New Democrat member of Parliament Joe Comartin announced on Tuesday he wants his party's top job – and he wants the party to change.

• BACKGROUNDER: NDP leadership race

Comartin, a 54 year old lawyer, declared his candidacy in a news conference at his family farm in Stoney Point, Ont. He represents the Windsor-St. Clair riding in the House of Commons.

"For too long, the NDP has been afraid of taking risks for fear of alienating potential voters. That has got to stop," he said.

Joe Comartin finishes his announcement

"For too long, the NDP has marginalized itself by adhering only to the musty and tired rhetoric that our role is simply to act as Canada's social conscience."

Comartin says the party has to take tougher stands on issues and represent voters who think it's time to say no to U.S. President Bush and yes to Canadians.

"Help me to change the NDP," he concluded.

Comartin becomes the sixth candidate in the race to replace Alexa McDonough as party leader. Other declared candidates are MPs Bill Blaikie and Lorne Nystrom as well as Pierre Ducasse, Jack Layton and Bev Meslo.

Comartin was elected to Parliament in the 2000 federal election. He is the party's critic on the environment, national parks, natural resources and tourism.

The leadership convention will be held in Toronto in January.