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The new title gives him a say in the party’s internal operations, including fundraising efforts.

“I am eager to use my post to give voice to the special concerns of Northwestern Ontario and to empower my riding and all small and rural communities across Canada,” Hyer said.

The MP for the northern Ontario riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North was first elected in 2008 under the NDP banner, and again in 2011.

But Hyer left the New Democrats in April 2012 after breaking ranks with the party over its defence of the long-gun registry, citing his exclusion from the party’s shadow cabinet and what he called the “mindless solidarity” of party discipline. He joined the Green party in December 2013.