Howdy folks,
After the Convention I took a few days off to unwind and catch up on my other work and projects.
I have just read through the very long and passionate debates here about what happened to me at the NDP Convention in Halifax.
I would like to thank the many people who have stood up for me and worked to defend me here. I am touched and very appreciative of your words of support.
I have just about finished writing a longer report which I will post here later tonight.
However, the first and biggest point I want to make is that I remain a loyal member of the NDP.
During the three days that I stood outside the Halifax Convention Centre with my sign, I did not have a single NDP member say anything negative to me at all.
On the contrary, the dozens of people who came to speak with me were friendly and supportive, and usually told me they thought I should continue my work in the NDP.
The many other delegates I met at social events also told me they supported my work, and that they were disappointed in the way I had been treated by National Director Brad Lavigne.
I received emails and texts from NDPers at the convention and across Canada who told me they were glad I was there and to keep doing what I am doing.
When I returned to Vancouver I bumped into a long-time NDP member in my riding, who has been in the NDP for many decades. The first thing he said to me was that he was glad I had stood my ground in Halifax.
I know of course that I am not beloved by every single member of the party. But after having attended over a dozen NDP conventions in eight provinces, I have generally had an overwhelmingly positive response to my work from NDP members all across the country.
The NDP is not Brad Lavigne, nor Jack Layton, and of course it's not me either. The NDP is the members of the party, and they have shown myself and End Prohibition considerable support throughout my challenges with the party.
So while it may seem odd for me to be saying this after being banned from the convention, I love the NDP! I believe in the party and I am proud to be a member.
Despite the hassles I experienced from Brad Lavigne at the Halifax convention, I still consider the NDP the best party for Canada and the best fit for me.