TODAY: Nathan Cullen answers your questions on his candidacy for NDP Leader

80 posts / 0 new

Thu, 2012-02-16 01:28

Catchfire

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP and NDP Leadership candidate Nathan Cullen will be dropping by babble today, February 16, at 2:30 PST/5:30 EST to answer your questions on his quest for the keys to Stornoway.

Potential interview questions have already been submitted here and here, and a list of those submissions has been assembled by the editorial staff of rabble.ca. Each selected question will be posed by a moderator (i.e. me) and then Nathan will offer his response. Once Nathan has responded to the initial question, babblers are welcome to offer comments and follow-up questions in this thread; although, Nathan may not be able to get to them all.

For an idea of how this session will run, see our previous discussion with Libby Davies last fall.

Unlike other threads on babble, abusive posts will be deleted immediately. In the interest of tidyness and readability, superfluous or digressive posts may be removed as well.

Come back at 2:30 PST/5:30 EST to read what Nathan has to say!

Issues Pages:

NDP

Regions:

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:07

Catchfire

Just a quick reminder that Nathan Cullen will be here in a little over twenty minutes to answer your questions!

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:30

Catchfire

Hi Everyone! I'm here with Nathan Cullen and he's ready to answer your questions. So please join me in welcoming Nathan to babble!

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:33

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Thanks for the welcome Catchfire. I'm keen to try out new politics in real time! Let the conversation begin

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:35

Catchfire

Hi Stephen, thanks for your question, but please read the terms of engagement at the top of the page. Hopefully we can get to your question later!

Our first question is about your much-discussed cooperation plan with other progressive parties as a strategy to defeat the Conservatives.

dacckon wrote:
Why should we be having this conversation when we achieved our greatest electoral victory and when other social democratic governments dominate the political stage in other countries without this plan? Are there any other parties in other jurisdictions that have used this plan and achieved a successful result?

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:36

NDP_MEMBER

Hey I want to know more about your stance on Marijuana decriminalization because they're all sorts of levels this can be done. Are you talking about the way the Liberals did it a while back or more like Holland because both are classified as decriminalization?

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:37

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

I believe the incredibly strong showing on May 2nd allows us to lead a conversation that is most urgent right now. The Harpe gouvernement is fundamentally altering our nation and our ability to have a voice in our country's future. The crisis of climate change, growing inequality and the dominance of oil industry interests demands that we rise to the crisis and be more generous in our politics. The progressive majority of Canadians deserve a progressive government and we will bring in voting reform once government to ensure that this is the future.

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:38

stephen elliott... stephen elliott-buckley's picture

[withdrawn] :)

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:39

algomafalcon

If Canada were to become a republic (as you suggest as a possibility), how would we choose the head of state? What powers would the Head of State have over the PM and parliament?

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:41

#10

Catchfire

Hi everyone -- thanks for your interest, but we have a protocol outlined in the opening post. Our first question is on the board, and open for discussion. To keep the flow going, please wait with your questions until the end. Nathan may not respond otherwise (although I think NDP_MEMBER managed to squeek one in!

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:41

#11

Howard

Thanks for joining us Nathan.

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:42

#12

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Hey NDP_Member - thanks for the question. Answer in two parts. One is that for the next 3.5 years our efforts are to hold back the worst of the worst of the "war on drugs" crusade from the government. I believe that that war has been an unmitigated failure and when you're in a hole you shouldn't keep digging.

Decriminilization seems to be the place we can get to but first things first - a progressive government who's willing to have a real conversation

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:42

#13

Catchfire

Nathan, we have one follow-up question to your co-operation plan. Many babblers have been wondering if your co-operation plan includes the Bloc Québecios. Considering the vast support the NDP recieved in Quebec this past May, why not include progressives from the BQ in your plan?

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:43

#14

theleftyinvestor

I hope this is related enough to constitute a follow-up. If you do not win leadership, will you continue advocating for this plan within the party? And if you are not leader, what else do you think can be your greatest contributions to beating Harper in 2015?

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:47

#15

Ryan1812

Hi Nathan. First, thanks for joining us. We spoke a while back (podcast from China) on developing a green strategy and not putting the economy at risk. You made some excellent points about the fault of this binary: it's either the environment or the economy. I wonder though how it is possible, in your opinion, to engage with a trading partner like China when all they really want are our natural resources? How do we go about dealing with China without sacrificing our principles (environment and human rights concerns included). Thank you and good luck.

