edited to add: This response is probably more in line with the other thread you tried to start about the convention. Might as well wrap 'em up in one package!

[ 14 July 2005: Message edited by: RP. ]

quote:

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Originally posted by radiorahim:
But the FTQ/QFL (Quebec Federation of Labour) has always been somewhat autonomous from the rest of the CLC.

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For the first time in CLC Convention history, a party leader other than the NDP leader was invited to speak. BQ leader Duceppe gives social democrats in English Canada another "friendly" perspective to examine [provided they can put any anti-separatist prejudices aside]. Georgetti stated that "there are now two social democratic parties in Parliament". That was the big news, other than Carol Wall's candidacy, at the Convention. It warms the cockles of my heart anytime there is solidarity and respect demonstrated towards French Canada from institutions in English Canada and I think it's fitting and natural that such solidarity and recognition comes from institutions of the working class. And maybe increased attention to the BQ and the differing treatment of political issues in French Canada might encourage a more friendly attitude towards "extra-Parliamentary" politics and activism between elections among social democrats in English Canada. One nation can and should learn from another.

So, there is no Carol Wall speech [unless you include what she said at the caucuses that she was allowed to speak to].

Levant also noted this: "Under these circumstances, all Georgetti had to do to win was breathe. While not technically an election victory, Carol Wall's 37% represents a crushing defeat for Georgetti."

Yes, the Bloc has been very strong on assurance chomage. I'm hoping Layton uses EI reform as the major plank of the NDP's fall demands, which of course the Libs cannot support, and then we use that to withdraw our support from the gov't.