NDP may drop ‘socialism’ from party’s constitution

OTTAWA — Federal New Democrats will contemplate shedding the party’s socialist principles in favour of mainstream, less revolutionary ideals at their party convention in Vancouver this weekend.
The three-day convention, which begins Friday, will bring together an expected 1,500 delegates to celebrate the party’s historic election success on May 2.
But between the congratulatory speeches and pats on the backs, delegates will be hard at work debating policy proposals, such as deleting the preamble to its constitution, which now states that social, economic and political progress in Canada “can be assured only by the application of socialist principles” to government and administration of public affairs.
Although officials insist they simply want to modernize the party’s constitution, the current preamble talks about the principle of redistributing goods to meet the needs of people “and not to the making of profit” as well as the extension of social ownership.
The NDP is now suggesting much more tame language and a preamble that states the party is dedicated to the application of “social democratic principles” and that it believes in social justice, equality and environmental sustainability to achieve a strong, united and prosperous Canada.
NDP leader Jack Layton told reporters Wednesday he was looking forward to a debate by convention delegates about the party’s future.

“We have been a party for 50 years so the idea that there be discussion about our goals and objectives, I think, is good. I think it’s healthy and we certainly are encouraging it. We’re looking forward to the discussions,” he said.
The proposal to shed “socialism” from the party’s constitution will be discussed on the last day of the convention, when delegates will also be asked to vote on a proposition to “reject any proposals to merge with the Liberal party.”
Mr. Layton will also face a leadership test Sunday, when delegates vote in a secret ballot on whether they want a leadership contest to take place.
It is very unlikely delegates will vote to replace Mr. Layton after he delivered the party 103 seats in this spring’s federal election and propelled the party to the status of official Opposition in Parliament.
With files from Tobi Cohen
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