Ryan

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:48

#16

Catchfire

Thanks for those responses, Nathan.

Time is flying so we should move to our second question, which concerns the NDP's rural policies:

Stuart Parker wrote:
Currently, the NDP has been successful in winning and holding rural ridings like yours: northerly, wet, forested, based around mill towns and dependent on the forest and fishing sectors but has not enjoyed the same kind of success in other rural ridings, particularly those based around farming, ranching and petroleum that are drier and located in the southern part of the country. As an MP who has worked on rural issues generally, how would you go about making the party more appealing in the rural areas where it currently lacks representation?

ETA. Again, please re-read the opening post! We have a series of questions on themes that have already been submitted by babblers. We will try to get to all of your questions later, time permitting.

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:48

#17

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

To the leftyinvestor - yes, absolutely I will continue to advocate for a strategy that I see as worthy of conversation and potential unifier for the country. With Avaaz and Leadnow advocating it has gained some real strength. In terms of the Bloc, that while I acknowledge they have progressive policies we are focused on Conservative seats and want to build on the progressive federalist vote from the last campaign. Talk of the Bloc brings us into another conversation that isn't helpful

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:48

#18

NDP_MEMBER

Ok because just trying to clarify what is meant be decrimnalization? because its a term many politicians just throw around when there all tons of different levels of decriminalization.

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:49

#19

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Stuart Parker wrote:
Currently, the NDP has been successful in winning and holding rural ridings like yours: northerly, wet, forested, based around mill towns and dependent on the forest and fishing sectors but has not enjoyed the same kind of success in other rural ridings, particularly those based around farming, ranching and petroleum that are drier and located in the southern part of the country. As an MP who has worked on rural issues generally, how would you go about making the party more appealing in the rural areas where it currently lacks representation?

This is a great question and fundamental both to the future success of New Democrats and Canadians more broadly. The heart of the answer lies in policies that drive the creation of a value-added economy. The rural community relies on this kind of economy to be healthy and strong. Respect for the differences that exist in rural Canada is what all of our policies (from First Nations rights and title to food security) is at the foundation of my work.

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:49

#20

Howard

Catchfire wrote:

Nathan, we have one follow-up question to your co-operation plan. Many babblers have been wondering if your co-operation plan includes the Bloc Québecios. Considering the vast support the NDP recieved in Quebec this past May, why not include progressives from the BQ in your plan?

Good follow-up Catchfire!

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:52

#21

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Hey Ryan1812 - thanks for the question and as we've just come out of Mr Harper's "Pandas for Pipelines" trip it's a critical question for both countries. Trade can (but not always) enhance cultural exchange and the improvement of rights on both sides. But this hasn't been at the heart of our trade policy for more than a generation. We can talk trade, human rights and the environment all at the same time ... but only if we create a government who cares about those things. We will.

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:54

#22

Howard

Can't say I agree. Bloc voters were very helpful to the NDP winning Conservative seats in Québec and they will be essential to defeating the remaining Conservatives in the province. The NDP has already united most of the Liberal + Green support outside of Liberal-held seats. We need the Bloc to help us dislodge the remaining Conservatives.

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:54

#23

NDP_MEMBER

Do you have a plan to improve the internet quality/cost in rural locations, because It's quite a joke in some locations...to get a half decent connection I have to pay over $140 a month to companies like Rogers and it is still subpar (drops, etc).

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:55

#24

Catchfire

Nathan, we also have a secondary question on the same topic:

Life, the Universe and Everything wrote:
How do you propose to get southern rural Canadians, in places outside the west, to abandon the Conservatives (and non-voting) and begin to move towards electing New Democrats?

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:58

#25

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

I've met folks on this campaign paying as much as $300 per month for bad high-speed

We had a rural infrastructure fund meant for this exact purpose. Some of the money was badly (read - to friends of the past government) spent and we must focus on areas of need. We have some of the highest rates in the world and this particularly hurts those out of the city

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:59

#26

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Life, the Universe and Everything wrote:
How do you propose to get southern rural Canadians, in places outside the west, to abandon the Conservatives (and non-voting) and begin to move towards electing New Democrats?

I think we need both. Our gains in western Canada in the last election were decidedly not strong. Mr. Harper now takes the west for granted and we have incredible opportunity for growth here. In southern rural communities the issues are much aligned to what's happening in all parts of rural Canada. With a strong value-added manufacturing strategy and revamped trade strategy we can speak to all Canadians about creating the kind of progressive economy that will pay for the services that we need.

