Turn Left Virez à gauche Spring/ Voice of the NDP Socialist Caucus / Voix du caucus socialiste NPD $2 Printemps 2013

THE FIGHT FOR OUR LIVES First Nations, Land Rights and the Rescue of ’s Environment

INSIDE

03 No to Pipeline Construction: Nationalize Transcanada and Enbridge 05 John Orrett

04 From the Editor - Dear Right: The Left is Winning. Get Over it. Sean Cain

05 What if First Nations Stopped Subsidizing Canada? Dru Ola Jay

08 Why we Fight to Keep in the NDP Barry Weisleder

10 Long Live the Spirit of Hugo Chavez 11 Elizabeth Byce

11 Another Invasion of U.S. Democratic Party Apologists? NDP Socialist Caucus Steering Committee

12 Quebec: Despite Progress, the NDP Still Has Far To Go Richard Fidler

14 Le dilemme du NPD Richard Fidler

17 Socialist Caucus Resolutions for Federal NDP Convention 14 17 The Struggle for the Right to Choose Not Over in Canada Judy Koch

18 Canada-EU Trade Deal: No Time for NDP to Show Moderation Sid Ryan

19 Le NPD ne peut être modéré au sujet de l’entente de libre-échange avec l’UE Sid Ryan

20 Mulcair: Between a ROC and a Hard Place Hans Modlich 22

21 Exposing Canada’s “Petro State” Foreign Policy Yves Engler

21 Review: The Future of Federalism in Quebec, by John F. Conway Hands Modlich

22 Concessions Cripple Labour’s Struggle Against Capitalist Austerity Julius Arscott

24 Socialist Caucus Candidates for Federal NDP Council No to Pipeline Construction: Nationalize Transcanada and Enbridge

Photo: Ian Mackenzie

Socialist Caucus activist John Orrett a good start. The NDP Allan Blakeney with no public ownership of any oil and discusses the danger of current Government in created gas resources, Canada has very little pipeline proposals, and how social the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Company control over its own energy policy or ownership and democratic control in 1973. But the Conservative Premier future. are key to real environmental Grant Devine sold the Government’s In the last three decades, we sustainability interest in 1986. Those shares ended up have become aware of other crucial with Nexen Inc., which was swallowed factors relating to a carbon based energy uring the 1970s, Canada’s need up for $15 billion in February 2013 by economy. We know that resources are for self-suciency in oil and the Chinese National Offshore Oil finite. We reached peak oil production. Dgas, and the need for public Corporation in a controversial sale Even Canada’s considerable reserves ownership of these vital resources, that raised questions about Canadian have a stale date. More importantly, we were at the forefront of public debate. economic sovereignty. have learned about global warming, and Thirty-plus years later, self-suciency Meanwhile the Trudeau that a carbon-based energy economy is in petroleum products has become minority Liberal government, under non-sustainable. It rapidly changes the a reality with proven reserves in the pressure from David Lewis and the global climate so that many of the areas Arctic, British Columbia, Alberta, Federal NDP, created PetroCanada in of the world are under man-made threat Saskatchewan, in East Coast waters, 1975. It grew through internal earnings of drought, flooding and other disasters. and in the world’s second largest oil to become one of the three largest We owe much to the deposit, the Athabaska Oil Sands. integrated oil companies in Canada. ecological-environmental protection Petroleum products are now Canada’s This Crown Corporation was sold back movements for educating many citizens largest export, earning over $48 billion in to private investors in 10% increments about this very real threat. But it is only 2010, with 99% of it going to the United by the majority Jean Chretien and a Socialist-Environmentalist alliance, a States. Paul Martin Liberal governments, until blending of ideas and actions, can lead But the second part of the the whole thing was gone. Even the us forward. tandem, public ownership of those Conservative Government of We must realize that is the resources, has been a dismal nullity. Bill Davis in 1983 was in on the action owners and exploiters, along with Not due to lack of merit, but through with the purchase of 25% of Suncor, the Premiers, Cabinet Ministers, the deliberate sabotage of the effort by later sold by the short sighted NDP Bob right-wing, neo-liberal governments. Rae Government a decade later. continued on page six In the 1970s, public ownership got off to Fast forward to 2013. One can see why, Turn Left/Virez à gauche 03 Turn Left Published by the NDP Socialist Caucus Editorial Board: Cover Image by Andy Everson www.ndpsocialists.ca Elizabeth Byce www.andyeverson.com Ross Ashley Produced by union labour Editor and Designer: Sean Cain Barry Weisleder [email protected] John Orrett www.ndpsocialists.ca

Dear Right: The Left is Winning. Get Over It.

By Sean Cain on banks and financial institutions to of numbers. reduce the deficit, and 83% agreed that At the same time, the right- It never ceases to taxes should be raised for the “richest wing media owned by the corporate amaze me how income earners.” At the same time, an elite have been debased into pure fast things change Abacus Data poll showed that only 21% theatre and a source of comedy. A vast in the world of believe that “lower corporate tax rates majority understand too well that Sun politics. encourage investment and create jobs,” TV, FoxNews, right-wing newspaper We all a theory which for two decades stood chains and personalities like CBC host remember the as the pinnacle credence of neo-liberal Kevin O’Leary aren’t even under the 1990s. Those were fundamentalism. pretense of performing real, actual tough times. Just talking about raising Even in the United States, a journalism. Admitting that you listen wages, increasing social spending or 2012 Pew Research poll showed that to them and take them seriously in regulating an industry was practically while 46% of 18 to 29 year-olds viewed front of others – especially during a thought crime. Even mentioning the capitalism as “positive,” a higher 49% life’s more sensitive moments like job word “capitalism” was to drum up fears of those in the same age group viewed interviews, dinner parties and first dates that – heaven forbid – you were thinking socialism positively. And in all ages, – is to pay a hefty social price of utter about a different kind of economic only 50% viewed capitalism positively embarrassment. system. and 40% viewed it negatively. This is The global revolt against the Two decades later, and years a remarkable statistic from a country failed policies of neo-liberal capitalism of neo-liberal policy failure speak for where even the “liberal” media presents rests on an ancient and very well- themselves: stagnant wages, increasing their economic system and corporate understood reality: that injustice breeds debt, widening inequality, and a global interests in such an overwhelmingly resistance. Everywhere. Always. economic order stumbling from one positive light. Neo-’s greatest crisis to another, not to mention a Just ten years ago, socialists fear has come true: the class struggle is deteriorating environment and wars couldn’t even have dreamt these kinds back. for profit killing hundreds of The Left and labour unions thousands. have been pinned against the wall Right-wing economic for so long, we almost forgot what theory – once a hallmark of it feels like to be winning. Working conservative thought – has people may certainly be losing the degenerated into sheer lunacy. “Right-wing economic economic battle against austerity Not even the wackiest of theory – once a hallmark of and corporate power, but when corporate politicians would it comes to the ideological clash, campaign on deregulating the conservative thought – has we’re way ahead, and we should financial industry, privatizing our degenerated into sheer start acting like it. health care system or giving tax lunacy. Not even the wackiest It may be dicult to be happy in breaks to banks and billionaires times like this, but that shouldn’t (even though they have no of corporate politicians would take away from us feeling problem doing this as silently as campaign on deregulating the confident about the rapid change possible when in government). financial industry, privatizing in attitudes of people in Canada A recent Environics poll and around the world inspired by showed that 65% of Canadians our health care system or the vision of a more democratic, believe that taxes should be raised giving tax breaks to banks. free and socialist future. n

04 Turn Left/Virez à gauche What if First Nations Stopped Subsidizing Canada?

Photo: Tamara Herman Attawapiskat

Attawapiskat has been in the news because their ongoing housing cri- sis came to the attention of the media in 2011 (MP Charlie Angus referred to the poverty-stricken community as “Haiti at 40 below”). More recently, Chief The- resa Spence has made headlines for her hunger strike. The community is near James Bay, in Ontario’s far north. Right now, DeBeers is constructing a $1 billion mine on the traditional terri- tory of the Ahtawapiskatowi ininiwak. Anticipated revenues will top $6.7 billion. Currently, the government is subjecting the budget of the Cree to extensive scrutiny. But the total amount By Dru Ola Jay government controls large portions transferred to the First Nation since of the cash flow First Nations depend 2006 — $90 million — is a little more than here is a prevailing myth that on. Much of the money used by First one percent of the anticipated mine Canada’s more than 600 First Nations to provide services does come revenues. As a percentage, that’s a little Nations and native communi- from the federal budget. But the ac- over half of Harper’s cut to GST. Tties live off of money — subsi- curacy of the myth ends there. Royalties from the mine do not dies — from the Canadian government. On the whole, the money that First go to the First Nation, but straight to the This myth, though it is loudly proclaimed Nations receive is a small fraction of the provincial government. The community and widely believed, is remarkable for value of the resources, and the govern- has received some temporary jobs in its boldness; widely accessible, verifi- ment revenue that comes out of their the mine, and future generations will able facts show that the opposite is territories. Let’s look at a few examples: have to deal with the consequences of a true. giant open pit mine in their back yard. Indigenous people have been Barriere Lake Attawapiskat is subsidizing DeBeers, subsidizing Canada for a very long time. Canada and Ontario. Conservatives have leaked documents The Algonquins of Barriere in an attempt to discredit chief Theresa Lake have a traditional territory that Lubicon Spence, recently on hunger strike in spans 10,000 square kilometres. For Ottawa. Reporters like Jeffrey Simpson thousands of years, they have made The Lubicon Cree, who never and Christie Blatchford have ridiculed continuous use of the land. They have signed a treaty ceding their land rights, the demands of native leaders and never signed a treaty giving up their have waged a decades-long campaign the protest movement Idle No More. rights to the land. An estimated $100 for land rights. During this time, over Their ridicule rests on this foundational million per year in revenues are extract- $14 billion in oil and gas has been untruth: that it is hard-earned tax dol- ed every year from their territory in the removed from their traditional territory. lars of Canadians that pays for housing, form of logging, hydroelectric dams, and During the same period, the community schools and health services in First recreational hunting and fishing. has gone without running water, en- Nations. The myth carries a host of rac- And yet the community lives dured divisive attacks from the govern- ist assumptions on its back. It enables in third-world conditions. A diesel ment, and suffered the environmental prominent voices like Simpson and generator provides power, few jobs are consequences of unchecked extraction. Blatchford to liken protesters’ demands available, and families live in dilapidated The Lubicon Cree are subsidizing the oil to “living in a dream palace” or “horse bungalows. These are not the lifestyles and gas sector, Alberta and Canada. manure,” respectively. of a community with a $100 million It’s true that Canada’s federal economy in its back yard. continued on page seven

