NDP convention notebook
PRINCE ALBERT Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili’s speech to the party faithful, in which he laid out his vision for the province ahead of what is expected to be a “growth” campaign with a target of 20 or more seats in the legislature, was the main event at the party’s annual convention in Prince Albert this weekend. But it was not the only item of significance. Here’s everything else you need to know about what happened.
MEILI LEANS INTO UNDERDOG NARRATIVE
The governing Saskatchewan Party is expected to spend the next year trying to portray Meili and the NDP as “weak” and itself and Premier Scott Moe as “strong.”
It is a key plank of the Sask. Party’s re-election strategy.
In his speech to the convention, Meili embraced the party’s status as an “underdog ” up against “powerful opponents with deep pockets” — not a typical statement for any party leader.
He pointed out Tommy Douglas, the party’s founder, patron saint and the father of socialized health care in Canada, was himself an underdog who kept fighting.
Speaking with reporters afterward, Meili said that while “there’s no question” the NDP are underdogs, it gives him confidence because the party is also on the side of the underdogs.
“I think people are looking for exactly that, a party that’s willing to put them first,” he said.
BELANGER YET TO DECIDE ON POLITICAL FUTURE
The NDP will begin their campaign without three experienced MLAS: David Forbes, Warren Mccall and Cathy Sproule have all indicated they will not seek another term.
Questions have lingered, however, about the intentions of the party’s most experienced MLA —
Buckley Belanger, who has represented Athabasca since 1995.
Belanger said this weekend that he wants to mull it over and, more importantly, consult with his family before making any decision. He suggested an announcement might come around Christmas.
Adored by many within the party, Belanger’s loss would be a blow to an organization that is already set to lose three of its veteran MLAS by this time next year.
Belanger was the only NDP MLA other than Meili to get a speech at the convention, during which he spoke passionately about how the province’s north “needs the NDP.”
After identifying Sask. Party observers in the room, he said their party doesn’t care about the north.
“I think we have paid our price. We’re ready to govern again,” he said.
Doyle Vermette, who represents Cumberland, the province’s other northern riding, is expected to be nominated later this month.
RESOLUTION ROW
There was some consternation this weekend after copies of the party’s resolutions — proposals debated during closed-door sessions — were not provided to Sask. Party observers.
The Sask. Party observers were also denied copies of the convention booklet, which includes various reports from party executives. Instead, they were given photocopied agendas.
During the Sask. Party’s convention last month, New Democrat observers were provided with copies of the two non-controversial resolutions up for debate.
Copies of the NDP’S resolutions were also not provided to reporters; only those approved by closeddoor committees were made public on the convention floor.
The convention briefly descended into procedural chaos on Saturday afternoon as multiple delegates rose on points of order and points of personal privilege, baffling the meeting chair.
“This is fun,” chair Nathaniel Cole said with a laugh as the points of order piled up. At issue was a motion to amend the convention agenda which was, ultimately, defeated.