Sheila Fraser
2015 NDP candidate draft
Thu, 2012-10-18 10:05
#1
2015 NDP candidate draft
Thu, 2012-10-18 20:51
#2
Where do you think she should (would?) run as a candidate?
The Ottawa area?
Thu, 2012-10-18 23:40
#3
She live in far southern quebec that where Anne Minh-Thu Quach's NDP riding "Beauharnois—Salaberry". NDP 44% (+32) and BQ 33% (-17).
Fri, 2012-10-19 10:15
#4
Naomi Klein
Fri, 2012-10-19 10:41
#5
Sidney Crosby
Fri, 2012-10-19 11:08
#6
Naomi Klein
I like Naomi Klein. And I still agree with much of what she said 12 years ago, in a column entitled [url=http://www.naomiklein.org/articles/2000/12/dont-expect-ndp-lead-way]Don't expect the NDP to lead the way[/url].
You could ask her if she has changed her mind.
Fri, 2012-10-19 11:14
#7
It does sound like she thinks it could be steered in the right (left :P) direction. She did seem to endorse Cullen in the leadership race
Fri, 2012-10-19 11:16
#8
James Lockyer, a champion of the wrongly convicted and a Mulcair stalwart.
Fri, 2012-10-19 11:17
#9
Naomi Klein
I like Naomi Klein. And I still agree with much of what she said 12 years ago, in a column entitled [url=http://www.naomiklein.org/articles/2000/12/dont-expect-ndp-lead-way]Don't expect the NDP to lead the way[/url].
You could ask her if she has changed her mind.
I don't know Klein personally, but we were in a few classes together at UofT, and I interviewed her for the campus radio station when she was editor of The Varsity, but I can't imagine her as a politician. Not that she wouldn't be extremely effective, but it seemed to me that her intellect was far too pragmatic to dive into the stew of Canadian politics.
I may be completely wrong. Speculating, perhaps she might have had a change of heart. I think she would make an amazing candidate, regardless.
Fri, 2012-10-19 11:23
#10
Fri, 2012-10-19 11:35
#11
Speaking generally, I don't think it is always the best idea for journalists or activists to be politicians. And goes the same for switching between any of those three positions - which would involve compromising on some of the principles you need to do your job properly.
I'm not saying it never works, but it's certainly not an easy fit.
Fri, 2012-10-19 12:12
#12
Arthur Cramer
The Kielebergher brothers? I actually think Craig is destined to run as Liberal, but it would be nice to think he was a New Democrat. How about Avi Lewis? Paul Gross?
Fri, 2012-10-19 12:47
#13
I think he's probably a conservative, but Rick Hansen (Man in Motion) in Delta.
I didn't know where Sheila Fraser lived, but she would be a very competitive candidate for the NDP in Ottawa. She is well respected by public servants. The better NDP ridings for her would be Ottawa-Vanier and Ottawa South. Still, maybe there is some chance she could knock off John Baird. Again, I'm not sure what her politics are.
Brian Topp in Etobicoke Lakeshore
Fri, 2012-10-19 12:55
#14
Oh yeah, hope Topp runs in 2015.
Also agree with Avi Lewis. James Laxer too, perhaps
Fri, 2012-10-19 12:55
#15
Oh yeah, hope Topp runs in 2015.
Also agree with Avi Lewis. James Laxer too, perhaps
Fri, 2012-10-19 13:14
#16
Speaking generally, I don't think it is always the best idea for journalists or activists to be politicians. And goes the same for switching between any of those three positions - which would involve compromising on some of the principles you need to do your job properly.
I'm not saying it never works, but it's certainly not an easy fit.
Vaclav Havel, while not strictly a journalist, did a fanfuckingtastic job of negotiating a relatively peaceful separation between the Czech and Slovak states. I guess that this would fall under your it's "not always" phrase.
For the most part I think you're right, but there are some exceptional exceptions.
Fri, 2012-10-19 13:29
#17
Jian Ghomeshi
Fri, 2012-10-19 13:32
#18
@ Rebecca
Agreed. Not that it can't work, but I do think it can mean juggling some divided loyalties. Roosevelt's "make me do it" comment was the first thing that sprang to my mind. And I guess my point was more that just because someone is a great journalist or activist doesn't necessarily mean s/he will be a great politician, or deal with those issues in the same way in that position.