Turn Left/Virez à gauche 05 “The only way is to curtail extraction development and begin a new direction towards public ownership of these natural resources. and the Federal NDP should lead the charge in Parliament for public ownership.“

Pipelines, from page three (FIPA), which puts corporate interests pipeline from Athabaska to the border. above the public interest and any If we flatlined production to 2011 levels, diplomats and corporate lobbyists, legislative attempt to regulate. there would be no surplus filthy bitumen who are tripping over one another in Maude Barlow and the Council to export. This policy of not upholding the halls of Congress trying to get the of Canadians deserve praise for saying the moratorium policy that the Federal Keystone Pipeline approved by the more about these pipelines than NDP NDP promised in 2011, along with Obama administration. They want full officials. The Council is right when not mentioning of oil speed ahead to exploit and produce the it argues that without building these companies as the NDP proposed in the dirtiest oil on the planet. They want lines, the oil industry would choke on past, is another example of party right TransCanada pipelines to convey it their own production. It would have wing retreat as the NDP becomes more down to Texas and refine it for sale not to curtail plans to increase this nasty and more wedded to the short term only in the United States, but back to business. expediency of winning more seats. Canada for outlandish prices. The weakness of NDP policy The federal leader seems to Other projects are now on the and action is that party leaders fail to have forgotten that the whole rationale agenda. Enbridge, eastern Canada’s demand nationalization under workers’ of oil and pipeline companies is to largest pipeline oil and gas distributor, is and community control of the two maximize profits and dividends for their asking for regulatory approval to reverse oligopolistic pipeline companies in shareholders. Flat lining production the flow of the Line 9 pipeline so that Canada, Enbridge and TransCanada is not in their corporate vocabulary. Alberta crude oil would go from Sarnia, Pipelines, let alone the multi-national oil The concept of alternate sources of through Hamilton and on to Montreal companies themselves. energy production is anathema to them. – in the process passing through 99 They do not acknowledge that multi- They are for full speed ahead towards Ontario and Quebec cities, towns and national oil corporations will go to global control, which will lead to global villages. any lengths to protect their interests catastrophe. Further down the road is the – from planning wars in the Middle- The only way to stop them is question of the Northern Gateway East to despoiling the environment and to curtail extraction development and Pipeline through the Canadian Rocky impoverishing the peoples of Nigeria. begin a new direction towards public Mountains. Don’t think for one moment Recent statements by Thomas ownership of these natural resources, that the Chinese state invested in Mulcair seem to betray the 2011 election and of the means of distribution. Only the Tar Sands just to sell oil in North campaign pledge of for a in that way can the profits still being America. It is pursuing national moratorium on oil sand developments. amassed in this industry be channelled interests, and will insist on this pipeline It is not sufficient to declare, as Mulcair into investment in sustainable and and a Pacific Coast terminal for trans- did in March in Washington, that “the renewable energy production. Tom shipment of unrefined bitumen to Americans are going to sort themselves Mulcair and the Federal NDP should China. The Harper Government has out based on their own rules.” This lead the charge in Parliament for public just ratified by order in council, with no sidesteps the issue. ownership, and not wait until they find debate in Parliament, the Canada-China There would be no Keystone it expedient to follow public opinion on Foreign Investment Protection Act route if Canada refused to build a the matter. n

06 Turn Left/Virez à gauche Photo: Mary Kosta

First Nations, from page five in royalties over 35 years; the forestry humane than past generations, but few industry was worth $38.2 billion in 2006, can name the Indigenous nations of this and contributes billions in royalties and land or the treaties that allow Canada What will Canada do Without its taxes. and Canadians to exist. Subsidies? By contrast, annual govern- Understanding the subsidies ment spending on First Nations is $5.36 native people give to Canada is just the From the days of beaver trap- billion, which comes to about $7,200 beginning. Equally crucial is understand- ping to today’s aspirations of becoming per person. Government spending per ing the mechanisms by which the gov- an energy superpower, Canada’s econ- resident in Ottawa is around $14,900. ernment forces native people to choose omy has always been based on natural By any reasonable measure, it’s clear every day between living conditions out resources. With 90% of its settler that First Nations are the ones subsidiz- of a World Vision advertisement and population amassed along the southern ing Canada. (2005 figures; the amount is hopelessness on one hand, and the pol- border, exploitation of the land’s wealth slightly higher today.) lution and social problems of short-term almost always happens at the expense These industries are mostly resource exploitation projects on the of the Indigenous population. taking place on an Indigenous nation’s other. Canada’s economy could traditional territory, laying waste to Empathy and remorse are great not have been built without massive the land in the process, submerging, reasons to act to dismantle this ugly subsidies: of land, resource wealth, and denuding, polluting and removing. The system of expropriation. But an even the incalculable cost of generations of human costs are far greater; brutal better reason is that Indigenous nations suffering. tactics aimed at erasing native peoples’ present the best and only partners in Overall numbers are difficult identity and connection with the land taking care of our environment. Protect- to pin down, but consider the follow- have created human tragedies several ing our rivers, lakes, forests and oceans ing: Canadian governments received generations deep and a legacy of fierce is best done by people with a multi- $9 billion in taxes and royalties in 2011 and principled resistance that continues millenial relationship with the land. from mining companies, which is a tiny today. Movements like Idle No More portion of overall mining profits; $3.8 give a population asleep at the wheel billion came from exports of hydroelec- Idle? Know More the chance to wake up and hear what tricity alone in 2008, and 60 per cent native communities have been saying of Canada’s electricity comes from hy- The last residential school was for hundreds of years: it’s time to with- droelectric dams; one estimate has tar shut down in 1996. Canadians today draw our consent from this dead end sands extraction bringing in $1.2 trillion would like to imagine themselves more regime, and chart a new course. n

Turn Left/Virez à gauche 07 WHY WE FIGHT TO KEEP SOCIALISM IN THE NDP

Toronto NDP activist Barry The Socialist Caucus Last Spring, in Ontario, Andrea Weisleder spells out the role of formed in 1997 as a Horwath voted for the McGuinty bud- the Socialist Caucus in the NDP, common front of party get, and criticized anti-worker Bill 115 and why fighting back against leftists seeking to “turn mainly on the grounds that it will prove capitalism is so vital for workers the NDP sharply to the to be a waste of public funds – if the today left.” It is based on the courts overturn it... in four years or so. Manifesto for a Social- In Nova Scotia, Darrel Dexter eople often ask: is the NDP social- ist Canada, written a dramatically increased the HST and ist? Let’s start by looking at the year later. university fees. Pdictionary definition of socialism. The In , under “Socialism refers to an economic system arose in 2001. It was less radical, and far and now Greg Selinger, NDP govern- characterized by social ownership of the less democratic than , urg- ments operate as “safe” capitalist means of production and co-operative ing the creation of a New Party linked regimes that do not fundamentally chal- management of the economy.” to social movements. It specified no lenge inequality. Is that what the NDP advo- concrete programme for the party or In Saskatchewan, the birth- cates? If not now, was the NDP ever society, and it dissolved shortly after place of the CCF, the NDP is shrinking socialist? getting 40% of the votes at an NDP both provincially and federally. The The Cooperative Common- federal convention. Romanow government was more fiscally wealth Federation was founded in What is the recent record of conservative than previous CCF/NDP 1932 by farmers, workers and socialist the NDP? Look at the provincial level, governments, and instituted a program groups. The CCF’s , where the NDP has formed govern- of hospital closures, program cuts, and adopted in 1933, boldly states, “No ments in five provinces and one terri- privatization to eliminate the budget C.C.F. Government will rest content tory. deficit and reduce debt. Romanow later until it has eradicated capitalism and In British Columbia, Dave Bar- quipped that he was a supporter of Tony put into operation the full programme rett passed many laws in a short time, Blair’s concept before it even of socialized planning which will lead but was bitterly anti-Que- existed. to the establishment in Canada of the bec. Mike Harcourt At the federal level, Cooperative Commonwealth.” Back in sent the cops who the party under the the day, the CCF and the Communist killed native land leadership of Jack Party vied equally for influence among occupiers at “Socialism Layton made a big workers. But the CP degenerated into Gustafson represents breakthrough in an apologist sect for authoritarianism Lake. Glen the opposite of May 2011. But and repression, and the CCF adapted to Clarke was before the Or- capitalism and militarism. hounded the current capitalist ange Surge, the The Declaration out of office agenda. It is especially parliamentary became the CCF platform in 1956. It by a budget counter posed to the neo- caucus initially was the cold war antidote to the Regina deficit supported Ca- Manifesto. It embraced the “mixed and petty liberal austerity drive nadian military economy” model, with heavy empha- scandals. In which is terrorizing intervention in sis on the private sector, which it said Ontario, who workers and the Afghanistan and should be supported, even subsidized, can forget the Haiti. It voted for and be subject only to government regu- NDP poor.” Jean Chretien’s Clar- lation. government of ity Act in 2000, against The Waffle Manifesto emerged 1990-95? His Social the explicit will of NDP in 1969. In the name of Canadian na- Con-trick violated col- Federal Council. tionalism, it proposed public ownership lective agreements and took In June 2011, the party execu- of natural resources, energy, banks and $2 billion out of the pockets of public tive tried to remove “democratic social- key sectors of manufacturing. In 1972 service workers. He privatized a high- ism” from the Constitution, but failed. the NDP brass ordered it to dissolve. way, opened the door wide to Sunday In 2012, the party chose Thom- The Waffle quit the party, and after a shopping and casino gambling, and kept as Mulcair as Leader – easily the most failed electoral campaign, disappeared in funding Catholic schools despite a crisis stridently pro-Zionist figure to hold that 1974. in public education funding. position. During the six month strike by 08 Turn Left/Virez à gauche Quebec students, Mulcair ordered NDP reference to “socialism,” however it is The logic and the effect of their actions MPs to keep quiet – on the grounds that contradicted in practice, indicates a liv- is to integrate the party into the state “education is a provincial matter.” He ing ideological link with the objectively apparatus of the rich. Socialists seek the warned of the Dutch disease – arguing revolutionary interests and aspirations opposite. What exactly do we want? that it is necessary to rescue the Cana- of the broadest layers of the common • We want to make the party the dian dollar from over-dependence on tar people. conveyor belt of working class demands sands development and pipelines to the 3. In the absence of a mass, and aspirations. west and south. He favours shipping working class political alternative, the • To make the party more demo- the bitumen east. Mulcair is soft on the NDP in English Canada remains the cratic. For example, to make the party big trade deals now being negotiated, party of the unions, of the working class, respect and implement policies adopted Trans-Pacific and European. His caucus and of the left. There is no significant at convention, to have more time for did not oppose the Canadian and French party to the left of the NDP. Because debates and votes at conventions, and intervention in Mali. He was slow to op- it is a working class party much of the to ensure it respects (not rescinds) local pose the bombing of Libya. He is quiet Canadian establishment, including the candidate nominations. on the subject of western interference in big business media, would like to see • To make the party more like Syria, and he did not quickly or strongly the NDP disappear – by merger with the a social movement, one that relies on oppose Ottawa’s break in diplomatic Liberal Party, or by any means necessary. direct mass action to achieve change, relations with Tehran. 4. Socialism, even as a political rather than being an electoral machine Clearly, the NDP has shifted and historical reference, still poses the that relies on parliamentary maneuvers, to the right, which has alienated many alternative to capitalism. Socialism rep- personality contests, and high court activists. So, why fight to keep socialism resents, objectively, the opposite of the decisions.

