TOM MULCAIR: Determination over anger
Before politics: Raised in Montreal, graduated from McGill law school, worked in the Quebec government’s justice ministry, and was legal affairs director at Alliance Quebec.
First political impressions: As a civil servant, fought alongside the federalists in the 1980 Quebec referendum and, in 1994, became an elected Liberal in the opposition while the Parti Quebecois ruled. Developed a reputation as a fierce critic.
Evolution of brand: In 2006, was shuffled out of the environment portfolio in the Quebec Liberal government’s cabinet after opposing a private development in a park. Refused another cabinet post. Before long, he was a federal New Democrat.
On the gaffe scale (1 to 5), and biggest gaffe: 2. Pretty steady on his feet although he has to ensure that his partisan passion doesn’t look like personal anger. Biggest mistake came as an opposition politician in Quebec when, while in a TV studio, he told a former PQ minister whom he had accused of influence peddling that he looked forward to seeing him go to prison. Mulcair was sued and had to pay $95,000.
Thing Canadians would most want to share with him:
Dinner at Stornoway and, if he’s lucky, 24 Sussex Drive.
Flagship policy: A national child care scheme that costs $15 per child daily, and a $15-an-hour minimum wage for workers in federally regulated workplaces.
Achilles heel: Haunted by the Angry Tom nickname (which is why he smiles so much on the hustings) and his opponents claim his party would not be fiscally responsible.
Poll position: His party is riding high and some polls say Canadians regard Mulcair as the best choice for prime minister.
Winning strategy: Convince voters the NDP is a safe choice to remove Harper from office and turn the ship around after a decade of Conservatives in power.