Fri, 2012-10-19 13:53
#19
@ Rebecca
Agreed. Not that it can't work, but I do think it can mean juggling some divided loyalties. Roosevelt's "make me do it" comment was the first thing that sprang to my mind. And I guess my point was more that just because someone is a great journalist or activist doesn't necessarily mean s/he will be a great politician, or deal with those issues in the same way in that position.
I agree. I suppose the point I'm making is that those who would be the best politicians would rather stick heroin into the back of their knees than pursue that profession. The rare exceptions to that sensibility seem, I don't know, a parcel of hope?
Fri, 2012-10-19 15:44
#20
Again, absolutely right.
I'm just reading Doris Goodwin's biography of Lincoln. He was far from the front-runner in that campaign, nor was he the most fervent opponent of slavery (in terms of policy, anyway). And in fact, what made him strongest was his drawing in cabinet members who were strongly opposed to him and to each other, but who reflected the full range of opinion.
Kind of the opposite of Mr. Harper, and definitely a risker path than politicians who rely on the whip to get things done. Like Layton's handling of the gun control issue two years ago, it has greater risks, but I think the results are greater too, and worth all the effort. I think that aspect of the job is in some ways more important than policy issues.
But enough drift. I hear you, and I agree. I think there are good people in that business. But they are, as you say, rare. Just as it is hard to recognize the good things in politics amidst all the slime.
Fri, 2012-10-19 16:09
#21
Andrew Weaver - Saanich Gulf Islands
Fri, 2012-10-19 16:20
#22
Shannon Phillips - Lethbridge
David Levi - West (or North) Vancouver
Fri, 2012-10-19 16:28
#23
With Rae no longer Liberal leader, Toronto Centre might become more viable for the NDP.
Fri, 2012-10-19 16:45
#24
Vaclav Havel, while not strictly a journalist, did a fanfuckingtastic job of negotiating a relatively peaceful separation between the Czech and Slovak states. I guess that this would fall under your it's "not always" phrase.
For the most part I think you're right, but there are some exceptional exceptions.
I too think Vaclav Havel is an excellent reference for the type of politician associated with the NDP...
Vaclav Havel and the Struggle for Socialism in Czechoslovakia
http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/vaclak-havel-and-the-strugg...
"Once in power, Havel set about the task to dismantle Czech socialism and create a new state according to the formulas established in George Soros's Open Society Foundation and elsewhere..."
Fri, 2012-10-19 21:36
#25
Vaclav Havel, while not strictly a journalist, did a fanfuckingtastic job of negotiating a relatively peaceful separation between the Czech and Slovak states. I guess that this would fall under your it's "not always" phrase.
For the most part I think you're right, but there are some exceptional exceptions.
I too think Vaclav Havel is an excellent reference for the type of politician associated with the NDP...
Vaclav Havel and the Struggle for Socialism in Czechoslovakia
http://louisproyect.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/vaclak-havel-and-the-strugg...
"Once in power, Havel set about the task to dismantle Czech socialism and create a new state according to the formulas established in George Soros's Open Society Foundation and elsewhere..."
And you have a better model that you've seen instrumental in bloodless change of geopolitical power? I'm excited to hear about it.
Fri, 2012-10-19 22:06
#26
Martin Singh in Central Nova!
Fri, 2012-10-19 22:29
#27
Brian Topp in Etobicoke Lakeshore
How about Brian Topp in either Toronto Centre or St. Paul's, now that both are NDP-friendlier?
Sat, 2012-10-20 11:42
#28
I'd be pretty suspect of calling Toronto Center more NDP-friendly. Rosedale is still a bastion of wealth, and they'd do anything to stop the NDP.
Sat, 2012-10-20 11:53
#29
I'd be pretty suspect of calling Toronto Center more NDP-friendly. Rosedale is still a bastion of wealth, and they'd do anything to stop the NDP.
Rosedale is not in the proposed Toronto-Centre; it has been carved off and placed in the new Mount Pleasant riding. Toronto-Centre should be a top tier target.
Sat, 2012-10-20 13:10
#30
That's pretty much what I'm referring to there--which is why I threw St. Paul into the argument as well. (The present-day incarnation of St. Paul? Are you kidding?)
