Any Babblers planning on attending the federal NDP Convention this year?
I believe it is being held August 14-16 at the Halifax Convention Centre.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=42586397764
Anyone want to discuss any resolutions, plans, ideas, parties?
I will be attending, and of course I will be working to introduce some sort of "end the drug war" type of resolution as well.
I thought it was going to be August 28-30, but if its August 14-16 - that is actually better timing for me. Should be fun.
I'd attend the convention but I've realized the NDP leadership doesn't care what the membership thinks. Two examples:
1.) The NDP membership wanted Canada out of Afghanistan, period. Layton waffled for a while and Dawn Black was never comfortable with it. And to get into the Coalition, the NDP agreed to stop opposing it.
2.) The vast majority of the NDP membership wanted the party to take a stronger stand against Israeli apartheid. Judy Waslycia-Leis was heckled for giving a very pro-Israel speech. Yet on Gaza, the party has refused to say anything about the occupation, instead condemning "violence on both sides."
I have been told that the date is now set at Aug 14-16. If anyone knows otherwise please let me know.
Yes Max I would agree that this happens in every party. Resolutions certainly are a part of the picture, but I have seen many resolutions get ignored and dismissed because the leadership doesn't agree.
I'd attend the convention but I've realized the NDP leadership doesn't care what the membership thinks. Two examples:
1.) The NDP membership wanted Canada out of Afghanistan, period. Layton waffled for a while and Dawn Black was never comfortable with it. And to get into the Coalition, the NDP agreed to stop opposing it.
The party's stated opinion of the occupation in Afghanistan is still there for all to read, and it is still the most progressive stance among the NDP and two old line big business, pro-USSA, and pro-Israeli colonial administrative parties ruling the roost in ottawa. We dont hear many anti-USSA speeches from the two pliant and malleable and on-the-take old line parties now or at any time since the USA's corporate takeover of Canada began. So I guess if you dont mind the kowtowing, the laying down for corporate America, and the vicious toadying to a US military agenda that's been the rule in Ottawa since the 1980s, then the NDP is definitely not the party for you. For me the choice is as easy as sex versus sticking pins in me eyes.
Yet on Gaza, the party has refused to say anything about the occupation, instead condemning "violence on both sides."
That's not true. The NDP has stated that the bombing of Gaza must stop and blockade of Gaza ended for the sake of Gazans' basic right to humanitarian aid as well as the basic right to exist.
In my opinion, the Israelis are violating the UN charter and should be threatened with expulsion as well as a UNSC resolution with teeth. Right now it's big business party number one that has failed Canadians as well as its international obligations to pursue diplomatic solutions to this crisis. The ReformaTories want giving the heave-ho from power in Ottawa, no doubt about it.
NDP MP Alex Atamenko has pointed to what is a very undemocratic situation with the UN as the context surrounding the international community's inability to come to the aid of a people undergoing ethnic purges and now naked military aggression by the fascist powers.
Well I will be there of course. I think it will be my 11th NDP convention, but I'm starting to lose count.
If there's any Babblers who want to go but perhaps cannot afford it, please contact me. I am organizing transport and lodging for groups of delegates. All that I ask in return is your vote on an anti-prohibition resolution and perhaps one or two other issues, otherwise you can vote and do as you please.
If you are interested, please contact me.
That's not true. The NDP has stated that the bombing of Gaza must stop and blockade of Gaza ended for the sake of Gazans' basic right to humanitarian aid as well as the basic right to exist.My understanding is that this is what Libby Davies has said, and that the official party line is exactly what Max Bial just said it was: both Israel and the Gazans are at fault... I could be wrong. The NDP has been so wishy-washy lately that its hard to keep track of the policy disappointments.
Maybe this will change in August.
I'm hoping to attend the Federal NDP convention in Halifax, and I'm looking forward to meeting some of the people I've seen here.
Would you like a list of local dining establishments where we could meet?
I find it odd that the federal NDP convention attracts so little interest from Babblers.
Yes David, it would be good to have a Babble meeting somewhere local.
I have been working to get End Prohibition members aware of the convention and signed up as delegates. It will be difficult in BC as the delegate sign-up and resolution submission deadline is going to come about a week after our provincial election date.
I hope to attend, but it depends on work and volunteer commitments, as well as on vacation schedules.
