Let's face it, before the latest the federal election few people took the New Democratic Party (N.D.P) seriously. They were the party known as Canada's Social conscience.Then the latest federal election happened. Canadians didn't like their choices, and it showed in the results. Stephen Harper won his coveted majority, but the spirit of change surrounding Jack Layton, and the N.D.P. resonated. The party went from the left-wing fringes to mainstream official opposition. When the new Members of Parliament (M.P.'s) entered the House, nobody had a clue who most were. We all knew Jack, and Olivia- some knew Peggy Nash, and Thomas Mulcair or Libby Davies and Pat Martin.
But large numbers of them are mysteries, and question marks, including Nycole Turmel. I have heard of her; she was a former leader of the federal government's largest public sector union, and some people I talk to don't have good things to say about her. Apparently she was also a member of the Bloc Quebecois for 5 years, and only resigned her membership 2 months before the federal election. Something that you'd think should exclude her from becoming interim leader.
I wonder if Jack Layton knew about her past a Separatist. If he did, it speaks to a willful ignorance, and poor judgement on his part. If he didn't know, well shouldn't the party have done its homework well before now? We're heading into month three of this government- enough time to double check the background on some of these characters. If he did know, naming her leader with her past could also be a tactic for Layton to keep some control over the party in his absence.
The formal job title is: Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition. You have to ask the question though- how loyal is it to have a woman who held membership in a federal party advocating the breakup of the country? How loyal is a federal party leader who possibly still holds membership in a provincial separatist party?
No matter how you look at it Nycole Turmel lied. In any other situation she would be asked to step aside and another named in her place. For the good of the party she should resign- this controversy is an early Christmas gift to the other three parties; and a blow to the success the N.D.P. has achieved. It's a blow to her integrity, and she won't be taken seriously by the other parties.
But we have to remember this isn't any other situation. Layton has stepped aside because of illness, and has signaled he will be back. If his absence lasts longer than the September 19, deadline I think we'll either see a second interim leader named or a date for a quick leadership convention.
No comments:
Post a Comment