NDP House Leader speaks in Soo

Neither the New Democratic Party nor the trade union movement would be the same without the other, Ontario NDP House Leader Peter Kormos said Thursday night at the Sault Steelworkers Hall.

"The trade union movement, without a party to speak for it, would be a far different movement," Kormos told the annual general meeting of the Sault Ste. Marie NDP Riding Association.

Similarly, the party wouldn't be much without its union partners, he said.

Kormos spoke glowingly of Sault Ste. Marie MPP Tony Martin, pointing out that when Sudbury-born Leo Gerard was installed last year as International President of the United Steelworkers of America, he made a point of introducing Martin to the thousands of delegates in attendance.

"He not only acknowledged [Martin's] presence ... he made sure they knew he's one of the loudest, clearest and most tenacious voices in the struggle to retain Algoma Steel," Kormos said.

Martin, meanwhile, told the meeting that a provincial election call could come as early as this spring, although most people expect it will occur in the fall. "Certainly, within the next year-and-a-half," Martin said.

The following were elected (or in most cases acclaimed) to the riding association executive:

President - Paul Lalonde

Vice president, federal - Bette Sanderson

Vice president, provincial - Bob Roussain

Federal treasurer - Theresa Sweezey

Provincial treasurer - Madge Sanderson

Recording secretary - Susan Hall

Membership secretary - Ray Dawson

Provincial Council delegates - Theresa Sweezey, Folgo Della- Vedova

Provincial Council alternates - Susan Hall, Paul Lalonde

Executive members-at-large: Dan Sweezy Jr., Statton Orchard, Genesio Paciocco, Ernst Hoetger, Cathy Lauzon, Mary Melesky, Tom Broad, Mike Galipeau

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