staying neutral.”
Ms. Chow added that Mr. Layton saw the good in everyone, and did not favour a specific candidate to replace him. “I don’t believe he would pick one over another, it’s not his style.”
She called the NDP to remain united throughout the leadership race, adding that New Democrats will have to fight bogus and groundless Conservative attacks against the party’s ties to the union movement.
“If the Conservatives feel insecure, I understand why,” Ms. Chow said.