in the party constitution? Here are four current capitalist agenda. It is especially To that end, what has the So- good reasons: counter posed to the neo-liberal auster- cialist Caucus accomplished? 1. The roots of the NDP are ity drive which is terrorizing workers and We kept socialism in the party constitu- in the working class and small farmers’ the poor worldwide. tion by helping to win the debate at the movements. The creation of the NDP What is to stop us? What are June 2011 federal convention in Vancou- in 1960 by the CCF and the Canadian we up against? The party and labour ver. Rumour has it that the party execu- Labour Congress represented an historic bureaucracy. Not only have they made tive is not keen to try again to remove working class break with the parties of their peace with capitalism, even with “socialism” from the Constitution. Why? big business, a break with the political the capitalist austerity drive. They seek Because they doubt they can garner the institutions of capitalist rule, especially to build a wall between the parliamen- needed 2/3 majority vote to win. the Liberal Party. That was quite a tary caucus and the working class. The SC worked with OFL President Sid different track than the one taken by Party ocials and their ma- Ryan at the Ontario NDP convention in labour in the USA. chine wish to consolidate their inde- 2. The significance of the pendence from their own social base. continued on page eleven

Turn Left/Virez à gauche 09 Long Live the Spirit of Hugo Chavez

BY and distribution are urgent concerns. workers, for Quebecois, Acadians and ELIZABETH BYCE In 2010, a serious conflict developed Newfoundlanders, for all working people. between the management of Polar, a There is much work to be major private food distribution company, done. Hugo Chavez left a giant legacy When Venezuela’s and the government. By introducing of mass mobilization, of communal President Hugo systems like Mercal, the state-run councils, of good healthcare (with the Rafael Chávez food chain with some 30,000 Mercal help of Cuba), and of progressive social Frías passed supermarkets across the country, priorities. But the Venezuela economy away on March 5, Venezuelans don’t have to depend on is still in the hands of foreign banks, huge 2013, hundreds of private networks to obtain basic foods. commercial interests, and big landlords. thousands poured into the streets of Nationalization of the food industry is Until the Bolivarian revolution completes Caracas crying, hugging and shouting important to ensure food sovereignty. the expropriation of Capital, foreign “We are all Chavez!” Fifteen countries Cargil, a Canadian-based and domestic, the first steps towards around the world held days of national seedling company, had its Venezuelan workers’ control, towards food security mourning for him. Many more states assets nationalized three years ago. and national sovereignty are at risk. sent their top leaders to his funeral. Along with Monsanto, they control President Hugo Chavez Do you suppose Stephen Harper’s seed products internationally. These said, “Here there is a transition from departure will get that kind of response? companies tried to foment social capitalism, which is destroying the world, Chavez led a movement that unrest by withholding supplies of food towards socialism. These next 10 years, lifted most of his people out of terrible products they also distributed, like rice we have to advance a lot more than what poverty. Himself born into a poor family, and corn flour. The Chavez government we have advanced towards socialism.” young Hugo longed to be a baseball used the law on Photo: Geraldo Caso player. He joined the army when told sovereignty and he could play ball there. Rising through food security the military ranks, he learned history and — which is a pledged to end political corruption and constitutional gross social inequality. law ensuring The failed military coup he led Venezuelans in 1992 made Chavez into a folk hero. get an adequate Four years later, campaigning on a shoe- supply of food string budget, he won the presidency. — to nationalize Re-elected in 2000, 2006 and 2012, the companies’ Chavez and his Bolivarian movement assets. (named after Simon Bolivar, who freed Ottawa South America from Spanish colonialism tells lies about in the early 19th century) moved sharply the government to the left. Chavez openly campaigned of Venezuela. for 21st Century Socialism. It fears the In 2009 the Chavez government example Chavez started the process to nationalize 60 set. It funded Under Hugo Chavez, Venezuelans saw improvements in health oil service contractors and place them reactionary care and education and large-scale reductions in poverty under the control of Pdvsa. Oil giants opposition Exxon Mobil and Conoco Phillips sued groups, like for compensation, but lost in the courts. Sumate, in Venezuela elections. Harper Chavez was correct. Stephen The policy of nationalization has encourages Shell, Chevron, Marathon Harper’s crude, rude remarks only also been implemented in 125 sectors of and Petro-Canada to poison the lands underscore the fact. There is no time the Venezuelan economy. The industries of indigenous people in Alberta and to waste. Imperialism never sleeps. Our of telecommunications, electricity, water, beyond. task in Canada is clear. As the Bolivarian gas, transportation, cement, sugar, salt — A victory for Venezuela in Revolution deepens, as it must, we all of these have been nationalized and the struggle against capitalism and should deepen, extend and accelerate are now being run by workers’ collectives imperialism would be a victory for our solidarity. The future of humanity all over the country. This is another aboriginal peoples. It would be a victory depends on it. source of inspiration to working people for education workers, for Ontario public Long live the spirit of Hugo around the world. service workers, for postal workers, Chavez. Long live the Bolivarian In Venezula, food production for Air Canada workers, for steel Revolution. Viva socialismo! n

10 Turn Left/Virez à gauche Socialism in the NDP, from page nine for Trinity Spadina, but our point was ity, democratic post-secondary educa- clearly made.) Our modest but impor- tion. Uphold Quebec’s right to national Hamilton in 2011 to toughen opposition tant achievements at party gatherings, self-determination. Defend aboriginal to the McGuinty budget which featured and the high profile attained by the status, support their collective control a wage freeze for workers, and tax cuts Socialist Caucus, now inform the tasks of native traditional lands, and of the for the business elite. We won that we must shoulder. development and use of their resources. fight. Unfortunately, Horwath did as 1. Continue the fight to keep Oppose the ruinous, poisonous pipeline she pleased. Still, the point was made. socialism in the NDP. Educate and projects, and the job-killing, anti-social The SC won victories on many issues organize NDPers across the Canadian trade deals now on the table. over the past decade: Canada Out of state to press for public ownership of 3. Build the NDP as a social Afghanistan now! Party policy calling the economy under workers’ and com- movement to replace the racist, sexist, for no public funding for religious and munity control. Make the bosses pay environmentally destructive capitalist private schools. Hybrid and electric cars for the crisis that they and their obso- order with a vibrant socialist democracy. should be 50% of car production in Can- lete, wasteful system created. Stop the Start by making the NDP truly demo- ada. And the demand that the federal social cuts. Reinstate decent E.I. and cratic, from the bottom up. Educate. government devote 2% of its budget to pensions. Concessions No More! Strike Agitate. Organize. Elect SC candidates the construction of social housing. to win. Money for useful jobs, not for to the federal NDP executive. Unite We amended the convention weapons or war. the NDP and labour left on the basis agenda at Halifax, 2008, to add an hour 2. Build solidarity with aboriginal of a clear socialist platform. Advance to policy debate. (This was overturned struggles. Generate solidarity with the the class struggle. Build the Socialist by a manouver engineered by the MP fight of Quebec students for free, qual- Caucus. n

ANOTHER INVASION OF U.S. DEMOCRATIC PARTY APOLOGISTS?

hat? Another invasion of high’?” U.S. Democratic Party W h y Apologists? should the W NDP officials did it NDP provide a in Halifax in 2009, and they’re doing it platform for this again. They’re wasting the time of federal former member convention at Montreal, and insulting and chair of Bill the delegates to our independent labour Clinton’s Council party. How? By importing apologists of Economic for the pro-war, pro-corporate bail-out Advisors, whose Obama administration in Washington. most important Saying Mitt Romney was worse contribution at than Obama, does not make Obama a the time was the friend of the working class or oppressed infamous “Third minorities. While the United States Way” economic President delivers trillions of dollars to philosophy? The Wall Street and the Pentagon, and fills Third Way, also America’s jails with Blacks, Latinos, Arabs associated with One of the many victims of Obama’s vicious drone bombing and Muslims, his “gift” to workers and the Britain’s renowned campaign. U.S. Democratic Party operatives have no poor is an “economic draft” to perpetuate war criminal and business lecturing NDP members at convention. U.S. occupation and drone wars around former P.M. Tony the world. Blair, postulated Follow the example of the Why do we need Jeremy Bird, the limited role of government – that NDP. Form an independent political Obama’s National Field Director and re- unfettered markets often did not work party based on your unions. Break with election strategist, to lecture NDPers on well, but that government was not always the Democratic Party, the graveyard the virtues of American bourgeois politics able to correct the limitations of markets. of every progressive social movement and to extol what Rolling Stone Magazine The NDP and the labour since the days of Lincoln. Fight for a called his “brutal” tactics in swing states? movement don’t need instruction from Workers’ Agenda. Join us in the effort Why do we need Joseph Stiglitz, the liberal brain trust of the world’s to put an end to capitalist recessions, darling of the liberal media, whose dominant imperialist power. But we do wars and environmental destruction. economic theories include the idea have some good advice for our American Together, let’s create a global cooperative that “unemployment must rise during sisters and brothers, for our American commonwealth. n recessions, because wages are kept ‘too fellow workers.

