Former Alberta NDP leader says he’s ‘concerned’ to see split between provincial, federal party.
By: Joel Dryden · CBC News
Speedy efforts to distance provincial New Democrats from the new-look federal party don’t mean Albertans should expect any changes to the provincial orange brand.
But Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi told reporters Monday that if members of the party want to have a conversation around changing the name, he’s open to that possibility.“I think Albertans are smart enough to understand that we are different and that we are an alternative for them as a government in waiting,” Nenshi said. “But ultimately, if the members of the party want to have that conversation — as you’ve seen this weekend, New Democrats are very, very good at having conversations within the party with people who may or may not agree with one another — I’d be happy to have that conversation.”
Three years ago, a political organization founded by members of the Alberta NDP said provincial ties to the federal NDP was a drag on support. It also rolled out polling, which it had commissioned and was conducted by Janet Brown Opinion Research. That found 50 per cent of the 900 Alberta respondents surveyed thought the federal party had influence over the provincial NDP.
It’s time to consider a new name, group of Alberta NDP supporters tells the party
Brian Malkinson, who was director of the group and a former NDP cabinet minister, said at the time the polling was indicative of the need to pitch a name change.
But the provincial party has largely put the matter to bed for now, he said Monday.
“The party, rightfully, is currently focused on [Alberta Premier] Danielle Smith and the UCP,” Malkinson said…
Source: cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary
