North Island-Powell River MP Rachel Blaney has taken a new position within federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s caucus.
Blaney was named the party’s deputy whip on January 25 when Singh, NDP leader since October 2017, made major changes to his party’s federal government critics.
“It's a huge honour to be asked to work so closely with the leader and to know I have his trust to make sure we're moving forward in a very progressive way,” said Blaney.
It is the deputy whip’s job to keep the party caucus in line, ensure members and critics speak on legislation and “absolutely make sure people show up and do their duty and vote in the house,” said Blaney.
Prior to her appointment as deputy whip, Blaney was the NDP’s critic for seniors and deputy critic for infrastructure and communities. She will continue her role as critic for seniors for the party.
Blaney is one of 18 women in the NDP caucus, which is 41 per cent of its members, above the 26 per cent gender balance in the house.
“We have to start asking the right women,” said Blaney. “Women represent only 26 per cent of MPs in the house and we have to ask ourselves what are the barriers that are challenging women from being the right person to put their name forward.”
Blaney and fellow New Democrat Nicholas Simons, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, shared Simons’ office for a short period prior to her election. Simons said Blaney is well suited for her new role.
“Rachel will make a good deputy whip,” he said. “It’s all about building rapport and maintaining a focus in caucus.”
Blaney was elected for the first time in 2015 when the NDP fell from official opposition to third-party status with 44 seats, compared to 184 seats for the governing Liberals and 99 for the opposition Conservatives.