Turn Left/Virez à gauche 11 THE “QUEBEC QUESTION”: DESPITE PROGRESS, THE NDP STILL HAS FAR TO GO

By Richard Fidler The Declaration recognizes “Quebec’s In the early 1960s, the majority right to self-determination,” which, it of NDP supporters in Quebec split to he NDP’s bill C-470, which says, “implies the right of the people of form an independent party, the Parti would replace the Clarity Quebec to decide freely its own political socialiste du Québec (PSQ), which called Act and acknowledge the and constitutional future.” If Quebec for adoption of a sovereign Quebec Tdemocratic legitimacy of a were to hold a vote on sovereignty “the constitution and the negotiation of a new simple majority vote for sovereignty NDP would recognize a majority decision “confederal” accord with English Canada. in a Quebec referendum, aroused a (50% + 1)….” The Declaration was widely The PSQ was soon eclipsed, however, storm of opposition. Not just from the credited as a factor in the “Orange by the formation of the Parti québécois, other federalist parties (which was to Wave” that elected NDP candidates in which expressed a similar objective of be expected), but also from the major 59 of Quebec’s 75 electoral districts sovereignty followed by some form of media in English Canada. in 2011, hoisting the party to Official constitutional association with English Typical was an editorial in the Opposition status in the House of Canada. Star, the only daily newspaper Commons. Caught short by the rise of the that endorsed the NDP in the 2011 What does the reaction to Bill independence movement, the federal federal election, protesting that the C-470 tell us about the challenge facing NDP tended to tail the approach to NDP bill “lowers the bar to [Quebec] the NDP and its attempts to reconcile constitutional reform taken by Pierre secession.” The Star editors doubted Quebec’s desire for change in its status Trudeau and the federal Liberals as whether the NDP, as “a party that aspires as a nation with the party’s longstanding well as the Conservatives. It was an to govern the federation is prepared to support of Canada’s federal system? active participant in the unilateral 1982 defend it.” patriation of the Constitution, which More ominous was a Harris- A Tortured History now included a Charter of Rights that Decima-Canadian Press poll in early would be used by the Supreme Court February that found majority support The Sherbrooke Declaration’s principled of Canada to void major provisions of for the bill only in Quebec, while in recognition of Quebec’s right to national Quebec legislation protecting French- English Canada close to three out of self-determination — notwithstanding language rights. Successive Quebec four respondents were opposed. And a some ambiguities and contradictions, governments — sovereigntist and CP poll of provincial NDP leaders found discussed below — represented an federalist alike — have never accepted that only one, New Brunswick’s Dominic important step forward for the NDP, the legitimacy of that Constitution. Cardy, was willing to express support for which since its founding in 1961 has The federal NDP campaigned it. The others, including the premiers of struggled to understand Québécois for the No side in both of Quebec’s Nova Scotia and Manitoba, refused to dissatisfaction with Canada’s federal referendums on sovereignty, in 1980 comment. regime. The party’s firm commitment to and 1995. And in 2000 the party’s Yet Bill C-470 simply applies working within the existing constitutional parliamentary caucus — defying the reasoning in the NDP’s Sherbrooke framework of the Canadian state has opposition by the NDP Federal Council Declaration, adopted overwhelmingly by often collided with the pro-sovereignty and the Canadian Labour Congress — the federal party in 2006 as its current views held by the trade unions and most voted for the governing Liberals’ Clarity position on the “Quebec question.” progressives in Quebec. Bill, which makes Quebec sovereignty

The Sherbrooke Declaration’s “ principled recognition of Quebec’s right to national self-determination -- notwithstanding some ambiguities and contradictions -- represented an important step forward for the NDP.

12 Turn Left/Virez à gauche following a successful “yes” vote Justin Trudeau. “To bring forward that of policy and program negotiation contingent on acceptance by the federal motion is the height of both hypocrisy between Quebec and Ottawa and (in Parliament of both the question asked and political gamesmanship of the worst most cases) the other provinces and and the response given by the voters. kind. If I needed another reason to cross territories, negotiations in which Quebec These actions effectively out the idea of co-operation with the may and often does find itself alone foreclosed any possibility of building NDP, that’s an obvious one.” arrayed against the other ten or more significant support for the party in Both Tories and Liberals had governments. It is cast as a strategy for Quebec. Unable to build an enduring hoped that the amending formula in winning Quebec acceptance of a federal base of support in the province, the NDP Trudeau Senior’s 1982 Constitution — union even before any constitutional for decades lacked credibility in both which makes any major constitutional guarantees of its national character Quebec and the Rest of Canada as a change contingent on adoption by have been achieved. Fundamentally, potential federal government. Parliament and seven of the ten this comes down to little more than the By the turn of the century, it provinces with at least 50% of Canada’s status quo. was evident that no one on the federalist side could credibly promise renewed federalism. However, a Social Democratic Forum on Canada’s Future, sponsored by the party in the late 1990s, came up with a host of proposals for a change in the relationship between English Canada and Quebec, many of them later incorporated in the Sherbrooke Declaration. The adoption of the Declaration signalled a new readiness to rethink the party’s relationship to Quebec. And in 2011, this openness was sufficient to convince many Quebec voters, now looking for potential allies in English Canada in resisting a Harper majority government, to turn to the NDP.

The Sherbrooke Declaration

Despite its new recognition population — would rule out any Clearly, the ball is in the court of Quebec’s right to national self- possibility for Quebec’s legal secession of the Québécois to initiate and lead determination, the Sherbrooke from the federation. They are outraged the movement for change in Quebec’s Declaration does not reject a federal that the NDP, with its modest proposal constitutional status, whether in or role in determining the legitimacy of a to accept a democratic majority vote, out of the federation. But is the NDP Quebec vote for sovereignty, nor does has now challenged this federalist prepared not only to listen to this Bill C-470. The bill simply attempts to consensus. We can be sure that they national movement and learn from it, structure that role, in effect fettering the will hound the party on this issue in the but to work to create understanding power of the federal Parliament to reject months and years to come. and solidarity with the national struggle the popular verdict. It would accept a The Sherbrooke Declaration of the Québécois among its members narrow Yes victory — and suggests some indirectly acknowledges the impossibility and supporters in English Canada? Such acceptable wording of the question — of constitutional reform to accommodate solidarity is an essential ingredient in while proposing a similar procedure for Quebec concerns. Instead, it building a pan-Canadian movement a possible Quebec referendum question recommends a limited practice of that can not only defeat the Harper on reforming the Constitution short of “asymmetrical federalism” that would government but reverse the neoliberal secession. “consolidate [conjuguer] the Canadian offensive. The virulent opposition to Bill federal state with the reality of Quebec’s This requires a much greater C-470 by the Harper government and national character” by allowing Quebec effort by the party in English Canada to the Liberals, however, demonstrates to opt out with compensation from address Québécois concerns — a major the complete unwillingness of Canada’s federal programs in areas of exclusive challenge, as English Canadian hostility traditional governing parties and their provincial jurisdiction. to even the modest democratic content corporate backers to contemplate And its over-arching concept of of the NDP’s Bill C-470 illustrates. Many any fundamental change in Quebec’s “cooperative federalism,” an old NDP anti-Quebec misconceptions have to be constitutional status. Typical was the standby, involves not a reallocation of reaction of Liberal leadership aspirant powers but a never-ending process continued on page sixteen

Turn Left/Virez à gauche 13 LE DILEMME DU NPD

Par Richard Fidler La loi de la « clarté » obligerait le gouvernement fédéral à né- gocier avec le Québec dans l’éventualité n 2006, le NPD avait surpris Il est encore plus remarquable où la majorité des Québécoises et l’opinion en adoptant la « décla- que la Déclaration de Sherbrooke ne Québécois votait pour la souveraineté ration de Sherbrooke ». Cette mentionne pas la loi dite de la « clarté », dans le cadre d’un référendum. En fai- Edéclaration, bien qu’elle dé- votée au Parlement en 2000 à l’initiative sant cela, le NPD a voulu évité d’être co- passe le discours habituel du NPD, con- du gouvernement Chrétien. Il faut se incé par un projet de loi du Bloc Québé- tient d’importantes ambiguïtés et con- souvenir que les députés du NPD (il y cois (C-457), qui voulait tout simplement tradictions qui en fin de compte nient avait deux exceptions) ont voté en fa- demander l’abolition de la Loi sur la « l’engagement formel du parti à défendre veur de cette loi qui brime le droit du clarté ». Le projet de loi C-470 représen- le droit à l’autodétermination du peuple Québec à l’autodétermination. La direc- te un certain progrès pour le NPD québécois. tion parlementaire du NPD est allée dans puisqu’il prend, au moins partiellement, ce sens en dépit de l’opposition au projet ses distances par rapport à la Loi sur la Pas de réforme constitutionnelle de loi exprimée par le Conseil fédéral du « clarté ». Ceci dit, le projet de loi C-470 NPD ainsi que le Congrès du travail du ne déborde pas le cadre conceptuel de À un premier niveau, la déclara- Canada et plusieurs militants ordinaires cette loi. tion n’aborde pas la question du statut du parti. constitutionnel, ni du point de vue d’une En vertu de cette loi, un vote Les « conditions » du NPD réforme, ni du point de vue de l’indépendance. Cette question Pour justifier son projet de loi, pourtant centrale est évitée par le NPD s’identifie aux principes le NPD qui préfère une approche Il reste à voir si cette énoncés par la Cour Suprême bureaucratique et administrative. évolution pourrait forcer du Canada dans le Renvoi relatif Le fédéralisme préconisé par le un réel débat au sein de à la sécession du Québec. Selon NPD n’implique aucune redistri- la gauche au Canada anglais, le NPD, la loi sur la « clarté » ne bution des pouvoirs et débouche “ respecte pas ces principes de sur un processus sans fin de né- qui était et reste ambiguë ce jugement selon lequel, dans gociation entre le Québec et Ot- par rapport aux enjeux l’éventualité d’un vote majoritaire tawa, et même avec les autres fondamentaux soulevés par pour la souveraineté, « toutes les provinces et territoires. parties » seraient dans l’obligation On demande au Québec les peuples qui réclament de « venir à la table des négo- d’accepter le cadre fédéral, avant leurs droits. ciations ». Cette négociation, tou- même des négociations constitu- jours selon le NPD), serait soumise tionnelles qui pourraient éventuel- au respect de certaines conditions lement redéfinir la confédération et offrir pour un « oui » serait soumis au bon vou- : au Québec des garanties sur son statut loir du parlement fédéral et des autres de nation. Cette approche, c’est ce que le provinces. • Le gouvernement fédéral doit NPD qualifie de fédéralisme «coopératif ». En janvier dernier néanmoins le NPD a déterminer si, à son avis, la question ré- proposé une nouvelle loi (C-470), qui férendaire « énonce clairement la modi-

