Alberta NDP has merger discussion on agenda
Alberta NDP members will vote this weekend on whether to maintain a policy that precludes the party from working with other left-leaning parties to expand progressive influences in Alberta politics.
A resolution to be tabled at the party’s 50th-anniversary convention suggests members “reaffirm their commitment to run a full slate of candidates in every riding.
“The brand of the New Democratic Party continues to improve in Alberta and across Canada,” the resolution from Edmonton-Calder constituency association says. “Alberta’s NDP (should) reject any proposal for pre-electoral co-operative nominations or mergers with other parties.”
Provincial Secretary Brian Stokes said the idea of noncompetition in progressive ridings goes back several years and the notion has been “soundly defeated” in previous years. He said the party has long been committed to running a full slate of candidates.
“It’s really a reaffirmation of our current policy,” Stokes said. “The New Democrats are on the move in Alberta. We increased our vote by 50 per cent in the spring election, we doubled our seats, our membership is up and our fundraising is up.”
More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the annual fall convention, which runs until Sunday in downtown Edmonton.
Federal NDP Leader Tom Mulcair will arrive in the capital city Saturday afternoon and is scheduled to deliver the keynote speech after dinner on Saturday night.
The NDP won four seats in Alberta’s spring 2012 election, doubling from two.