Advertisement

Mulcair pushes Leap Manifesto during critical test at NDP convention

Click to play video: 'NDP convention gets underway in Edmonton'
NDP convention gets underway in Edmonton
WATCH: Hundreds of NDP faithful descended on Edmonton for the first official gathering since the crushing defeat in the federal election. The question on everyone's mind: Will Tom Mulcair still be the party's leader on Monday? Mike Le Couteur and Tom Clark report from Edmonton – Apr 8, 2016

EDMONTON – NDP Leader Tom Mulcair says it is dangerous to caricature the so-called Leap Manifesto as being about shutting down the oilsands.

Mulcair is telling The Canadian Press he doesn’t see the policy blueprint that way.

READ MORE: Tom Mulcair to face leadership vote at NDP convention in Edmonton

He also says he would never suggest oil should stay in the ground and says that’s not an expression used in the manifesto itself.

Nearly two dozen NDP riding associations are pushing for the party to embrace and debate the document, which, among other things, calls for the country to wean itself off fossil fuels.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Mulcair also says the country’s natural resources are a blessing that need to be developed responsibility.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Push for NDP to embrace Leap Manifesto intensifies ahead of convention

He points to the path put forward by Alberta’s NDP government and Premier Rachel Notley.

On the eve of the federal NDP convention in Edmonton, Notley used a TV address to say every Canadian benefits from a strong energy sector and that means one thing – building a modern and carefully regulated pipeline to tidewater.

WATCH: Premier Notley delivers pre-budget address to Albertans
Click to play video: 'Premier Notley delivers pre-budget address to Albertans'
Premier Notley delivers pre-budget address to Albertans
WATCH: Will Tom Mulcair survive a leadership review? Global’s Chief Political Correspondent Tom Clark weighs in
Click to play video: 'Will Tom Mulcair survive a leadership review? Global’s Chief Political Correspondent Tom Clark weighs in'
Will Tom Mulcair survive a leadership review? Global’s Chief Political Correspondent Tom Clark weighs in

Sponsored content

AdChoices