14 Turn Left/Virez à gauche fication constitutionnelle envisagée ». Le les gouvernements de toutes les provinc- libellé de cette question pourrait être par es et territoires) s’assoient et négocient On doit cependant admettre exemple : « Le Québec devrait-il devenir la sécession ou le changement constitu- que le projet de loi du NDP manifeste un pays souverain ? ». Ou encore : « Le tionnel demandé par le Québec. une certaine ouverture. Dans la clause Québec devrait-il se séparer du Canada 9 de C-470 par exemple, Ottawa et les et devenir un pays souverain » ? Si le gou- Où est le droit à l’autodétermination ? provinces seraient obligées de négo- vernement fédéral juge que la question cier toute proposition constitutionnelle n’est pas claire, il en saisit la Cour d’appel Comme on le sait, la loi sur la « ratifiée par les électeurs québécois con- du Québec qui doit alors se prononcer clarté » ne spécifie pas le pourcentage cernant l’intégration du Québec dans sur la clarté de la question dans un délai du vote qui constituerait une « majorité l’ordre constitutionnel canadien (soit la de 60 jours. Si cette Cour déclare la ques- claire ». En réalité, les partis fédéralistes constitution de 1982 (qui n’a jamais été tion inadéquate, le référendum québé- comme le PLC et le PC ont déjà dit qu’il endossé par les gouvernements québé- cois serait illégitime. En d’autres mots, faudrait plus de 50 % des voix pour que cois), la délimitation du pouvoir fédéral le NPD propose que le gouvernement la sécession soit légitime. Pour le NPD, de dépenser au Québec, les transferts fédéral (ou la Cour d’appel du Québec la position est plus nuancée. Dans la fiscaux permanent et les normes y af- dont les juges sont nommés par Ottawa) déclaration de Sherbrooke, le NPD af- férents, ainsi que le retrait du gouver- ait le pouvoir de décider si l’éventuel ré- firme qu’il « reconnaîtrait une décision nement du Québec, avec pleine com- férendum sur le statut constitutionnel du majoritaire (50% + 1) des Québécoises pensation, de tout programme en cas Québec sera légitime ou non. et Québécois » tout en ajoutant qu’« il d’intervention du gouvernement fédéral • Dans la même optique, Ottawa appartiendrait au gouvernement fédéral dans un domaine de compétence législa- aurait le droit de déterminer cette légiti- de déterminer son propre processus ». tive provinciale exclusive. mité, non seulement en fonction d’une L’objectif du projet de loi C-470 est de Ces clauses pourraient ren- question qu’il jugerait « claire », mais forcer le gouvernement fédéral à engag- forcer la position du Québec face aux aussi en évaluant l’ensemble du proces- er des négociations impliquant « toutes gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux. sus et de la procédure du référendum les parties formant la Confédération ». En substance, cette approche pourrait (l’exercice du vote, le dépouillement du On évite ainsi la discussion sur le part- rejoindre la « gouvernance souverainiste scrutin, la transmission des résultats et age des pouvoirs et sur le fait que dans » préconisée par le leadership du PQ en les limites des dépenses, etc.) la constitution actuelle, c’est Ottawa substitution au projet original.1 • Une fois que ces conditions se- qui dispose des pouvoirs réellement Par rapport à un éventuel ré- raient respectées et qu’une « majorité importants, tels le système financier et férendum, le NPD suggère qu’Ottawa des votes validement exprimées est en bancaire, le commerce, les affaires exté- et Québec négocient préalablement la faveur de la modification proposée », le rieures, les tribunaux et instances judici- question, un peu comme l’ont fait récem- NPD voudrait que « toutes les parties aires supérieures, les forces armées et la ment les gouvernements anglais et écos- formant la Confédération » (c’est-à-dire police fédérale. sais. non seulement le gouvernement fédéral et le gouvernement québécois mais aussi Une certaine ouverture a continué à la page 16

Turn Left/Virez à gauche 15 Quebec, from page thirteen PETER KORMOS (1952 - 2013), Niagara Regional councillor, and for 23 years the confronted and overcome. The NDP NDP MPP for , was an outstanding will face unrelenting opposition in its fighter for the working class, the poor and efforts by a hostile media, especially the disenfranchised. He was a person of in English Canada. principle who openly identified as a socialist. However, there really is no He fearlessly stood up to corporate foes, alternative if the party is to build and to traitors to the cause, including inside on its May 2011 breakthrough. his own party. It was a pleasure to work And there is ample evidence that on his campaign for Ontario NDP Leader the needed reorientation of NDP in 1996, and alongside him on many other thinking on Quebec, initiated by worthy causes over the years. Peter will be the Sherbrooke Declaration, can sorely missed. Our sincere condolences in coming years help to cement go out to his family and to his vast legion of strong ties of solidarity between comrades and friends. progressives in both nations — a precondition to turning politics in Barry Weisleder, Canada toward the left. n Chairperson, NDP Socialist Caucus

Suite de la page 15 des aspirations québécoises dans leur leversements politiques et sociaux pour- ensemble. Une exception cependant raient modifier la donne.2 a été l’analyse de la correspondante Or justement, le mouvement Entre l’arbre et l’écorce du Devoir à Ottawa, Manon Cornellier. Idle No More représente potentielle- Selon Mme Cornellier, le projet du NPD ment une ouverture. Ce mouvement Entre les lignes, il appert que le pourrait réconcilier le caucus québécois militant reflète l’opinion d’une partie NPD cherche à dialoguer avec les élé- avec le reste du pays où une majorité sub- croissante des Premières Nations qui es- ments plus conservateurs du PQ et de stantielle d’électeurs continue d’appuyer timent que l’architecture légale et consti- la mouvance nationaliste québécoise. Il l’idée d’une loi qui pourrait contrôler une tutionnelle que lui a imposée l’État colo- voudrait également se mettre de l’avant tentative de sécession. En substance nial canadien n’est plus tolérable. Il reste comme force politique capable de réc- selon elle, C-470 limite la marge de à voir si cette évolution pourrait forcer oncilier le Canada et le Québec. Ce fai- manœuvre et l’arbitraire d’Ottawa. Indi- un réel débat au sein de la gauche au sant, le NPD pourrait également apaiser rectement, il confirme l’appui du NDD au Canada anglais, qui était et reste ambig- les tensions qui subsistent au sein de sa droit à l’autodétermination, à la recon- uë par rapport aux enjeux fondamentaux députation québécoise (58 députés du naissance d’une victoire possible du oui soulevés par les peuples qui réclament NPD), qui semble-t-il ne partagent pas au référendum et au fédéralisme asymé- leurs droits. n la même idée sur la question nationale trique. québécoise. 1 Le nouveau ministre des relations inter- Cependant, l’approche du NPD Avenir incertain nationales du Québec, Jean-François Li- a été la cible d’une montagne de cri- sée, a déjà proposé un « plan B » étapiste tiques au Canada anglais. Non seulement Avec une telle manœuvre, le dans son livre Sortie de Secours: Com- de la part des autres partis fédéralistes NPD espère satisfaire ses électeurs ment échapper au déclin du Québec (ce qui était prévisible), mais également québécois. Le Bloc Québécois serait (Boréal, 2000). L’idée est d’organiser de la part des médias qui en général ont ainsi privé de plusieurs de ses appuis (les plusieurs référendums sur des besoins été très violents dans leur dénonciation « nationalistes mous ») et ainsi, le NPD essentiels qui, s’ils étaient acceptés, im- de C-470. Le Globe & Mail, le Ottawa pourrait protéger ses 58 sièges. En tout poserait un renouvellement du fédéral- Citizen, et même le Toronto Star (le seul cas cela reste à voir. isme. quotidien qui avait appuyé le NPD lors Car en réalité, aucun des deux de l’élection de 2011) ont tous dénoncé projets, tant celui du NPD que celui du 2 Le NPD peut-il se rapprocher de l’aile un projet qui pourrait « faciliter la séces- Bloc, ne seront adoptés ni même présen- progressiste du mouvement souverain- sion du Québec ». Un parti qui aspire à tés au vote de la Chambre. De manière iste, notamment de Québec Solidaire ? gouverner la fédération, ont-ils dit, doit plus importante, le débat autour de Pour cela, il faudrait rejeter la proposition être prêt à « défendre le Canada ». Ces C-470 a démontré l’ampleur du « non- de Mulcair de bâtir une aile provinciale réactions n’augurent rien de bon pour débat » sur cette question au Canada du NPD au Québec (remise à plus tard Thomas Mulcair qui espérait attirer les anglais. Un jour ou l’autre, le NPD sera lors du dernier congrès du NPD pour des appuis tant des nationalistes québécois confronté à ce dilemme. Ou bien il est raisons principalement pragmatiques). que des anglophones fédéralistes mo- apte à proposer une nouvelle vision du Le membership officiellement réclamé dérés. Canada qui impliquerait sans ambages ni du NPD au Québec est de 13 000 mem- Au Québec, la réaction à C-470 ambiguïté le respect des droits du peu- bres, un peu moins que le membership a été plutôt tranquille. Les médias québé- ple québécois à l’autodétermination. Ou de QS et de loin inférieur à l’objectif re- cois ont surtout mentionné le fait qu’au bien il s’engage à défendre le statu quo cherché par M. Mulcair (20 000) lors de Canada, il semble avoir un refus unanime quoi qu’il advienne. Seuls de grands bou- sa campagne pour le leadership du NPD.

