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FIVE COLOURFUL RESOLUTIONS DEEMED WORTHY OF DEBATE

Adopt A New Constitutional Preamble

If this resolution is adopted, the word “socialist” will be stricken from the party’s 50-year-old constitutional preamable, hammering what NDP strategist Ian Capstick called the “last nail in the renovation” of the party’s political position, away from official socialism. “We do not believe in the nationalization of oil companies and banks — not anymore,” said Mr. Capstick, who once served as NDP Leader Jack Layton’s press secretary. “This aligns the party with where it actually sits, which is squarely on the centre-left.” The resolution would amend the existing constitution — which espouses “socialist principles” and calls for “social ownership” of “monopolistic” organizations — with rhetoric that mimics how today’s membership views the party, said NDP national director Brad Lavigne. The existing language says the goal of an economy should be meeting “social and individual needs” rather than the “making of profit.” The new preamble, put forward by the party’s resolutions committee and mandated by a resolution adopted at the 2009 convention, makes no mention of the word “profit.” Still, it reiterates the party’s dedication to the “application of social democratic principles.”

Ensure Intergenerational Equity

Delegates can thank the Quebec Youth Commission for this one. The commission did not respond to requests for comment, so it is impossible to know what, exactly, the members mean when they call on the NDP to “adopt the principle of equity between generations” in all policy decision making. Mr. Lavigne said he is looking forward to learning more about this vague resolution, but said he thinks the intent is to raise awareness about the impact of decisions made by current NDP members on future generations. He said the resolutions committee put the motion on a list of priority resolutions — which all but assures delegates will discuss it — likely because of its origin. “Some will say that if there’s one motion out of 200 that was submitted by the youth, then shouldn’t we put it on the list?” he said.