Name Change for Two Nova Scotian NDP Groups

There has been a great deal of discussion since the last federal election about what steps the New Democratic Party can take to avoid becoming irrelevant. In an attempt to ensure their place in the process, the Dalhousie and Saint Mary's University Nova Scotia NDP Youth Wing clubs recently voted in favour of changing their names. The groups are now known as the New Party Youth Movement (NPYM). The motion for this change contained the phrase "Whereas the NDP has lost its connection with many in the broader left." It was passed unanimously.

Afterwards, the clubs were flooded by questions from both the local media and the senior party. The former was quick to conclude that this was yet another blow to the faltering NDP. The latter suddenly scrambled to invite student representatives to speak on panels about the future of the party.

One of the first things the two groups did under their new name? They spoke out in support of Howard Epstein, a beleaguered NDP provincial MLA, whose stance against prayer in the legislature was largely unsupported by other members of the caucus. The clubs are also contacting party youth across Canada. It seems that it isn't only some Nova Scotians who are frustrated and alienated by internal politics.

Since the story broke, two more NPYM groups have come to be: one in Port Hawksbury Nova Scotia, another made up of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth province-wide. Even Toronto-Centre Rosedale has passed a motion in support of this New Party Youth Movement.

At this point, the movement consists of four clubs. However, it might not be for long. The NDP youth wing's annual convention starts April 27. There, delegates will vote on whether they will ask this summer's provincial convention to present a resolution for a name change. If passed by the provincial body, the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party Youth Wing could become the New Party Youth Movement.

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