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An apparent lack of consultation with organized labour on key issues “adds to the perception that the party only views the labour unions as an ATM; the only time our views are heard is when they are attached to a cheque,” read the memo.

“Suffice it to say, the growing level of frustration at providing financial and other support, with the lack of a message we believe our members need to hear to be successful in target ridings, has allowed us to join those who have or are losing confidence the NDP can win the next election.”

Photo by Steve Bosch / PNG

Steelworkers Western Canada director Stephen Hunt sought Thursday to play down the letter’s lengthy evisceration of the party. He said the document was written in the past few months by frustrated union staff, but that he rejected following through on the threats.

“It was written by one of our staff that has worked for a long time and expressed some frustration,” he said. “I don’t share those same frustrations. I support the party and really support John Horgan.”

Hunt — who encouraged Horgan to run for party leader in 2011 and 2014 — said he chose instead to speak directly with the NDP leader.

“I don’t need to write a document to tell him what’s on my mind. And I do. And I do openly. We’ve got a good relationship,” said Hunt.

Horgan said he hasn’t read the memo, but was personally reassured by Hunt of his support on Thursday.

“He said to me it was a discussion document, it was months old, it didn’t go anywhere other than to you,” Horgan said in an interview with The Sun.