The last Federal New Democratic Party (NDP) Convention was held in February 2018. The Federal Executive of the NDP decided in December 2019 to postpone the Federal Convention, possibly to the end of 2021, or beyond. In effect, it is cancelling convention. Federal Executive has no constitutional authority to scrap the biennial meeting of the highest body of the party.



We strongly disagree with the decision to cancel the NDP Federal Convention. We demand that the convention be held in 2020, as required by the party constitution.

"Whereas Article V of the Federal Party Constitution (2018) states that the federal convention is to be held at least every two years.

And whereas the Federal Executive has a duty to determine the exact dates and location; it has no authority to extend the duration between conventions beyond two years; nor does the Executive enjoy any residual powers or general powers clause to permit such tinkering

And whereas NDP conventions usually make a profit, and in any case, bring party activists together, assess the financial, staffing and political situation, and help to mobilize the general membership.

And whereas conventions give members an opportunity to refresh the program of the party -- better to reflect the needs of working families, to fight the depredations of Neo-liberalism and climate disaster, and oppose the poisonous effects of Canadian imperialism abroad, such as the sanctions imposed on Venezuela, along with Ottawa’s support for the right wing coup in Bolivia and the shipment of Canadian weapons to Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Therefore Be It Resolved that this meeting express its objection to the postponement/cancellation of the NDP federal convention, and ask that the NDP federal convention take place in 2020, in accordance with the party Constitution."





