Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Monday, March 19, 2012

Dewar wants to ‘turn people onto politics’

Since Paul Dewar, 49, announced his bid for the leadership of the NDP, the Ottawa Centre MP says he’s “criss-crossed the country more times than I can count.” By his numbers, he’s been to 120 different communities, been on more than 65 planes and attends an average of three to four events a day.

Mr. Dewar, who describes himself as a “grassroots” MP, said that if chosen to lead the New Democrats his priorities would be building a 21st century economy in Canada, strengthening Canada’s social safety net, including Old Age Security and the health transfers to the provinces, and correcting Canada’s historical mistreatment of First Nations.

The NDP’s challenge in the next election will be to win 70 more seats from their current total of 101 seats in the House and form government, said Mr. Dewar. He intends to do this by reaching out to the West, the Prairies, rural Canada and Quebec, and expanding the party’s infrastructure outside of Ottawa.

The NDP made some important gains with the last election, both in terms of Quebec support and in terms of the party’s standing in the House. Pundits have criticized a lack of division between the leadership candidates. What sets you apart and makes you the right person to lead the federal NDP?

“This is an unusual leadership race.  So often parties enter leadership contests looking to rebuild.  For New Democrats this time we are looking for a leader right after our greatest victory and our greatest tragedy.


“It is in that light that I have been running my campaign.  I have the energy, the passion and the support to build on what we learned with Jack and to take it to the next level.

“I think the key ballot question for this race is not a left versus right debate.  Rather, I think the ballot question is which candidate has the experience, energy, and popular appeal to connect with Canadians, build our party, and beat the Conservatives in the next election.  I have the experience that counts and the plan to build our party right across Canada.”

Some pundits are saying you will have trouble breaking out of the middle of the pack of candidates. How do you respond?

“From day one, my campaign has focused on a strong grassroots approach.  Since I launched my campaign I’ve criss-crossed the country more times than I can count, met some incredible people, and built an amazing team.

“A team that includes people like Alberta’s only opposition MP Linda Duncan, Manitoba young and inspiring Aboriginal Cabinet Minister Kevin Chief, Northern Ontario’s superstar MP Charlie Angus, and Quebec’s rising star and the woman who defeated Gilles Duceppe MP Hélène Laverdière.

“Most importantly, from day one I’ve focused my campaign on the grassroots.  I’ve visited more than 120 communities during this leadership race and the support and momentum on the ground is phenomenal.”

What personal achievement in the public sphere are you proudest of? Why?

“Getting the NDP Generic Drugs for Africa Bill passed through the House of Commons.  We had spent months working with NGOs, Parliamentarians, and Canadians.  In the House of Commons we received support from members of all political parties, including the Conservatives.  It was also pretty cool that K’naan worked with us to get the message out.

“I am proud of this bill not just because of the dire need for action on this important issue, but because of the diverse coalition we built in support of it. My biggest regret about this bill is that the unelected Senate didn’t follow the lead of the House of Commons to pass it.”

Why did you first get into politics? Is that still what drives you?

“I first got active to make a positive difference in people’s lives.  I watched over the years how my mother, who was the mayor of Ottawa and a former NDP MP, used politics to get things done for people and to effect positive change.  That’s what inspired me and still does.”

How do you think the NDP has fared thus far as official opposition? If you were elected party leader, what would your Parliamentary strategy be in the House to ensure the NDP was an effective official opposition?

“I’m proud of the work our NDP caucus has done in the House.  We have a diverse and impressive team. As leader, I would continue, as we did under Jack, to oppose the Conservatives’ regressive policies and, at the same time, offer Canadians an alternative way of doing things.

“Stephen Harper has a particular style of politics built on dividing Canadians.  My approach to politics, and to the House of Commons, is very different. I want to turn people onto politics.  I want Canadians to believe that politics can be a force for good in their lives.”

What is the biggest obstacle standing between the NDP and its goal of forming government?

“In the last election the NDP finished first or second in 224 ridings. More than 4.5 million Canadians voted for the NDP, the largest number of votes we have ever received in our 50 year history.

