LETTER

Mulcair and the Leap Manifesto

 

Following the NDP convention, I'm wondering if there aren't two types of NDP parties: a "wannabe" government and one that is an actual government. "And, never the twain shall meet." First, the federal NDP can propose anything it chooses without fear of losing the support of its members (card holders). Its socialist tendencies are well known and the federal NDP knows its core values. So, no surprises when the Leap Manifesto was brought to the convention floor and was well received (though not adopted). By so doing, the NDP has shown that it lives in a "realistic" world, but not in the "real" world.  If the party ever adopts this manifesto, while it may satisfy its socialist/environmentalist adherents, I predict it will never gain power to run the country. But, if it (somehow) did, there wouldn't be much of a country to govern because Canada would be bankrupt.

The other NDP is the provincial (Alberta) government run by Rachel Notley. Premier Notley appealed at the national conference for support for pipelines to the east and west coasts. Having looked at the (financial) books, she understands the economic realities and Alberta’s plight. The difference: She is actually governing a province, whereas the federal NDP is (now) operating in a dream world.

The federal party sees itself as the "conscience" of the country, telling Canadians what its (federal and provincial) governors should be doing rather than what they are doing.

If the Leap Manifesto were enacted, where would the money come from to run the country's business? Our economy would be in shambles. As it stands now (with Trudeau adopting Harper's environmental plan), even to reach the 2030 GHG goals would create an
economic catastrophe.

I now understand why the convention tossed out Mulcair as leader. His political positions during the election were not left-wing enough to satisfy the hard-core of the party. But his goal was to become Prime Minister of the country, (while the) Party's goal was - and remains - to be the "conscience" of the country.

Steve d'Eça
Aylmer

Editorial note: The Leap Manifesto contains a Part Two which details its financial feasibility; it should be included in any reading and critique of the Manifesto.   (FR)