16 Turn Left/Virez à gauche Socialist Caucus Resolutions for NDP Convention

The following resolutions were ap- 10. Restore Food Safety; Rebuild the superficial decision-making proved by the Federal Socialist Caucus Public Service 26. Democratic Control of the Conference in Toronto. They have 11. Raise the Minimum Wage Telecommunications Industry been circulated for adoption at meet- 12. Nationalize U.S. Steel 27. Hands off Migrant Workers ings of NDP riding associations, Youth 13. Phase-out the Alberta Tar Sands 28. Fair and Democratic Trade clubs and affiliated unions for debate 14. Proportional Representation Within 29. Elimination of Tuition and Student and vote at Convention. We hope you the NDP Debt speak out and support them on the 15. Support the Cochabamba Protocols 30. Build Social Housing floor. Read the full resolutions at 16. Canada out of NATO, NATO out of 31. Repeal the Clarity Act www.ndpsocialists.ca. Afghanistan 32. Share the Work, Shorten the Work 17. Canada Out of Haiti Week 1. Campaign against CETA, TPPA and 18. Justice for Palestinians, Boycott 33. Defend and Extend the Right to FIPA Apartheid Israel Strike 2. Support Campaigns to cancel student 19. Nationalize the Auto Industry 34. Building the Party as a Mass debt and fees 20. Nationalize the Big Banks and Movement of the Working Class and 3. Stop the Pipelines Insurance companies Allies 4. Restore Relations with Iran 21. Nationalize Big Oil and Gas 35. Party Internal Financing 5. Oppose the Sale of Resource Firms for 22. No NDP coalition with Business Class 36. Solidarity with Cuba Democratic and Environmental Reasons Political Parties 37. Defend Venezuela and Bolivia 6. Break the Siege of Gaza 23. For More Policy Discussion at 38. Social Ownership and Economic 7. NATO Hands off Syria! Conventions Democracy 8. Make CPP Benefits a Decent, Living 24. For Democracy and for Leadership 39. Social Ownership of Primary Income for Retirees Accountability Industries 9. Legalize Cannabis 25. End ‘One Member One Vote’

The Struggle for the Right to Choose to Life organization, supported by the Catholic Church, which harasses women Not Over in Canada attempting to exercise their rights. They set up “counselling services” to By Judy Koch out frontally against abortion, there will frighten women away. be a large public backlash. The latest The NDP Socialist Caucus It has been 25 years since a such attempt is a bill to establish a firmly upholds a woman’s right to Supreme Court of Canada ruling that commission on “when life begins.” This choose. We seek to bolster NDP and allowed the Morgentaler clinic and could lead to fetuses being considered Labour support for choice. The support other clinics across the country to human life, thus b locking abortions. of provincial NDP governments greatly provide abortion services to women. In October 2012, there was a private helps the struggle. As well, women, and It was an historic victory, yet women member’s bill against abortion which our male allies still need to demonstrate across the Canadian state still have was defeated by a 2 to 1 margin. It was publicly for abortion rights. a fight ahead of us. Abortion is not supported by 100 MPs. At the same The right to abortion was one available to all women. Some of the time, the Harper government refuses of the most important gains of the most oppressed women, such as native to implement provisions of the Canada feminist movement in the 1970s and women, immigrant women, teenage Health Act that guarantees equal 1980s. On October 20, 2012, rallies took women and rural women, find access to access. place across Canada for reproductive abortion limited or nil. Recently refugee Before winning the right to justice, equal access, and no forced women were deprived of this right. abortion, countless women in Canada sterilization. About 100 people Abortion is not performed in Prince were harmed by botched treatment. demonstrated at Toronto’s Old City Edward Island, and the government of Women who then went to the hospital Hall that day. The struggle for abortion New Brunswick refuses to pay for clinic were in danger of being arrested for rights is part of the anti-austerity abortions. There are also threats to having an abortion. Morgentaler was cause, the battle to defend and extend defund abortions in Ontario. arrested a number of times before the public health care, and the struggle for Federally, there have been Supreme Court finally ruled in his favour. women’s liberation. attempts to roll back the right to Women stormed Parliament in Ottawa We invite you to join us in the abortion by private members bills - since in favour of the right to abortion. Yet struggle today. n the government realizes that if it comes today, there is still the so-called Right

Turn Left/Virez à gauche 17 Canada-EU Trade Deal: No Time for NDP to Show Moderation

OFL President Sid Ryan explains that Despite this profits, even on issues that are of vital NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair’s “wait- broad-based importance to Canadians like health care and-see” approach to the Canada- opposition, and the environment. And this is just the European Union trade deal is dangerous, Mulcair is still tip of the proverbial iceberg. not moderate. musing about We already know much of what supporting is at stake in the CETA negotiations t is always uncomfortable to give public CETA, but because draft text has been leaked. So advice to a friend, but when he is about perhaps he’ll Mulcair’s “wait-and-see” approach to to head down a perilous path, a good listen to the CETA is dangerous, not moderate. friend offers a strong warning. candid counsel It doesn’t take a good lawyer — I This is how I feel about NDP of a friend. or even a union negotiator — to know that Leader Thomas Mulcair’s recent appeal I think Mulcair already knows when the “final text” is plunked down to Canadians to remain open to the in his gut what is best for Canadians. In on the table, it is too late to change the Canada-European Union Comprehensive outlining the “deal-breaker” issues for deal. Waiting for the Tories to reveal the Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). the NDP, he proves why CETA must final offer to Canadians before raising If the NDP is seeking to demonstrate be rejected outright. After all, many objection is akin to closing the barn doors its thoughtfulness and moderation, this of his non-negotiable issues — ranging after the horses have bolted. secret deal is not the right moment. from environmental protections to buy- This is all the more reason why NDP support for CETA — no matter how local programs and Canadian banking the NDP should be denouncing CETA qualified — could lead Canadians down regulations — are still on the table. Even and publicly declaring that the fix is in. the wrong path. Mulcair admits that despite his promise Exposing CETA as a “corporate bill of Canada’s experience with to defend the public interest, the NDP is rights” isn’t Chicken Little alarmism, it is other free-trade agreements belies the up against “powerful, insider interests” — speaking truth to corporate power. And myth that a free-trade agreement with not to mention an all-too-willing Harper it is this kind of principled commitment to the European Union could somehow majority government. values that led the NDP to a historic surge reverse an already imbalanced trade What would these corporate in 2011. relationship. According to economist Jim interests gain at the expense of working For the four and a half million Stanford, CETA could expose Canadians people? The pharmaceutical industry is NDP voters and the millions more they to an even greater trade deficit and lead seeking to extend monopoly patent rights hope to win over, a willingness to bend to the loss of as many as 152,000 jobs. for their brand-name drugs, which the your values is not inspiring leadership. CETA also grants rights to corporations federal government has admitted would If there is any lesson to be drawn from that jeopardize the powers of Canadian cost the public up to $2 billion annually. the past, surely it is from his Liberal governments at every level. The NDP says it can live with this if it is counterparts who learned the hard way Such concerns are echoed by accompanied by compensation to the that if you forget what you stand for, then environmental organizations, labour provinces and consumers, but this still no one else will believe in you either. unions, civil society groups and a growing leaves Canadian taxpayers footing the I admire the confidence that number of researchers and experts. In bill. Mulcair has earned from Canadians fact, Council of Canadians Chairperson In addition, European companies through his principled opposition Maude Barlow has been at the forefront stand to win the right to legally challenge in the House. When it comes to an of opposing CETA’s threat to water, Canadian laws that interfere with their international trade agreement that puts education and other public corporate interests ahead of services, and more than 80 the public interest, Canadians municipalities and school boards deserve no less. The NDP must have expressed concern, with seize this opportunity to offer an more than 40 demanding to “The NDP must seize this alternative vision for trade — one be exempt. Even a UN envoy that is sustainable, equitable and this week signalled that this opportunity to offer an fair. n agreement would undermine alternative vision for trade the ability for Canada to support Sid Ryan is president of the local economies and address — one that is sustainable, Ontario Federation of Labour. poverty and hunger. equitable and fair.”

18 Turn Left/Virez à gauche Le NPD ne peut être modéré au sujet de l’entente de libre- échange avec l’UE

Par Sid Ryan

l est toujours délicat de donner pub- liquement un conseil à un ami, mais si cet ami s’engage dans un sentier dangereux, un ami authentique se Idoit de faire un avertissement ferme. Voilà le sentiment que j’ai au sujet de l’appel récent, lancé par le chef du NPD Thomas Mulcair, à se montrer ouvert au projet d’entente de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Union européenne. Si le NPD souhaite démontrer sa perspicacité et sa modération, cette entente secrète n’est pas le bon prétexte. Le soutien du NPD envers l’entente, peu importe l’étiquette qu’on veut lui apposer, pour- rait entraîner les Canadiens dans la mauvaise voie. L’expérience qu’a le Canada d’autres ententes de libre-échange va à l’encontre du mythe selon lequel une en- tente de libre-échange avec l’Union eu- ropéenne pourrait inverser une relation commerciale déjà déséquilibrée. Selon d’apporter son soutien à l’entente. Mais admis le gouvernement fédéral, coûtera l’économiste Jim Stanford, l’entente peut-être prêtera-t-il l’oreille à un ami aux contribuables canadiens deux pourrait exposer les Canadiens à un qui lui dit ses vérités ? milliards de dollars par an. Le NPD dit alourdissement du déficit commercial Je crois que Mulcair connaît en pouvoir s’accommoder de cela s’il y a et entraîner la perte de 152 000 emplois. son for intérieur ce qui est dans l’intérêt compensation pour les provinces et les L’entente octroie aux entreprises des des Canadiens. En formulant des ques- consommateurs, mais il n’en demeure droits qui mettent en péril les pouvoirs tions cruciales pour le NPD, il fournit pas moins que c’est le contribuable ca- qu’ont les gouvernements au Canada, et lui-même les preuves de la nécessité nadien qui devra payer la note. De plus, cela à chacune des instances. d’opposer une fin de non recevoir à les entreprises européennes pourraient Ces craintes sont partagées par l’entente. Après tout, beaucoup de se voir octroyer le droit de contester les organisations environnementales, ces questions non négociables — de légalement les lois canadiennes pouvant les syndicats ouvriers, des groupes de la la protection de l’environnement aux menacer leurs profits, y compris sur des société civile et un nombre croissant de programmes d’incitation à consommer questions d’importance vitale pour les chercheurs et d’experts. La présidente des produits locaux et aux réglementa- Canadiens comme les soins de santé du Conseil des Canadiens Maude Barlow tions des banques canadiennes — font et l’environnement. Ce n’est là que la est aux premières loges des opposants l’objet de discussions en ce moment. pointe de l’iceberg. qui perçoivent l’entente comme une Même Mulcair admet qu’en dépit de sa Nous connaissons l’enjeu élevé menace pour l’eau, pour l’éducation et promesse de défendre l’intérêt public, des négociations entourant l’entente d’autres services publics, et plus de 80 le NPD doit faire face à de puissants de libre-échange avec l’UE en raison municipalités et conseils scolaires ont intérêts à l’interne — pour ne rien dire de fuites qui ont mis au jour l’ébauche fait part de craintes, dont plus d’une du gouvernement majoritaire de Harper, du texte. Donc l’approche expectante quarantaine qui exigent d’être exemptés. qui abonde dans le même sens. de Mulcair envers l’entente est non pas Un envoyé de l’ONU a indiqué cette Qu’est-ce donc ici qui favorise modérée mais dangereuse. Nul besoin semaine que l’entente mettrait en péril les intérêts de la grande entreprise d’être avocat de renom — ou négocia- la capacité du Canada à soutenir les aux dépends de la classe ouvrière ? teur syndical chevronné — pour savoir économies locales et à s’attaquer à la L’industrie pharmaceutique cherche à qu’une fois le texte définitif couché sur pauvreté et à la faim. étendre les droits relatifs au monopole le papier, les dés sont jetés. Attendre Malgré cette robuste opposi- sur les brevets pour les médicaments tion, Mulcair rumine toujours l’idée portant leur marque, ce qui, comme l’a a continué à la page 23 Turn Left/Virez à gauche 19 MULCAIR: BETWEEN A ROC AND A HARD PLACE

