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November 26, 2005

NDP Convention 2005

"Social justice, opportunity, fairness, solidarity and equality. These have ever been our goals, and they ever will be. But the means to achieve those goals can't become ends in themselves. Because, when we do that, we no longer speak to the future, but for the past."
NDP Leader Carole James in her speech to the party's convention, November 26, 2005

Grey Cup parties are on the minds of many visitors to Vancouver, but for over 600 convention-going New Democrats at the Bayshore Hotel the order of the day is policy debate. It was late on Friday evening when an "emergency resolution" provided the opportunity for delegates to vent their anger over the attempted MLA pay and benefit increase. In 30 years of attending conventions I cannot remember a time when emergency resolutions were dealt with other than as the last item of business on the concluding day of convention, but soon to retire Provincial Secretary Gerry Scott assures me that the precedent of dealing with emergency resolutions at the time when their respective topic area is scheduled for debate was set at the 2003 convention. Only a cynic would imagine that the venting was conveniently scheduled so as to minimize media coverage and to allow venting to occur and be over before the leader spoke on Saturday.

On Saturday, with Friday night's trip to the woodshed out of the way, delegates were focused on renewing friendships and debating policy. One prominent media personality was heard to remark that he had some sympathy with the MLAs' plight of not having long term disability protection. The truth is that they can buy long term disability coverage from an insurance broker, putting MLAs in the same situation as anyone who is self-employed.

When James spoke to the delegates she used the word "future" 13 times. In case anyone missed the point, James is focused on the future and if necessary will change the means for achieving the NDP's long standing goals. Her speech followed a personal victory when the convention amended the party's constitution changing the affiliation clause. No longer will unions be able to buy bulk memberships at a discounted rate. All members now have to join as individuals, and it is up to individuals to declare whether they want their membership to count towards delegate entitlement for a constituency association or for an affiliated organization.

James concluded her speech with a strong message about social justice:

"Generations from now will judge our provinces' response to the challenges of the 21st century. They will judge us… Not on the success of this industry or that… Nor on the success of the few… But on how broadly opportunity for success was distributed. On the success or failure of the least privileged among us. On the number of people we left behind."
 

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