Thu, 2012-02-16 17:59

#27

Catchfire

By the way, if the page seems slow, it's only because we have a huge spike in traffic right now. So please be patient.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:02

#28

Catchfire

On to our third question, then, since we're getting a bit behind schedule:

Our very own Unionist has a series of three questions on your policy toward Quebec sovereignty:

Unionist wrote:
1. Do you recognize Québec's right to secede from Canada based solely on a 50% + 1 vote on a referendum question determined by the Assemblée Nationale?

2. Do you support the amendment of the Canada Labour Code to incorporate the same anti-scab provisions as the Québec code?

3. Do you support the application of Bill 101 to enterprises under federal jurisdiction in Québec?

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:03

#29

NDP_MEMBER

Thanks for the answer Mr.Cullen.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:04

#30

Howard

Nathan Cullen wrote:

Life, the Universe and Everything wrote:
How do you propose to get southern rural Canadians, in places outside the west, to abandon the Conservatives (and non-voting) and begin to move towards electing New Democrats?

I think we need both. Our gains in western Canada in the last election were decidedly not strong. Mr. Harper now takes the west for granted and we have incredible opportunity for growth here. In southern rural communities the issues are much aligned to what's happening in all parts of rural Canada. With a strong value-added manufacturing strategy and revamped trade strategy we can speak to all Canadians about creating the kind of progressive economy that will pay for the services that we need.

I like this answer. How can we show Canadians that "Mr. Harper now takes the west for granted" and how do we make that message resonate in rural ridings that the NDP does not currently hold?

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:06

#31

MMASK

Mr Cullen I have been told that you have had a surpising lack of people in Kitimat willing to sign up as members in the NDP in order to vote for you in the leadership campaign. I believe the community has turned to the right and is now a conservative stronghold community and will not look favorably on you in the future if you faill in your bid to become leader. What are your thoughts on this.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:07

#32

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Unionist wrote:
1. Do you recognize Québec's right to secede from Canada based solely on a 50% + 1 vote on a referendum question determined by the Assemblée Nationale?

2. Do you support the amendment of the Canada Labour Code to incorporate the same anti-scab provisions as the Québec code?

3. Do you support the application of Bill 101 to enterprises under federal jurisdiction in Québec?

New Democrat policy, and one I support, is expressed in the Sherbrooke is that 50% plus 1 is a majority and according to the Supreme Court that is a mandate to negotiate. We have moved several private members bills in parliament to enable Quebecers to receive services from businesses under federal jurisdiction in French. I support these efforts.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:08

#33

Boom Boom

I realize time's about up, but I'm dying to know, Nathan, if there's a way to stop the Northern Gateway Pipeline if Harper decides to override a negaive assessment by the board or panel overseeing the hearings.

PS: keep up the great work!

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:09

#34

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Quote:
Mr Cullen I have been told that you have had a surpising lack of people in Kitimat willing to sign up as members in the NDP in order to vote for you in the leadership campaign. I believe the community has turned to the right and is now a conservative stronghold community and will not look favorably on you in the future if you faill in your bid to become leader. What are your thoughts on this.Thanks for the question. Well, we one 21 out of 21 polls in Kitimat in the last election so I feel pretty good about my support there. In terms of the leadership race our team there has been active and I'm proud of their work.

We could always use more help so if you want to help spread the word let us know.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:11

#35

Catchfire

Thanks for those responses, Nathan. Our next question concerns the recent international discussion raised by the #occupy movement.

Tommy_Paine wrote:
One of the slogans coming out of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement is "Separation of Corporation and State." First, do you "believe" in the 'separation of corporation and sate", and if so, what would you see as the most important first legislative step to accomplish that end?

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:11

#36

Lord Palmerston

The military budget has ballooned under the Harper govt. Do you support a reduction in military spending, and if so, by about how much? Also, how do we convert to less of a "war" economy, since a common (and legitimate) response to such a question is "what about those people whose employment depends on the military"?

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:13

#37

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Tommy_Paine wrote:
One of the slogans coming out of the "Occupy Wall Street" movement is "Separation of Corporation and State." First, do you "believe" in the 'separation of corporation and sate", and if so, what would you see as the most important first legislative step to accomplish that end?

