MONTREAL - The NDP is hoping a new candidate better known for his work on the silver screen than his politics will help improve the party's fortunes in Quebec.
Tyrone Benskin, a Montreal actor who has a long list of credits in film, television and theatre, will represent the New Democrats in the riding of Jeanne-Le Ber, Que., in the next election.
Benskin is vice-president of Canada's national film and television actors union and artistic director of the Montreal-based Black Theatre Workshop.
Bloc Quebecois MP Thierry St-Cyr has held Jeanne-Le Ber -- which includes Verdun, St. Henri, Point St. Charles, Nuns' Island, Little Burgundy and Griffintown -- since 2006.
NDP Leader Jack Layton is scheduled to formally make the announcement this afternoon.
Outremont MP Thomas Mulcair currently holds the only NDP seat in Quebec.
