I think, Brian, that some of the resistance to your position generally is that this comment misrepresents the structure and functioning of the NDP.  It suggests that the provincial NDP (here the BC NDP) should somehow submit to the federal NDP, rather than that the provincial parties exists as co-equals with the federal party.

It is entirely appropriate for individual MPs to comment on political issues facing the provincial parties.  While it would be acceptable for the federal leader to also comment, I would suggest that there are more important things upon which the federal leader should focus his attention.