Traditionally private industry has existed under the power of the state and that it was a privilege (not a right) to operate a business. Now it seems that the tail wags the dog and that Canada now has a lobbyist for the oil sector in the prime minister and his cabinet. I'm not aware of any legislative barriers that prevent our governments from reestablishing the role and responsibility of the state.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:13

#38

NDP_MEMBER

MMASK wrote:

Mr Cullen I have been told that you have had a surpising lack of people in Kitimat willing to sign up as members in the NDP in order to vote for you in the leadership campaign. I believe the community has turned to the right and is now a conservative stronghold community and will not look favorably on you in the future if you faill in your bid to become leader. What are your thoughts on this.

I'm not Nathan, but my thoughts are that's pure BS..you really think the people of kitimat support a oil pipeline going through it?

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:14

#39

Howard

Catchfire, you're doing a great job and Nathan thank you for your answers. I'm still waiting on pins and needles for Nathan's answer to some of the questions that have been raised about his interest in Canada's relationship with the Crown and how that might affect First Nations among others.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:15

#40

Todrick of Chat...

Nathan,

What are your feelings on the situation in Libya? Do you still support the actions carried out by the RCAF on the poorly direction and mandate given by parliament?

How do you feel about illegal regime changes that Canada has taken part in over the last decade?

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:16

#41

Catchfire

Hi Todrick, we have a question about foreign policiy and Libya coming up, so please stay in tune with the flow of the conversation (insofar as that's possible!)

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:18

#42

Todrick of Chat...

Sorry Catahfire

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:20

#43

MegB

Thank you Catchfire for moderating this Q&A so effectively, and thank you Nathan for sharing your vision for Canada with us.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:20

#44

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Hey Howard - I was coming just got busy.

I've suggested that Canadians should be asked what we want our relationship to be with the crown. It seems as passing strange that the Queen or her rep must sign of on all of our laws and allow or disallow parliament to be closed. If the power isn't real (they don't ever refuse to sign our laws from parliament) then why have it?

First Nations get no respect from the current government or the queen before that we need a new and respectful relationship on govt to govt relations

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:21

#45

Boom Boom

I really hate to beg while time flies by so quickly, but if Nathan could suggest a plan of action if Harper overrides a negative evaluation of the Northern Gateway Pipeline, I'll be really, really happy.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:21

#46

Catchfire

We may only have time for one more prepared question. This one concerns NDP's foreign policy and the current crisis in Libya and is from good ol' NDPP:

NDPP wrote:
Do you still believe in light of the results, that your vote yes for the use of 'R2P' NATO force in Libya was the right one? Are you aware that serious allegations of warcrimes have been made?

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:22

#47

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

NDPP wrote:
Do you still believe in light of the results, that your vote yes for the use of 'R2P' NATO force in Libya was the right one? Are you aware that serious allegations of warcrimes have been made?

I still believe that I voted correctly given the information and the imminent threat from the Libyan regime. My only regret was that we didn't take more time in our deliberations prior to the vote being cast. In future we must seek greater and deeper council before we commit to armed engagements again.

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:23

#48

Howard

Nathan Cullen wrote:

Hey Howard - I was coming just got busy.

I've suggested that Canadians should be asked what we want our relationship to be with the crown. It seems as passing strange that the Queen or her rep must sign of on all of our laws and allow or disallow parliament to be closed. If the power isn't real (they don't ever refuse to sign our laws from parliament) then why have it?

First Nations get no respect from the current government or the queen before that we need a new and respectful relationship on govt to govt relations

Thanks so much for your answer. My question/concern is that as First Nation's treaties (and land claims) are signed with the Crown, and that they could lose those rights if Canada's relationship with the Crown is changed. It must be tough keeping up with all these questions!

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:26

#49

Howard

Boom Boom wrote:

I really hate to beg while time flies by so quickly, but if Nathan could suggest a plan of action if Harper overrides a negative evaluation of the Northern Gateway Pipeline, I'll be really, really happy.

Civil disobedience!

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:26

#50

Boom Boom

I think you're awesome, Nathan, and I also love your sense of humour, especially in the debates!

Thu, 2012-02-16 18:27

#51

Nathan Cullen Nathan Cullen's picture

Hello Boom Boom

Good and sadly relevant question

Mr. Harper would almost certainly try to "overrule" an NEB rejection of Gateway two things come to mind: the law may not allow him to. Second, the people I've met and the folks I represent won't let that kind of injustice take place

He's put the whole process in disrepute with his bullying and put Canadians into a real state of anger by his attempted bullying. Bad move