Sat, 2012-10-20 15:02
#31
Brian Topp could run in the (upcoming) Etobicoke Centre byelection. It is near where he lives. Elizabeth May would also get to dance jig at the NDP not withdrawing their candidate to let the Liberals have a free shot at the Tories. Yes she's whined for that at the same time she is running a star candidate and loudly talking about targetting the Victoria byelection where the NDP is at greatest risk of being taken down by the Conservatives in a vote split. And the Liberals, they are also running a star candidate in Victoria: former RBC chief economist and NDP candidate for St. Paul's, Paul Summerville. The Greens are also simultaneously running NDP star endorser and Nobel prize recipient Andrew Weaver against the provincial NDP within the riding. So yes, weep crocodile tears for wealthy, conservative Liberal Borys W. in Etobicoke Centre and sob plaintively about the splitting of the Etobicoke progressive vote. Run Topp run! Make the May-Liberals pay! Rile up the NDP base with a true dragon-slaying! First Kitchener-Waterloo, then Etobicoke, then 24 Sussex! <rant over>
Sat, 2012-10-20 15:32
#32
Topp said he wants to run in Quebec, so I'd bet he'd pick a Montreal riding.
Martin Singh wouldn't be a good candidate in Central Nova, as he has no ties to the riding (I'm still holding out hope that Alexis MacDonald would consider a leave of absence from the Steve Lewis institute to run in Central Nova again!) He'd be a better fit in one of the Brampton-area ridings where he has pharmacies located and has built up contacts in the local communities.
Add Julius Gray as a star candidate in a Montreal riding (Westmount?) as well.
Sun, 2021-11-21 19:08
#33
.
Sat, 2012-10-20 22:04
#34
Mansbridge asked Stephen Lewis during the NDP leadership race why he didn't consider running for leader after the overwhelming positive response to his Layton eulogy. Lewis said that his lack of French language skills - not for lack of trying - would rule him out right off the bat.
But it certainly wouldn't disqualify him as an MP. What if he were to run somewhere as a star candidate? Sort of like when Ed Broadbent came back in 2004.
Sat, 2012-10-20 22:10
#35
Stephen Lewis would be awesome.
Sat, 2012-10-20 22:11
#36
Topp said he wants to run in Quebec, so I'd bet he'd pick a Montreal riding.
And besides, Etobicoke Centre is more a Vaughan-type riding than a Kitchener-Waterloo-type riding, i.e. it's presently quite hard-wired into Lib-vs-Con-dom Or at most, Topp running there would be more like Domenic Cardy running in Rothesay.
And beyond that, there isn't the absolute necessity for Topp to be in Parliament ASAP that there might have been were he chosen over Mulcair as leader. Unless a more genuinely competitive and compatible riding opens up in the interrim (say, if Bob Rae retires in Toronto Centre), he can wait until the next general election.
Sun, 2012-10-21 03:19
#37
Topp said he wants to run in Quebec, so I'd bet he'd pick a Montreal riding.
And besides, Etobicoke Centre is more a Vaughan-type riding than a Kitchener-Waterloo-type riding, i.e. it's presently quite hard-wired into Lib-vs-Con-dom Or at most, Topp running there would be more like Domenic Cardy running in Rothesay.
And beyond that, there isn't the absolute necessity for Topp to be in Parliament ASAP that there might have been were he chosen over Mulcair as leader. Unless a more genuinely competitive and compatible riding opens up in the interrim (say, if Bob Rae retires in Toronto Centre), he can wait until the next general election.
To say nothing of him not being available until after the BC election.
Sun, 2012-10-21 06:16
#38
Speaking of the BC election, Constance Barnes is taking on a very challenging riding for 2013 - Vancouver-False Creek. I think she could well win it if the NDP's margin of victory is as huge as the polls show today, but if I had to guess which 10 ridings would stay strongly Liberal I'd certainly put VFC high up on there.
So I'm speculating that she chose VFC as a possible precursor to a federal run in Vancouver Centre. With or without Hedy running again, Barnes could most certainly grab that extra few percent of votes needed to bring the NDP out front.
Similarly George Chow (who failed to get a nomination in V-Fraserview) just won the nomination in V-Langara. That riding went 58.9% Liberal in the last election... if Chow should fail to win there, might we see him make a federal run for Vancouver South?
Sun, 2012-10-21 14:59
#39
Topp's leadership race buzz has a limited shelf life. The NDP also has a culture where if you lose but significantly boost the party's standing (e.g. Jack Layton when he first ran for MP), you don't get written off, in fact often you are encouraged to run again once you've shown your mettle. The big knock on Topp was that he had never run for anything, never been elected to anything (i.e. a similar criticism to what was leveled at Ignatieff). Etobicoke Centre would be a great opportunity for him to exceed expectations. I bet he could also whup his rivals in a debate: Topp for Etobicoke Centre 2012.
