A prime minister's job is to make sure the government works for those who have elected him, and not for big corporations.

I'd put it this way: Canadians want politicians to work together on their behalf. So that's what I'm committed to doing. I think it's been the goal of every NDP leader. Because we had a profound belief that we could do a good job on behalf of Canadians... if we were given that opportunity.

Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me.

Remember our proud history of social justice, universal health care, public pensions and making sure no one is left behind. Let's continue to move forward.

Climate change is not an excuse to give the federal government ever more power over private property and state resources.

I do not have any regrets of having joined politics. Though the experience was bitter, even that taught me a lot of things. Only after I entered politics did I realise what it is.

Every government secretary of state or minister should jolly well go to the theatre, go to a concert, go to an art gallery, go to a museum, become somehow interested in these things. If they're not interested, they shouldn't be in government, full stop.

I've experienced first-hand the wonderful work organizations like J Bar J do for young people in Central Oregon and I am encouraged that the federal government is taking an active role in the Cascade Youth and Family Center.