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!
Just a quick reminder that Nathan Cullen will be here in a little over twenty minutes to answer your questions!
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!
Thanks for the welcome Catchfire. I'm keen to try out new politics in real time! Let the conversation begin
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.
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?
[withdrawn] :)
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?
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!
Thanks for joining us Nathan.
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
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?
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?
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
Thanks for those responses, Nathan.
Time is flying so we should move to our second question, which concerns the NDP's rural policies:
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.
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
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.
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.
Good follow-up Catchfire!
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.
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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.
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).
Nathan, we also have a secondary question on the same topic:
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
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.
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.
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:
Thanks for the answer Mr.Cullen.
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?
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.
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.
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!
We could always use more help so if you want to help spread the word let us know.
Thanks for those responses, Nathan. Our next question concerns the recent international discussion raised by the #occupy movement.
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"?
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.
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?
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.
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?
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!)
Sorry Catahfire
Thank you Catchfire for moderating this Q&A so effectively, and thank you Nathan for sharing your vision for Canada with us.
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
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.
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:
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.
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!
Civil disobedience!
I think you're awesome, Nathan, and I also love your sense of humour, especially in the debates!
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
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