Thomas Mulcair says NDP ready to form truly progressive government

Opposition Leader Thomas Mulcair took potshots at Prime Minister Stephen Harper's record in government, but also took aim at Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau in a speech to NDP MPs today at the party's annual caucus meeting on Edmonton. 

"I'm sorry, prime minister just isn't an entry-level job," said Mulcair, in reference to Trudeau "getting ready" for the position.

Mulcair also pointed out that in the last election, in 2011, the NDP won 103 seats and was second in 107 others.

"It's New Democrats who can and will defeat Conservatives," Mulcair said.

The NDP has been using this caucus to prepare for the 2015 federal election by distinguishing the party from the Liberals.

Mulcair went to great lengths to portray the Liberals and the Conservatives as two sides of the same coin. 

"The leader complacently affirms that over the last 30 years Liberals and Conservatives have had a largely shared agenda," he argued.

Beyond his critiques of the Tories and Grits, Mulcair chose to spotlight three priorities:

• Fostering the creation of a $3-trillion renewable energy and clean-technology industry.
• Renewed focus on cities and their infrastructure.
• Creating a national childcare program.

"New Democrats are proud to be the only party committed to quality, affordable, accessible childcare," Mulcair told his MPs in his speech.

Mulcair will spend much more time outside of the House of Commons this sitting in an attempt to raise his profile with Canadians.