Source : Canada Newswire

Key Liberals defect and join others in supporting Peter Kent, highlighting his big tent campaign

TORONTO, Jan. 12 /CNW/ - At a press conference today, Steve Posen, a 20-year resident of St. Paul's, a member of St. Paul's Jewish community, co-founder of the Canadian Coalition for Democracies, and until a few weeks ago a member of the St. Paul's Federal Liberal Riding Association Executive and advisor to Carolyn Bennett on issues related to Israel, stepped out of a symbolic big blue tent which back-dropped the news conference and announced
that he is supporting Peter Kent for Member of Parliament.

Mr. Posen, flanked by other supporters of Peter Kent, including other former Liberal supporters and members representing the diversity of the St. Paul's riding and the city of Toronto, said "I encourage other residents of St. Paul's, including concerned Liberals, to speak up, share your displeasure with the current state of the Liberal Party and our Canadian Government, and vote for a candidate who has the makings of a great parliamentarian." In joining the praises of others who announced their support for Peter Kent, such as Lozanne Wamback, leading crime victim advocate and parents of Jonathan Wamback, Joseph Shier from the Canadian Institute for Jewish Research, Naresh Raghubeer from the Canadian Coalition for Democracies, Elsaida Douglas, who lost her son to gun violence, and the Honourable Barbara McDougall, Mr. Posen said, "I am of the firm view that, if we are fortunate enough to elect Peter as the next Member of Parliament for St. Paul's, we will have in Ottawa an energetic, intelligent and articulate advocate for a number of issues in which I believe, and candidly, that would be a refreshing change."

Also joining Peter Kent's Big Tent was the Chairman of the National Post, David Asper. David Asper and his family have been well-known for their past support for the Liberal Party. In his statement, Mr. Asper said in a prepared letter of recommendation that, "the need for a man of Peter's integrity became even more clear to me after hearing the Prime Minister say during the last English language debate that 'we've got to have a more intelligent debate.'

"Enough is enough: this idea of drive-by smears doesn't make it true, and then the next day launch a series of Liberal advertisements that are some of the most insulting, base attack ads that I have ever seen. The Prime Minister is correct. Enough is enough. It's time for a change and Peter Kent is someone who represents not only change itself, but change for the better."

Peter Kent said in a brief statement: "The overwhelming support I have received from St. Paul's residents representing every segment of our constituency, including those who once were Liberal and NDP supporters is humbling. I am encouraged that the inclusive big tent campaign I am running, and the big tent Party I am representing, will resonate on election day and that Canadians and St. Paul's voters will finally see integrity, honesty and
good government restored in Ottawa."

The list of Peter Kent's Big Tent participants and a selection of Mr. Kent's other endorsers can be found on his website at www.peterkent.ca

For further information: Bernie Morton, Campaign Manager for Peter Kent,
(416) 723-5533

© Canada Newswire