NDP releases campaign platform targeted at Toronto

With the federal election just 17 days away, the New Democrats have unveiled a campaign platform aimed at gaining support inToronto.

The 20-page packageis called Building a Better Toronto, which the party calls a "bold and aggressiveplan." It includes glossy images of NDP Leader Tom Mulcairwith Canadians, and mostly repeats the party's stances on a variety of issues.

While the package doesn't delve into specifics about the plan for Toronto, it does mention the city quite frequently.

• Mulcair vows to repeal Bill C-24
• Toronto's 8 closest federal ridings
• NDP supporters protest Bill C-51

It also continues a narrative put forth by the party that the NDP is in a better position than the Liberalsto beat Stephen Harper'sincumbent Conservatives.

"Only the NDP, the strong NDP team standing here, can defeat Stephen Harper and bring the change that Toronto needs and wants," said NDP candidate Peggy Nash.

The platform makes national campaign promises relevant to tacklingissues affecting Toronto, such ascongestion on city streets.

Nash, the candidate vying to reclaim herParkdaleHigh Park seat, said her party is promising"$12.9billion dollars over the next 20 years for infrastructure, to tackle gridlock."

There's also a promise to keep the ban on jets on Toronto'sBilly Bishop Toronto City Airport, establishing the Rouge National Urban Park and restoring protection for the city's rivers.

The Liberals criticized the NDP's plan.

"They believe if they pander to Toronto enough, they may get some votes," said Liberal candidate Adam Vaughan.

"It's back-end loaded," he added."The money doesn't come until three, four, five, sometimes eight years away."

The plan comes as the NDP appears to be losing traction in the polls, sitting in third place nationally inric Grenier'slatest seat projections, which was updated on Thursday.