Photo: Matt Jiggins s Thomas Mulcair strangling the goose that laid the golden-orange egg? I The inept handling of former NDP MP Claude Patry’s decision to join the BQ is a costly example of how the party leadership has yet to firm up the precarious grip it has on its Quebec base and how desperate is the need for the NDP to take a crash course on Quebec politics and the National Question. With Claude Patry’s departure, the Nouveau Parti Democratique lost one of its few active labour unionists in the House. Jonquieres-Alma, the site of Canada’s first pulp mill at Val Jalbert, is one of our core industrial ridings. The Saguenay region recently witnessed an eighteen month lock-out at Rio-Tinto Alcan, where the company imposed concessions similar to those at US-Steel in Hamilton and Vale-Inco in Sudbury. the federal section at the constituent – Marc Garneau has just dropped out Not only did Patry win the seat congress in 1961. Since the Trudeau of the Liberal leadership race, ensuring for the NPD, he defeated the twice- era, so ossified and automatic was Junior Trudeau’s coronation – all on incumbent Harperite cabinet minister NDP separatism-bashing that we let the weekend of our crucial Montreal Jean Pierre Blackburn in a bitter two-way Stephen Harper beat us to a very belated convention. fight, increasing our vote by almost 40%. recognition of Quebec’s Nationhood. What the party needs to do In the Quebec National Assembly, the ’s defiantin our ROC heartlands is to conduct a seat is a solid PQ fiefdom like many other rejection of Trudeau’s 1970 War Measures vaccination campaign against Trudeau- NPD ridings -- including, for example, Act was a rare moment when the party mania II. We must expose simplistic Alexandre Boulerice’s Rosemont-la- had it correct. The Waffle argued jingoism and overcome the Anglo Petitie-Patrie. early that an independent socialist establishment’s bullheaded approach To pillory Claude Patry now Canada had to start with recognizing which is so well criticized in John as a defector in robocalls from Ottawa Quebec’s essential right to national self- Conway’s Debts to Pay (see review). NDP HQ was a futile, knee-jerk reaction. determination. The NDP eventually Conway’s book is just the vaccine to do Chantal Valleyrand conceded as much adopted this plank. But the low point the job. A pro-active leadership should in a prime-time radio interview with came with Roy Romanow’s sordid role in place it on our NPD.ca web site and Jacques Beauchamp. The robocalls got the 1981 Kitchen Coup. invite its author to do a coast-to-coast no response, she had to admit. Later on, the me-too stance speaking tour. Mulcair’s stance in favor of of Bob Rae at Meech Lake and Also, given the Idle No More Harper’s funding of Labrador’s Muskrat Charlottetown only played into the upsurge, we should re-think our Falls project – without calling for similar hands of the arch-chauvinist Reform constitutional approach to First Nations. funding of Quebec hydro projects – is Party in the Rest Of Canada (ROC). It The NDP can learn from the examples another example of something that also gave birth to the Bloc Quebecois of progressive regimes in Bolivia and rankles Quebec voters. and the narrow, razor-edge federalist Ecuador. We can only hope that the Bloc victory in the 1995 Quebec referendum. Let’s begin with a pluri-national Quebcois doesn’t call Mulcair’s bluff It has taken two decades, directorate at party HQ. Like the NHL and get Patry to cause a by-election in plus Jack Layton’s uncanny and folksy owners, we are skating on thin ice. Let’s Jonquieres-Alman. That could be a ‘bye- approach – so lacking in the cerebral rise above the mindless, anti-Quebec bye’ election for our 2015 Quebec hopes. Mulcair – to unleash the Orange Wave. body checking in the ROC. n What is it that makes Quebec so Elsewhere in this magazine, Richard volatile for us? Fidler explains that, while Craig Scott’s Hans Modlich is Swiss-Canadian and an Following the creation of the private member’s Bill C-470 is a welcome NDP activist in Beaches-EastYork. He New Party, we lost fiery Quebec labor first step, it will take more than that. is a frequent commentator on Quebec leader Michel Chartrand, who tried in At this writing – the white issues in Turn Left. See vain to gain a modicum of autonomy for smoke had just risen above the Vatican www.ndpsocialists.ca.

20 Turn Left/Virez à gauche Exposing Canada’s “Petro State” Foreign Policy

By Yves Engler than 60 percent of the world’s mining International Monetary Fund Structural companies are listed on this country’s Adjustment Programs that pried open Two recent developments within stock exchanges, and as much as 80 African economies to foreign investors in corporate Canada help explain Stephen percent of global mining equity nancing the 1980s and 90s have enabled a 110 fold Harper’s more imperialistic foreign takes place in Canada. increase in Canadian mining assets across policy. Overseas mining prots make the continent - from $250 million in 1989 Canada’s growing “petro up a big part of corporate Canada’s to $29 billion today. state” has driven a more extreme, anti- yearly income. And it’s not just resource e situation is similar in many internationalist, foreign policy. With tar companies beneting. In October, for Latin American countries. For instance, sands production growing from 600,000 instance, Toronto-based law rm Fasken there were no Canadian mines operating barrels per day in 2000 to 1,600,000 today, Martineau announced that it would in Mexico in 1994. By 2010, there were this basically guarantees that Canada will take over South Africa’s Bell Dewar. about 375 Canadian-run projects. Before oppose or out international agreements According to the Globe and Mail, “Fasken the reforms that came with the NAFTA, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Martineau says its expansion there is Mexico’s constitution dictated that land, Environment minister Peter Kent made primarily driven by its mining industry subsoil and its riches were the property this point forcefully in March when he clients as they increasingly invest not just of the state and recognized the collective described the Kyoto Protocol as “probably in South Africa, but across the continent.” right of communities to land through the biggest foreign policy mistake the Similarly, Canadian banks have set up the ejido system. Constitutional changes previous Liberal government made.” e shop in a number of countries specically in 1992 allowed for sale of lands to politicians most committed to tar sands to service miners. ScotiaBank, for third parties, including multinational expansion have an incentive to build example, announced that it would expand corporations. Combined with a new Law hostility towards international accords its operations in Peru to do more business on Foreign Investment, the Mining Law and the UN. with mining clients. of 1992 allowed for 100 percent foreign Another development that Canadian mining prots are control in the exploration and production helps explain the Conservatives more heavily dependent on a quarter century of mines. With hundreds of projects in aggressive foreign policy is the incredible of neoliberal reforms. Privatizations of Mexico, Canadian mining companies growth in Canada’s mining sector. state-run mining companies, loosening have been the biggest winners from these Canadian mining companies’ overseas restrictions on foreign investment and reforms. investments increased from $30 billion reductions in government royalty rates in 2002 to $210 billion last year. More have greatly beneted Canadian miners. continued on page twenty three

REVIEW At the very outset, let’s be reconciliation. It always has. Indeed the Debts to Pay: The Future of clear here that we’re not talking about last forty years have been characterized any monetary debts. Conway clinically by increasingly urgent appeals from the Federalism in Quebec re-examines each legacy bequeathed to Quebecois... But it cannot be on English by John F. Conway us by previous Liberal and Tory federal Canada’s terms as it always has been in intransigence and bullying which have the past. Reviewed by Hans Modlich resulted in an uninterrupted string of The reconciliation the failures to come to constitutional terms. Quebecois seek insists that we in This work, like no other Anglo Conway explains the English Canada accept the fundamental Canadian book, dissects the historical sensitivities and humiliations underlying legitimacy and correctness of their debts that English Canada has incurred the nationalism of the once conquered historical grievances.... English Canada over the life of our uneasy relationship as and occupied, the erstwhile cheap must now yield to the Quebecois two solitudes in a single federated state. labour force made to ‘speak-white’. nation the powers it needs to protect, Authored by the longtime University of But he goes beyond the stereotypical strengthen and enhance that nation. To Regina academic, John F. Conway, born and updates us also with the modern do otherwise... to threaten and bully... and raised in Moose Jaw, in the province interests of a largely emancipated with the use of legal technicalities and that gave us Tommy Douglas, we New Quebec, entrepreneurial, now corporate superior federal power, will provoke Democrats should take it to heart in its own right, and shaping a vibrant an uglier confrontation at the next especially. culture and economic identity of its eruption of Quebecois nationalism and In my opinion, it is the best way own – in contrasts to the immutable, sovereignty. The Quebecois nation out of the emotional conundrum that domineering Anglo corporate class. does not believe we have yet paid our clouds the historical facts once they are Like Jack Layton, Conway [historical] debt. Nor do many of us. We freed from the distorted reporting we is convinced, and I quote: “The can pay them now, or we can pay them encounter in our corporate media. Quebecois nation has the will to seek a later. But pay them we must.” n

