Tom Mulcair brings jobs message to Campbellton

With a federal election call likelyjust days away, New Democratic Party LeaderTom Mulcairis trying to drum up support for the party in northern New Brunswick.

Mulcair was in Edmundston Thursday and continue on Friday to Campbellton, where unemployment is high and voters are skeptical and weary of the inevitable election promises to come.

"If we have more doctors, more people that could take care of us, I'd be happy, you know," said area resident Marie-Louise Poirier.

Asked which party she thought would do that, Poirier responded: "I don't know, I don't know."

Jacques Cavanaughalso expressedskepticism.

"Everybody is all the same," said Cavanaugh. "He gives you something to the people, but does what he wants to do. You know what I mean?"

"I think people are pretty much fed up with what we have here now and we're looking for a change," said Terry Vautour."I think the NDP deserve a chance."

Rosaire L'Italien is the NDP candidate for Madawaska-Restigouche, taking on Conservative Bernard Valcourt and Liberal Ren Arseneault.

In his speech in Campbellton, Mulcair railed against job losses in the area and blamed them on the prime minister.

"He's already lost 400,000 well-paid manufacturing jobs," said Mulcair. "We need a government that is willing to become a champion for well-paid manufacturing jobs. I will be that champion."

People in the RestigoucheCountyhave been hoping Ottawa will license a proposed medical marijuana grower that could create 400 jobs. L'Italiensaid he would do something to get that project moving if elected.

"Mr. Valcourtsays there's a health department problem? We'll do something," said L'Italien. "I don't know what is the file now, but I'll do something. If it's possible, I'll do it."

The riding next door in Acadie-Bathurst was held by 18-year NDP veteran Yvon Godin, who isn't running again, leaving the election picture in northern New Brunswick scrambled for all parties.

Mulcair's northern tour continues Saturday with a stop in PointeVerte near Bathurst, which could be his final New Brunswick start before the campaign officially begins.