DARRYL DYCK
Jack Layton says he can't see what the fuss is about when it comes to the party's decision to put off a decision on a proposal to scrap its constitutional commitment to "democratic socialism."
The party had proposed an amendment to its constitution, arguing that the wording that described the founding principles of the NDP is outdated, and needs to be described in modern language "that Canadians see themselves in."
The federal NDP Leader, responding to questions at a news conference concluding this weekend's biennial convention, said few people can make sense of the terminology anyway.
"I don't use these terms. "Social Democrat? Democratic socialist. Can very many people describe the difference?"
The former professor noted that "long books" have been written on the subject : "There are whole courses that have been offered. I have taught some of these courses in the past. I have found that it is much more important to focus on the issues that matter to people."
Mr. Layton said he welcomes further discussion on the matter.
"There's no particular rush," he said.
He noted the debate is about refining and modernizing language to describe NDP values, but there is no disagreement about the values themselves.
"(Delegates) said, `Let's talk about that some more.' Our opponents might try to paint that as some kind of identity crisis. I think that would be ridiculous."
During the debate on the issue on Sunday morning, Pat Martin, NDP MP for Winnipeg South, describing the existing language that frames the party's purpose and objectives as an anchor that is dragging down the party's electability.
"Our anchor is holding us back," he said. "All we have to do is a few simple things to change the language so we don't scare people."
"Socialism is not an anchor, it's a rocket," retorted Barry Weisleder, leader of the party's socialist caucus chair. "You can take socialism out of the preamble but you can't take socialism out of the NDP."
When it was clear the party was heading for a divisive vote, party president Brian Topp stepped up and suggested the party executive will take another look at it and bring it back to the membership another time.
"This party can now breathe, and do our important work well," he said. "I urge all delegates ... let's leave this room together." His proposal passed.
The party, marking its 50th anniversary this year, is now seeking to redefine itself in the wake of the May 2 election that gave the NDP official opposition status.
Some members of the party, including the party's deputy leader, Libby Davies, were uncomfortable with what they saw as a distancing from the party's socialist roots.
The preamble to the constitution, which still stands, reads: "The New Democratic Party believes that the social, economic and political progress of Canada can be assured only by the application of democratic socialist principles to government and the administration of public affairs."
It continues: "The production and distribution of goods and services shall be directed to meeting the social and individual needs of people within a sustainable environment and economy and not to the making of profit."
The revision would have stripped away the references to socialism and substituted a commitment to a more centrist agenda of social democratic principles.
"The New Democratic Party believes that social justice, equality and environmental sustainability are vital to achieving a strong, united and prosperous Canada for all," the now-deferred motion reads. It also would have swapped out the current wording, which states the party is "proud to be associated with the democratic socialist parties of the world and to share the struggle for people, international cooperation and the abolition of poverty."
The proposed alternative would have the party stand "in solidarity with its allies around the world... ensuring that wealth and power are in the hands of the many and not the few."
Ian Bailey
Justine Hunter