Jay Inslee to speak at NWroots

Congressman Jay Inslee will join Congressman Jim McDermott, former Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh, and Washington State Labor Council President Jeff Johnson at NWroots, the July 9th conference for liberal political activists, bloggers, candidates, and elected officials.

The agenda includes keynote addresses, sessions on labor, health care, immigration, media, banking, agriculture, & electronic voting; documentaries, a candidates social, a performance by the Total Experience Gospel Choir, and an after-party at Seattle’s historic Central Saloon.

Former Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh will deliver the opening keynote address. Dosanjh, born and raised in India, emigrated to the UK, then British Columbia where he earned a law degree. He later became a member of British Columbia’s Parliament, Attorney General for British Columbia, and then Premier of BC. He was hand picked by Premier Paul Martin to run nationally for Parliament, which he did successfully. Soon after, he was awarded the post of Health Minister in charge of Canada’s universal health care system, a position he held for more than four years. Last month, in a near sweep of the Liberal Party, Dosanjh lost his seat in Parliament. Dosanjh will speak on the issue of single payer universal healthcare – a subject he is more qualified to address than virtually anyone in our entire country. It is a great honor and privilege to welcome Mr. Dosanjh, and we hope to honor him with a nice turnout. .

Congressman Jim McDermott (who, coincidentally, founded and co-chairs the Congressional committee on India and Indian Americans), will close out the event. McDermott, in his twelfth term representing Washington’s 7th District, is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee. He opposed the authorization for the Iraq war, and has been an outspoken critic of the military mission in Afghanistan. The subject of the Congressman’s remarks are not yet known, but he will likely focus on foreign policy and/or the budget.

Congressman Jay inslee is gearing up for a race for Governor against Attorney General Rob McKenna and is expected to broach that subject, and/or delve into environmental policy.

Washington State Labor Council President Jeff Johnson will address the assault on unions, the role of labor in Democratic Politics, and the new political strategy.

Author and agricultural policy activist Jill Richardson will present two sessions – one on our messed up food system and what can be done about it, the other on Monsanto’s worldwide influence on agriculture.

The conference will be held at Swannies Comedy Underground in Seattle’s Pioneer Square district. Breakfast at Swannies and lunch at nearby Fx McRory’s are included in the registration price of $50 ($25 students).

So what are you waiting for? Register today!