- BACKGROUNDER: NDP Leadership Race
Standing on the steps of the Saskatchewan legislature, Nystrom said he believes the party is a viable alternative for Canadian voters.
"I'm running because I believe a majority of Canadians share our values," said Nystrom.
Lorne Nystrom
He called on the party to change the way it thinks, and to look to the "pioneers" who founded and shaped it.
"Building a winning party on the left is the principled thing to do and we will change this country," said Nystrom.
Nystrom, 56, becomes the fifth candidate in the leadership race.
Winnipeg MP Bill Blaikie, Toronto city councillor Jack Layton, NDP associate vice-president from Quebec Pierre Ducasse and Vancouver activist Bev Meslo have all declared their candidacy.
This isn't Nystrom's first shot at the top job.
He first ran in 1975, losing to Ed Broadbent.
Nystrom ran again in 1995, but lost to Alexa McDonough.
The leadership vote will take place at a party convention in Toronto on January 24-26.
