In his Feb. 24 column "No clear case for strategic voting pact", Greg Fingas looks back, not forward, in criticizing NDP leadership candidate Nathan Cullen's proposal for progressive parties to co-operate. Comparisons to the right's recent divisions are also inaccurate.
When the right was divided, it was in two parts: Reform and the old PC Party. Progressive divisions were three-fold: the NDP, many Liberals and, crucially, Quebec. (Four-fold, if you include the Greens.) When Quebec's biggest party changed from separatist to federalist, it helped create possibility elsewhere. It's that possibility that Cullen embraces.
His proposal is not rooted in failed strategic voting strategies of the past. It looks forward. By asking New Democrats to be open to cooperating with Liberals and Greens in Tory seats - competing to see which party faces the Conservative - he underlines that Canada's progressive majority exists and deserves better than a Stephen Harper majority.
The election on May 2 changed things. The issue isn't what was true before. Rather, it's what can be made true now.
Jamey Heath, Toronto Heath was communications director for the late Jack Layton from 2002-06 and is co-manager, Nathan Cullen campaign.
Original Article
Source: leader post
Author: Jamey Heath
When the right was divided, it was in two parts: Reform and the old PC Party. Progressive divisions were three-fold: the NDP, many Liberals and, crucially, Quebec. (Four-fold, if you include the Greens.) When Quebec's biggest party changed from separatist to federalist, it helped create possibility elsewhere. It's that possibility that Cullen embraces.
His proposal is not rooted in failed strategic voting strategies of the past. It looks forward. By asking New Democrats to be open to cooperating with Liberals and Greens in Tory seats - competing to see which party faces the Conservative - he underlines that Canada's progressive majority exists and deserves better than a Stephen Harper majority.
The election on May 2 changed things. The issue isn't what was true before. Rather, it's what can be made true now.
Jamey Heath, Toronto Heath was communications director for the late Jack Layton from 2002-06 and is co-manager, Nathan Cullen campaign.
Original Article
Source: leader post
Author: Jamey Heath
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