Turn Left/Virez à gauche 21 nion leaders of the Ontario to defend workers publicly. She focuses leadership. Public Service, auto workers, her criticisms on the financial costs to be Unions would be in a better steel workers, postal workers, incurred by government in defending the position to fight and win by launching Uand Catholic teachers have legality of the actions of the big business mobilization efforts months before recently given way to concessions in parties against labour. Needed now, more the beginning of bargaining, through bargaining. Elementary and secondary than ever, is a working class fightback in bulletins, guest speakers at local events, public school teacher leaders caved the NDP, to push the party to the left to and regional educational conferences to the Ontario Labour Relations Board challenge austerity, and to embrace more on what capitalist austerity is, and how ruling banning a one-day political strike. democratic and socialist principles. to fight it. Our unions should focus on a Now all teachers are forced to live under There are good examples of clear message, such as “no concessions,” the thumb of undemocratic Bill 115. effective protests against austerity. The or “we didn’t create this crisis, and we Labour brass rhetoric aside, concessions Occupy movement, under the slogan “We won’t pay for it.” Members require the

Concessions Cripple Labour’s Struggle Against Capitalist Austerity bargaining is now the norm, not the are the 99%,” showed for the first time in tools to fight back. That is what unions exception, impacting most harmfully on a generation that there is a class struggle, should provide. youths, women and immigrant workers. that working people did not create the By accepting concessions, the Also lacking is any serious economic crisis, and should not pay for labour movement signals to the ruling class attempt to work in a common front it. The massive and persistent Quebec that it will tolerate the austerity agenda against the austerity agenda. A recent students’ strike in 2012 is another – in effect making working people pay example is the true sectarian fashion in excellent example of a fightback against for the economic crisis we are enduring. which the Ontario Public Statements such as “the Service Employees government/employer Union organized a would not budge” are separate protest to a very poor excuse to occur at the Ontario accept concessions. If Liberal leadership the bosses don’t budge, convention early in the why should we collapse? morning of January Typically, 26, 2013, denying union bureaucrats members from outside lack confidence in the Toronto the opportunity membership, which to participate in the is why there is little if Ontario Federation any talk of mass strike of Labour afternoon action, even in the face protest demonstration of vicious attacks by and rally (because they the business elite in the would need later bus workplace, parliament transportation back to and the media. The their regions across the idea that labour will turn province). The OFL rally things around “when the was planned months in economy recovers,” or advance. It spoke for the that a struggle against majority of the labour management will occur movement with its more without the union rank than 20,000 members and file challenging the present at the event. union bureaucracy, are Today, much of grand delusions. Class the labour leadership struggle opposition in has virtually abandoned the fight against austerity. Striking Quebec students each union is no abstract ideal. It is an the capitalist austerity agenda. The rallied public support for universal access urgent necessity to avoid an accelerating labour-based has to quality post-secondary education, and descent into labour hell. n likewise played a pathetic role, shying hastened the defeat of the governing away from taking a strong stand for Quebec Liberal party and the reversal Julius Arscott is an OPSEU member, workers and against austerity. Ontario of the tuition hike. This shows what Socialist Caucus activist and Federal NDP Leader has failed is possible when there is progressive NDP Council Candidate

22 Turn Left/Virez à gauche Socialist Caucus Public Forums at NDP/NPD Federal Convention

Friday, April 12 Saturday, April 13 At lunch break, room Room 513C At lunch break, in room Room 513C

“Quebec and the NDP,” and “Canadian Military Intervention in Asia, Africa and the “Why Quebec Students are in the Streets Again” Caribbean - Where Does the NDP stand?”

Speakers: Speakers:

Andre Frappier is official male spokesperson for Quebec Raymond Legault is an anti-war activist and one of the Solidaire, a former NDP/NPD federal election candidate, and spokespersons for “Echec a la guerre”, a coalition created in a former executive member of the Canadian Union of Postal 2002, when the US was preparing to invade Iraq. He teaches Workers. Computer Science at College Ahuntsic.

Adam Szymanski is a Socialist Caucus candidate for NDP Barry Weisleder is the chairperson of the NDP Socialist Executive. He has worked as a union steward, radio show Caucus, and editorial board member of Turn Left, secondary host and regular contributor to the Western New Democrats school teacher, and organizer of Toronto Substitute Teachers’ publication L.E.F.T. (Liberty Equality Freedom Truth). Action Caucus.

Suite de la page 19 vérité sur le pouvoir des entreprises. Ce personne ne met ses espoirs en vous. ne serait qu’exprimer des valeurs qui ont J’admire la confiance que Mul- que les conservateurs dévoilent l’offre propulsé le NPD à un sommet historique cair s’est attirée auprès des Canadiens définitive aux Canadiens avant de à l’élection de 2011. grâce à son style d’opposition fondée soulever une objection reviendrait à ver- Pour les quatre millions et sur des principes à la Chambre. Lorsqu’il rouiller les portes de l’écurie après que demi d’électeurs du NPD et les millions est question d’une entente portant sur les chevaux ont pris la fuite. de plus que le parti espère gagner à sa le commerce international qui place Raison supplémentaire pour le cause, la propension à mettre en sour- l’intérêt des entreprises avant l’intérêt NPD de dénoncer l’entente et de révéler dine ses propres valeurs ne dénote pas public, les Canadiens s’attendent à sur la place publique que nous sommes des qualités de chef inspiré. Si le passé la même probité. Le NPD doit saisir dans la mélasse. Exposer l’entente de est garant de l’avenir, voyons un peu du l’occasion d’offrir une alternative vision- libre-échange avec l’UE comme Déclara- côté des libéraux. Ils ont appris par la naire pour le commerce qui soit durable, tion des droits de l’entreprise n’a rien méthode forte que lorsque vous oubliez équitable et juste. n d’alarmiste, c’est au contraire dire la ce que vous êtes censé représenter, plus

Foreign Policy, from page twenty one LOG On TO our website Today, any government in the and sign up to our world that increases resource royalty facebook group rates or nationalizes extractive industries is a threat to Canadian mining interests. Our newly designed website includes articles Yet, these types of reforms are oen the from SC supporters and information about past rst pushed by governments and social and future events. www.ndpsocialists.ca movements resisting neoliberalism. A July 2012 Globe and Mail business Don’t forget to sign up to our Facebook group. headline described the phenomenon Just type “Socialist Caucus” in the search bar, and this way: “In Latin America, nationalism you’ll find us. Become a member of the group and join in the discussion. stumps Canadian [resource] companies” while that same month an Embassy headline noted: “Canadian mining rms Donate to the Socialist Caucus confront new wave of Latin American nationalization.” The Socialist Caucus spends its resources publishing editions of Turn Left, Put simply, Canadian mining issues literature to promote SC candidates for executive, promotes public prots are closely tied to maintaining, if forums and produces SC posters, stickers, buttons and more. not expanding, a particularly rapacious form of “free” market capitalism. is If you can give, now is the time. We can make a real difference in creating a reality has pushed Ottawa towards a more more democratic party. Please send a cheque to: NDP Socialist Caucus, 526 aggressive international posture. n Roxton Rd. Toronto, ON. M6G 3R4. Turn Left/Virez à gauche 23 Socialist Caucus Candidates for Federal NDP Council

The Socialist Caucus is presenting a team of candidates for the Federal NDP Council at Convention on April 12 to 14. Let’s build a more democratic, socialist and participatory NDP. Please support our candidates.

John Orrett for Treasurer Adam Szymanski for Quebec Rep. Judy Koch for Disability Com. Rep.

District Chief with Adam Szymanski is Judy is a long time the Toronto Fire Vice-President of social activist, is a Services, John has the Teaching and member of the NDP been a member Research Assistant Socialist Caucus of the NDP for union at Concordia federal and Ontario 40 years and is University, where steering committees, presently the he is working on and is on the Federal President his PhD. Adam is Toronto Danforth for the Thornhill the spokesperson NDP executive. A Riding Association. for the Concordia frequent visitor to He has an Honours BA in Political Graduate Student Association’s Boycott, revolutionary Cuba, Judy also attended Science with credits in economics Divestment and was a CLASSE congress the World Social Forum in Caracas, and international affairs. He calls representative during the Quebec Venezuela in 2006. Her campaign for on your support to help build riding student strike. Adam worked as a union executive is centered on building a more associations that are active with local steward, student journalist and radio democratic and inclusive party ready to issues and will create a stronger NDP. show host. take on corporate power.

Julius Arscott for Evan Engering for Labour Vice- Yasin Kaya for Visible Minorities Rep Ontario Region Representative President Yasin migrated to The Vice President Even is a labour Canada from Turkey of OPSEU local 532, activist, member of to pursue a PhD Julius has worked in the Socialist Caucus degree in Politics at the Ontario Public steering committee, . He Service for over ten and member of is a member of CUPE years. Currently ENDProhibition, the Local 3903, NDP in the Ministry anti-prohibitionist Socialist Caucus, of Environment, wing of Canada’s Socialist Action- Julius has worked NDP. Canada, and Workers’ in several OPSEU Solidarity Party in Turkey. campaigns, including the anti-wage freeze initiative. Julius is also active Tyler MacKinnon for NDYC Representative in the anti-war movement and has Tyler is a Ryerson University student in Politics and Governance and a former been a long time environmentalist and member of the ONDY executive. He is the Etobicoke Centre NDP delegate to outdoorsman. convention, and is a supporter of the NDP Socialist Caucus.

NDP Socialist Caucus Le Caucus socialiste NPD

he NDP Socialist Caucus is a group of party e Caucus Socialiste du NPD est un groupe de membres du Tmembers who believe that in order to survive, the Lparti qui croient que, dans le but de survivre, le Nouveau New Democratic Party must move to the Left and join Parti démocratique doit se déplacer vers la gauche et rejoindre working Canadians and their allies in the struggle for les travailleurs et les travailleuses canadien-nes et leurs allié-es socialism, democracy and freedom. dans la lutte pour le socialisme, la démocratie et la liberté.

Founded by NDP members in Toronto in 1998, we be- Fondé par des membres du NPD à Toronto en 1998, nous lieve that the struggle for peace, women’s rights and croyons que la lutte pour la paix, les droits des femmes et environmental sustainability is central to the creation la durabilité de l’environnement est essentielle à la création of a better world. The Socialist Caucus also believes d’un monde meilleur. Le Caucus Socialiste estime que le NPD that the NDP must become more democratic and al- doit devenir plus démocratique et permettre une plus grande low for greater debate and bottom-up participation in participation et un débat de la base au somment dans le parti the party and at conventions. We invite you to join us. et aux congrès.