“The challenge moving forward is to win the next 70 seats we need to form an NDP majority government. In order to do that, we have to reach out to Canadians in areas where traditionally we have not been as active.  In rural and suburban Canada, in the Prairies and the West, and, of course, I believe we can win more seats in Quebec.

“In order to do that, now more than ever, we need to speak directly to the issues that matter in the lives of Canadians.  We need to show that the NDP, and only the NDP, represents the hopes and aspirations of Canadians in their local communities.”

Currently plagued by hyper-partisan behaviour, do you think Question Period still serves a valuable purpose? How can it realistically be fixed?

“The current challenge with Question Period is the Conservative government sitting on the other side of the aisle. The truth is that no matter much we tinker with the rules and standing orders governing Question Period, nothing will change until we have a government that takes its obligation to be accountable seriously.”

What are the top three policy issues you think the NDP should focus on? Why?

“Retooling our economy and fixing up the mess being brought in by the Conservatives.  Over the past six years, the Harper government has been slowly turning the clock back on our economy, turning away from solid manufacturing and value added jobs to being completely focused on energy exports. We need to stop looking back to the 19th century and start creating the innovative 21st century jobs that will drive our economy for the future.

“Strengthening our social safety net. The Harper government’s attack on OAS, Health Care, and other fundamental parts of our social safety net is also an attack on the caring society we as Canadians celebrate.

“Correcting centuries of injustice by respecting Canada’s First Nations. That means more than speeches and meetings. It means addressing the inequalities that exists in health care and education for many First Nations.  And moving forward it is dealing with First Nations on a nation to nation level—one of mutual respect and understanding. There is no reason that in Canada, in this day and age, that we can stand back and allow these conditions to continue.”

Some observers are saying that the NDP’s gains in the last election were a Jack Layton phenomenon. If you’re elected party leader, how would you ensure similar or better results in the next federal election?

“There is no question that Jack was our team captain, but he was the captain of a very strong and diverse NDP team.  The reality is that while Jack was a very large part of our recent success, our success wasn’t something that happened overnight. In every election since 2003 our party has increased its support. Both Jack and our team spent years building the infrastructure to enable last May’s breakthrough.

“To move forward we must follow the path Jack created and move forward.  That means hiring more organizers on the ground, not just in Ottawa, right across Canada. It means innovating our fundraising at the grassroots level. It means highlighting the strength of our caucus.  It means starting on March 25. We have three-and-a-half years of work ahead of us.”

What is the atmosphere like on your campaign? Do you have a morning ritual? How do you spend your downtime on the campaign?

“Since I launched the campaign my team has kept me moving at a fairly ferocious pace.  I’ve literally visited more than 120 communities, I’ve been on more than 65 planes, and the team tries to pack in three to four different events a day.

“The atmosphere is generally fast-paced, but also upbeat.  We have a young team and they keep the mood jovial.  As for how I spend my downtime, I call my wife and kids daily and make sure to hit the treadmill or go for a run.”

What was your favourite campaign stop? Why?

“Over the course of the campaign, my team has made a point of having me billet with supporters at every stop. This was an approach Jack took during his leadership as a way to reduce costs and keep his ear to the ground. I’ve tried to do the same.

“As a result, many of my favourite campaign moments have actually centred around the morning coffees and late chats in the evenings with my hosts.

“As for specific campaign stops, my favourites have always been the town halls.  We hosted some great town halls in communities like Montreal, Edmonton, Thunder Bay, and Vancouver.”

Does your campaign have a theme song?

“We don’t have a specific theme song, but here is a taste of some of the artists that have been regulars on my i-pod during the race.  The Clash (a staple for me), K’naan, and Jean Pierre Ferland (who Hélène Laverdière introduced me to).”

What book are you reading currently?

“I’m currently reading The Spirit Level: Why More Equal Societies Almost Always do Better, by Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett.”

Talk of a coalition with the Liberal Party has yet to die down. If you were elected NDP leader, would you pursue a coalition with the Liberal Party? Why?

“As leader, my focus will be to build on the momentum that Jack Layton created and to show that New Democrats are the true progressive alternative the Conservatives. I’m interested in leading an NDP government, and that’s what I intend to do.”

Original Article
Source: hill times
Author: JESSICA BRUNO

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