Are Left unity and Left dialogue possible in Quebec?

7 posts / 0 new
Last post
Ken Burch
Are Left unity and Left dialogue possible in Quebec?

There's plenty of flux in the situation now....sovereigntist and federalist Lefts seeming to be divided between the open- and closed-minded, a QNDP that may or may not be launched prior to the next Quebec election, some left feds and left some sovs still clinging to the habit of voting for parties they otherwise hate over the issue and refusing to trust other parties over it, at the same time some  trying to move past the divide and maybe create some new model.

How to resolve this in a way that doesn't have the left eating itself up in what amounts to sectarian constitutionalism, therefore, is a conversation that needs to start now.

This thread is offered as what is meant to be a safe, respectful space for the long-term conversation to begin, if folks are ready for it.

And if anyone has links to sites where dialog is already underway, please post them here.

Ken Burch

btw, I'm using "feds and sovs" as abbrivieations because the full words take up a lot of space.  No disrespect to either tradition intended.

lagatta

As I said in the other thread, it can be interesting to look at the Peoples' Social Forum process for ideas.

DaveW

should bring Projet Montreal into the mix as an alliance that works,

 although fed/sov stuff all put on backburner municipally

 

lagatta

That is why it is a slightly different situation, as all parties have a tacit agreement not to discuss constitutional issues.

Alex Norris did openly support Manon Massé, though.

MegB

What is truly interesting is watching the PSF's ability to ally Original People's, Francophones, white settlers, people of colour, and a rich variety of ideologies - sometimes wildly divergent - working together for a common goal. PSF Steering Committee meetings are rarely easy, but there is such a powerful need to come together that, time-consuming as it is, the consensus decision-making model works. A great learning experience for any seasoned activist who is jaded about the ability of progressives to come together to effect change.

epaulo13

txs rebecca, for that.

..i don't speak for anyone else but boundaries are hardwired into me. i am most comfortable and work better where i understand them most. the occupy experience was positive. we're better at this consensus building today. it's all around us here in canada and the world wide. people are practicing it. check this out from the pipeline thread:

Enbridge loses the Kitimat plebiscite on Northern Gateway

quote:

Former Haisla chief Gerald Amos addressed the crowd with a megaphone.

"I think Enbridge and the government really don't understand what happened here tonight.  But I think all of us [here in the crowd] do.  Not just in this community of Kitimat, but in the entire northwest - Terrace, Prince Rupert, Smithers, all points east."

"What we witnessed was a community building exercise that should scare the shit out of them," said Amos, to huge applause and laughter.

Douglas Channel Watch was the main group organizing the "vote no" to Enbridge campaign.  An emotional Murray Minchin - the spokesperson for DCW - gave thanks to the dances given by Haisla in the group's honour.

http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/enbridge-loses-kitimat-plebiscite-...