Michael C Desroches of Summerside held a news conference Friday to describe his vision for the party as he launches his campaign for the leadership of the provincial New Democratic Party.
Desroches, 53, works as a family resource worker for child and family services in O'Leary.
In 2000 Desroches ran unsuccessfully for the Progressive Conservative nomination in West-Point Bloomfield.
Desroches says the organizational skills he picked up when he was working behind the scenes for the Tories will help him now if he wins the leadership of the Island New Democrats.
Desroches says he's gained a lot of experience and insight into labour issues over the years. He's currently the vice president of the Union of Public Sector Employees. He says he realized about a year ago his political beliefs are more closely aligned with the NDP.
"Last year when I was in Ottawa at the Canadian labour college I got to sit and talk with Mr. Layton, our national leader, and some of the members of the national caucus," says Desroches.
"I was impressed with what they believe in and with what they're trying to do with the country. And I found that it's very much in line with what I see as far as making life better for Canadians."
Desroches says he has the education, leadership and organizational skills needed for the position of leader.
The NDP leadership convention is scheduled for April 22. So far Desroches is the only candidate.
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