New Democrats consider work required for 2015 victory

OTTAWA – New Democrats are focusing on how to close the gap between opposition status and forming government at their policy convention.

Leader Tom Mulcair is scheduled to address the group of more than 2,000 delegates on achieving the party’s next breakthrough.

The rank-and-file is also voting on Mulcair’s leadership.

The gathering heard a rousing morning speech from Bill Shorten, a minister in Australia’s Labour government.

Shorten sang the praises of progressive parties, and urged a pragmatic approach to their policies in order to one day form government.

The convention was also to hear from Obama-For-America national field director Jeremy Bird on electoral outreach.