On regeneration

While the candidates in the Saskatchewan NDP leadership race have all presented some significant policy ideas, they're not the only ones who see the contest as an opportunity to debate the direction of social democracy within the province. And Don Kossick writes about what looks to be one of the more intriguing efforts to do just that:

The Sowing the Seeds document begins by clarifying that it does not provide set policy but instead wants to spark a debate and discussion among progressives inside and outside the party about how they would envision a regenerated social democracy: “This short paper is not a manifesto, but a document to start conversations. The issues presented…are framed as questions, not answers. We want the leadership campaign specifically, and the political culture more generally, to be about real ideas, real choices and serious exchanges. If it is not, the outcome of either the leadership campaign or the next election(s) will be less significant than we would hope.”
...
Sowing the Seeds is based on three core ideas. “First, social democracy matters – indeed we think the future of the planet depends on its succeeding market conservatism as the dominant political philosophy in the coming decades. Second, Saskatchewan is an ideal place for articulating an updated and inspiring concept of social democracy, especially now, in the context of a leadership campaign and in opposition. Third, if we succeed in creating a compelling fusion of philosophy, principles and platform, the NDP could regenerate itself.”

Basic questions on social democratic principles are posed, such as: What is the social democratic expression of a caring and compassionate society, in both economic and social terms? What is the social democratic definition of social justice? What is the balance between equalizing opportunity and equalizing circumstance? How can we reduce social and economic disparities while increasing well-being for all? When should government be the prime agent of intervention, when should it be the institution of last resort, and when should it stand down? In what circumstances and on what basis should it be a legislator, regulator, investor, owner, contractor, deliverer of services, bystander? How does social democracy conceive of the economy, well-being, and measures of human progress?

The paper also includes sections on specific topics such as food and agriculture, energy, justice, liveable cities, health, and education.

Of course, it may not be possible to reach final answers on any or all of the questions raised by the Sowing the Seeds paper over the next month or so. But they would seem to offer an ideal opportunity to focus discussion on the policy side of the leadership race and give candidates a chance to describe their long-term vision for both the province, and the party which plans to govern it.