I looked on the NDP site and could not find a cost. Any ideas. Might like to attend and NS is a nice place to visit. Make a holiday out of it.
Last time in Quebec City the delegate fee was only $100 - peanutes compared to Liberal or Tory conventions where each delegate is typically expected to shell out $1000 delegate fees on top of all the travel and accommodation costs.
For comparison
The Conservative convention cost was roughly $600 early bird and $800 regular. All meals, hospitality rooms and events included in price. My riding association spotted us $800 each for travel and accommidations. With my tax credit it cost me $200 for registration. The NDP will be only $25, thats pretty cheap.
With that low a cost there should be twice as many in Halifax as Winnipeg (appox. 2000). However the travel costs will be higher so that might reduce attendence from farther away west.
If it works out, it will be interesting to see how the other side debates their issues.
Good luck
Most NDP riding associations can't afford to "spot" people that kind of money for travel and accommodation - and if there is any financial aid it will be reserved for people with low incomes etc...
I suspect that having the convention in Halifax will mean that the delegates will be quite heavily skewed towards Atlantic Canada. When it was in Quebec City, it was an easy train ride from Montreal, Ottawa or Toronto etc... Halifax you really have to fly to from outside the region. I snapped up my flights a month ago when Air Canada had a seat sale and Toronto-Halifax was only $109 each way. Good luck trying to get that fare now!
You were quite lucky indeed. Maybe I will see you there, we can sample one of the fine micro brews and discuss left versus right. Maybe one of us will convert. 
Once again, if there's any Babblers who want to go but perhaps cannot afford it, please contact me.
My group, End Prohibition, is organizing transport and lodging for groups of delegates. If we have enough interest we'd like to rent a few buses to bring delegates to the convention.
All that we ask in return is your vote on an anti-prohibition resolution and perhaps one or two other issues, otherwise you can vote and do as you please.
Once again, if there's any Babblers who want to go but perhaps cannot afford it, please contact me.
Affording is not the issue, but of you're bringing a stash, my arm could be twisted. :)
Anyone who has spent any time with me will know that I always bring a stash!
We're either going to rent a house in Halifax, or maybe a block of hotel rooms, specifically for the End Prohibition delegates. We'll have a fair number of medical users in the mix so wherever we stay will have to be weed friendly enough for them to be able to use their medicine.
I wonder if the NDP convention itself will have any problems with medical marijuana users imbibing their herbal medicine in the same place as the tobacco users?
I plan on being there as well....I would love to meet up with some fellow Babblers too... Anyone out there with a lay of the land that could recommend a watering hole for us to get together?
I have been told that the resolution deadline is June 15. Getting convention info from the folks on the facebook page seems easier than getting it from central command HQ: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=42586397764
I wonder if the NDP convention itself will have any problems with medical marijuana users imbibing their herbal medicine in the same place as the tobacco users?
Hi Dana, I'm not entirely sure what you mean: since December 1, 2006, tobacco smoking has been banned in all public areas in NS, including bars, restaurants, patios, and events in private clubs, community centres, fire halls, etc. A lot of places now are also prohibiting smoking close to their entrances. Some hotels and motels still have designated rooms for smoking guests, but they're getting much rarer. Smoking is also now banned in cars with children present.
So I'm a bit unclear what areas you are thinking of.
Alisea, apparently I'm a bit unclear as well. I wasn't aware of the strict anti-smoking laws in NS. I guess the smokers and the tokers will all be out on the street, careful to be away from any entrances and doorways.
I have to get a membership for this year first, and then think about going. Have cleared up having my granddaughter during this time, am having her in July instead so I can perhaps go.
I got your pm Dana, and will contact you when I am more sure if I can go or not, as it may be out of my financial range, even with some assistance from you. It has been a tough year for us.
I suspect that having the convention in Halifax will mean that the delegates will be quite heavily skewed towards Atlantic Canada. When it was in Quebec City, it was an easy train ride from Montreal, Ottawa or Toronto etc... Halifax you really have to fly to from outside the region. I snapped up my flights a month ago when Air Canada had a seat sale and Toronto-Halifax was only $109 each way. Good luck trying to get that fare now!
That's only common sense. Any national gathering of any type will be skewed towards people from the host region.
