A quick look at NDP leadership candidate Thomas Mulcair

OTTAWA – A look at the life and political career of NDP leadership candidate Thomas Mulcair.

Born – Oct. 24, 1954, in Ottawa. Age 57.

Educated – Lawyer with degrees in civil and common law from McGill University.

Private career – Director of legal affairs for English-rights group Alliance Quebec; professor at University du Quebec a Trois Rivieres; president of the order of Quebec professionals.

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Provincial political career – Liberal member of Quebec legislature, 1994-2007; environment minister 2003-2006. Quit after dispute with Quebec Premier Jean Charest over development in a provincial park.

Federal political career – Won 2007 byelection for NDP in Montreal riding of Outremont, a longtime Liberal fortress. Named deputy leader. Re-elected 2008 and 2011.

Personal life – Married, two children.

For the record – “A lot of the words that we use and a lot of the choices we make policy-wise show that we’re still rooted in the past … We’re not going to defeat Stephen Harper with a slogan.” Arguing for a more centrist message that reaches beyond the NDP’s traditional target audience.