Sun, 2012-10-21 15:17
#40
x
Sun, 2012-10-21 15:30
#41
Topp will not be announcing he's running in any election anywhere prior to June 2013. He can't divide his focus between the May 2013 BC election and another one three time zones away.
Sun, 2012-10-21 20:45
#42
Brian Topp, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.
Sun, 2012-10-21 20:58
#43
Brian Topp, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.
He's never tried for political office before, so except for the NDP leadership contest, what 'always' are you referring to?
Sun, 2012-10-21 22:47
#44
I'd like to see Topp get elected. I just don't think Etobicoke Center is it. (Although... Looks like I might be wrong about the party's overall chances there. We might be able to make real gains there when Rae goes away.) I think a well-coordinated campaign in the Montreal area has potential.
Sun, 2012-10-21 23:21
#45
Murray Rankin has an excellent chance at keeping Victoria NDP. There was so much energy and support for his nomination. Everyone is excited to put him in Ottawa and has a lot of support. No need for a coin toss there!
Sun, 2012-10-21 23:46
#46
Brian Topp, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.He's never tried for political office before, so except for the NDP leadership contest, what 'always' are you referring to?
I mean he's always helping other people to win, never winning himself.
Sun, 2012-10-21 23:46
#47
Brian Topp, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.He's never tried for political office before, so except for the NDP leadership contest, what 'always' are you referring to?
He's worked behind the scenes with a lot of campaigns over the years, hence the bridesmaid analogy. Layton 2012, Dix for BCNDP leader 2011, and numerous others that I am less familiar with.
Sun, 2012-10-21 23:48
#48
Geoff Meggs just lost the Vancouver-Fairview BCNDP nomination to George Heyman.
Meggs for Vancouver-Granville 2015?
Mon, 2012-10-22 00:09
#49
This description of Murray Rankin, "a prominent Canadian environmental and aboriginal rights lawyer, university professor, ... former President of the British Columbia interest Advocacy Centre (BCPIAC), former president of West Coast Environmental Law, co-chair of the Environmental Law Centre at the University of Victoria, and past Chairman of The Land Conservancy of British Columbia" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murray_Rankin), will explain why everyone is excited to get him to Ottawa. The article below is by Vaughn Palmer, the dean of BC provincial political reporters, and definitely not an NDP partisan.
"Four candidates were in the running for a nod seen by New Democrats as the closest thing to a sure ticket to Ottawa. ...
Given the stakes, almost 600 party members including a who’s who of capital region New Democrats turned out Sunday, overwhelming organizers who’d not printed enough ballots or booked a big enough meeting room at the University of Victoria.
Once those shortcomings were supplemented with a second hall and a second printing, proceedings settled down for what was expected to be a long afternoon, with multiple rounds of balloting and a gabfest in between.
So the outcome, when it came, was anticlimactic if decisive. Winning handily with 352 votes on the first ballot was Murray Rankin, a 62-year-old lawyer, civil libertarian, environmentalist and UVic professor.
He’d rounded up two-thirds of the votes over also-rans Elizabeth Cull, a former provincial cabinet minister; Charley Beresford, a former school board chair; and Ben Isitt, still in his first year as a member of city council.
Not surprising to see Beresford (51 votes) and Isitt (36) finish well out of the running. But I figured Cull to do better than her 96 votes. She was one of the better ministers in the Mike Harcourt NDP government, serving in health, environment, finance and as deputy premier. ...
Rankin, seeking office for the first time, arrived well-rehearsed with a strong delivery and some crowd-pleasing lines. “We do not want Canada to be the energy Walmart of the world,” he said, denouncing Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s bitumen-piping aspirations. “We have got to stop this man.”
He also showed himself to be relatively proficient in French compared to the other three candidates, an emerging point of qualification in a party where more than half of the caucus hails from Quebec.
He’d worked the riding like a first-timer learning on the job, too, bicycling to the homes of party members, soliciting their support in the ones and twos.
Necessary that, given complaints that the highfalutin lawyer and adjunct UVic professor hadn’t put in sufficient grunt work in a party where seniority and door-knocking still count."
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Vaughn+Palmer+Lawyer+Murray+Rankin+easi...
Sat, 2012-12-08 10:47
#50
Jill Winzoski? - Selkirk Interlake
Sat, 2012-12-08 20:46
#51
Can Marilyn Churley run as a Justice of the Peace? I'd like to see her in Toronto Centre or St. Pauls.