I've seen this mentioned in a few threads, but unless I'm mistaken, there isn't a thread devoted to this.
Victoria MP Denise Savoie raised the idea in an interview this week with media outlet Public Eye Online, saying the party needs the name change to reflect its broader focus."Our party was born in 1961 -- we're not 'new,' " said Savoie, who is supported by the Victoria federal NDP riding association. The issue is expected to be debated at the party's national convention in mid-August in Halifax.
The issue has already raised some opposition, with many party activists joining the Facebook group "Keep the 'New' in the NDP".
The text of one of the name-change resolutions going to the Halifax convention was posted to the group:
“Amend Party Name”Where as, the name of the NDP, New Democratic Party has been in place since 1961 at the founding convention. The word “new” does not reflect the history of the party’s achievements after 48 years of existence;
Where as, the name “Democratic Party” will associate our members with fair, strong and progressive principals that will be a brand that social democratic citizens can relate with also.
Where as, there is nothing new with social democracy and citizens and the media identify our political party with the abbreviation and acronym of NDP instead of saying New Democrat Party. Being identified as a political social party with an acronym is not good brand association. Our Democratic Party should be associated with the full meaning of being a Democratic which our modern progressive party reflects in its daily policies and principals today and into the future. Citizens and media will then refer to our party as Democratic which will reflect the meaning of our direction.
Be it resolved that Article 1: Name , of the Constitution be amended by removing the word “new” from the Party’s name and keeping only “Democratic Party” as the official name of the Party.