Sunday, April 07, 2013

On priorities

Yesterday, I posted a brief overview of the policy resolutions set to be discussed at the NDP's federal convention in Montreal next weekend. But over the next few days, I'll go a step further in taking a look at the ones I see as most important for the party's development into Canada's leading progressive option over the long term.

Before I start listing individual resolutions, though, here are a few of the criteria I'll be applying in evaluating them.

First, I'll want to ensure that a priority resolution is substantive. It's well and good to offer statements of general principle or to state one's intention to study an issue, but I'll be looking for resolutions which provide some concrete definition to the NDP's policies in the years to come.

Second, a priority resolution should be forward-looking. While the convention is of course the product of a particular moment, I see it as better to define priorities which will remain relevant in future election cycles until such time as a policy proposal is fully implemented than to limit ourselves to reacting to the headlines. (On that front, I'll prefer resolutions which shape the NDP's long-term policy book to freestanding ones which will tend to be lost in the mists of time once the convention is over.)

Third, I'll be looking for resolutions which are distinctive. Thanks in no small part to the media Village, there's constant pressure on the party's leadership and caucus to equivocate or hew to the positions of other political competitors - and I don't see any particular value in having the membership further that cause. Instead, the most important contribution the membership can make is to evaluate which ideas set us apart from other parties.

Fourth, I'll want to promote resolutions that are innovative. It's natural that a large number of resolutions involve responses to immediate political issues, including the ones which are already being handled by the NDP's caucus. But I don't see the convention merely as a time to affirm that members agree with the caucus' opposition to the Cons' most egregious mistakes: instead,we should be looking to direct the party's attention to issues which haven't received the attention they deserve.

Finally, a priority resolution should be pragmatic. That doesn't mean that I want to limit the party's policy debate to bland incrementalism - but it does mean that I'll want to see some apparent means as to how an idea might be implemented in practice before making it a key focus for discussion.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resolutions submitted for the Montreal convention that look solid on all counts. And it'll be worth working to make sure those are the ones which receive the most attention from members at the convention - with the intention of ensuring that even media outlets inclined to focus solely on familiar frames are forced to notice there's a deeper progressive discussion happening within the NDP.

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:51 a.m.

    After application the hair is simply dried, either naturally or
    using a drier. This article will explain the hair product diversion conspiracy
    and list ways that you can determine whether or not the beloved
    salon brand you saw in Walgreens last week was truly diverted merchandise or strategically placed by the powers that be.

    Soon after this, use curl lotion all more than your hair, and make use
    of mousse and squeeze this in your hair to that your curls seem flawless.


    Review my website ... hair products

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous1:28 p.m.

    Pretty! This was a really wonderful article. Thank you for supplying these details.


    Also visit my webpage - Converse

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous8:22 a.m.

    Use a cheesecloth to strain the puree and then pour it into an airtight
    container. As we know that our bodys natural structure and physique also contains the
    wax esters which helps as natural moisturizer on the skin and prevents from multiple environmental problems.
    Once you have determined what kind of texture your hair has, you can then start using one of the techniques described below to improve it.

    However, sometimes the sebaceous gland generates too much
    oil, which is noticeable as oily hair. Basil and bergamot
    help your hair grow thicker and fuller.

    Also visit my web site - how to make my hair grow faster

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous9:44 a.m.

    Thanks very interesting blog!

    Feel free to surf to my web page :: ideal waist to height ratio

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous12:09 a.m.

    Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say
    that I have truly loved browsing your weblog posts. In any case I will
    be subscribing to your rss feed and I am hoping you write once more soon!


    My blog post :: Sidney Crosby Black Jersey

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous2:29 a.m.

    It's an amazing paragraph in support of all the internet visitors; they will take advantage from it I am sure.

    Also visit my weblog :: Air Jordan Femme

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous4:33 p.m.

    Hi there! I just would like to offer you a big
    thumbs up for the great information you have
    got here on this post. I will be returning to your site for more
    soon.

    my page Sac Guess Pas Cher

    ReplyDelete