NDP leader Thomas Mulcair to speak at #CAJ2012

OTTAWA, April 9, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Association of Journalists is pleased to announce that NDP leader Thomas Mulcair will be a part of the 2012 national conference.

Thomas Mulcair, the Outremont MP elected leader of the Official Opposition and leader of Canada's New Democrats last month, will speak to delegates during a keynote address at 10:30 a.m. on April 29, the final morning of #CAJ2012. He has been asked to reflect on his first 30 days in office and agreed to a short question-and-answer period.

"This is but the latest reason why this conference should be a must-attend event on every journalist's calendar," CAJ president Hugo Rodrigues said. "Having met Mulcair briefly in the final weeks of the NDP leadership campaign, I'll be interested to see how his first weeks as leader have - or haven't - changed him."

This is the final week that early bird registration rates will be available for the 2012 CAJ convention— after this Friday rates will rise $30 or more. Registration will continue to be available online and in person at the Fairmont Royal York once the conference gets underway April 27.

As part of the conference, the CAJ Awards will be announced April 28 at a gala and banquet hosted by Global National anchor and executive editor Dawna Friesen.

During his career in provincial politics, Mulcair served as justice and industry critic, as well as minister of sustainable development, environment and parks. Mulcair went on to become the first NDP MP in the province of Quebec to be elected in a general election and was an instrumental part of the NDP's dramatic breakthrough that propelled the party to Opposition status for the first time in history.

The CAJ is Canada's largest national professional organization for journalists from all media, representing almost 600 members across the country. The CAJ's primary roles are public-interest advocacy and high-quality professional development for its members.

For media inquiries about covering Mulcair's appearance at #CAJ2012, or for further information, contact:

Hugo Rodrigues, CAJ president, 519-756-2020 ext. 2226, 519-535-8680 cell  [email protected]

Ellin Bessner, 2012 conference committee, 416-289-5000 ext. 8826, [email protected]

Shauna Rempel, 2012 conference committee, 416-869-4300, [email protected]