Canadians will soon see Trudeau government’s lack of substance: Mulcair

But Mulcair, whose successor will be named only in the fall of 2017, promised the NDP is ready to challenge the Liberals in the upcoming parliamentary session.

“We have a lot of work to do,” he said. “And we’ve got a government in front of us that has to be asked the right questions. The NDP is going to be standing up to the Liberal goverment, holding them to account, and we’ve got a great team in there.”

Top among the NDP’s challenges is finding a leader who can reverse the party’s slide in the polls.

Party members expresed hope Thursday the race would lead to renewed public interest.

Peter Julian, who is considered a possible candidate, said voters would start to pay attention once the race begins.

“We’ll have profound discussions on questions that are preoccupying people, that’s certain,” the British Columbia MP said.

Quebec MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau, who has said she’s mulling a leadership bid, also believes the race will galvanize supporters.

“Once the candidates are declared there will be a mobilization, we’ll have work to do on the ground across Canada,” she said. “It will really increase our membership, especially with the debates. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Although several MPs have expressed interest in the top job, no official candidates have been declared with the vote more than a year away.

Ontario MP Charlie Angus, whose name has also been floated as a candidate, said not to expect hopefuls to declare themselves before “November, December or January.”

“It’s a very, very long race,” he said. “Our goal right now is the unity of the party. We’re entering this parliamentary session strong and united.”

Fannie Olivier, The Canadian Press

Canadians will soon see Trudeau government’s lack of substance: Mulcair

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