Addressing Attacks: New Democrats as a Viable Alternative
Published on April 27, 2011 by Katrina Grdasic
As recent polls indicate, the NDP has risen quickly to second place with 27.8%. This has been a breakthrough for the party. However, the leading Conservative numbers are still frustrating to see. Here are 5 popular misconceptions about the NDP.
Claim #1: “A vote for the NDP is a waste of a vote. Also, I need to strategically vote in my riding to displace the Harper government.”
As mentioned previously, the NDP is continuing to demonstrate its ability to win over public support. The power of one vote should not be underestimated. Per vote subsidies are also designed to give parties additional financial assistance. As advocates of proportional representation, the New Democrats will work to ensure better representation.
Claim #2: “Socialism/Communism does not work; this was illustrated by Eastern Europe particularly (former Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Romania, etc.)”
The New Democrats are not socialist/communist, but social democratic. There is a clear difference in this, as pointed out by Christopher Dunn, in his book, Canadian Political Debates (Oxford University Press, 1995): “Social democracy is a hybrid political tradition… inspired by socialist ideals, but heavily condition by its political environment, and it incorporates liberal values.” Today, social democracy is thriving especially in Scandinavia
Claim #3: “Environmental regulations are my primary concern, and I feel that the Green Party will represent my interests better.”
The New Democrats have been very successful with introducing environmental regulation. Unfortunately, the Greens do not have any seats in the House of Commons. The Climate Change Accountability Act establishes goals and targets through giving businesses incentives, international relations, as well as localized community programs. Other initiatives include globally leading in renewable resources, Green Bonds, and investing in public transit. A comprehensive environmental plan, along with representation in Parliament, demonstrates that the New Democrats are a better option if you are thinking of going Green.
Claim #4: “The NDP is very inexperienced and does not have the ability to govern. We need a replacement for Harper; the NDP should stick to its traditional role as the opposition.”
New perspectives are essential if changes and improvements are desired. The New Democrat party is the most diverse, giving people of various backgrounds a chance to give different points of view on governance. Leader Jack Layton has been a public servant for 30 years in municipal and federal politics, with many prominent positions; if elected, he would be a great Prime Minister.
Claim #5: “The NDP seems to think that money grows on trees, and have not indicated how they plan to balance the federal budget in their platform. This is a fantasy and not very practical. Our taxes will be hiked.”
The New Democrats plan to work with the budget that they have. Jack Layton has made the comparison to a family: if elected, they will spend according to their budget. Income will be generated from a variety of innovative sources, including raising corporate taxes, taxing polluters, and tax havens. Although, remember: the Conservative government – which claims to be fiscally prudent – has generated a record high deficit.
On Monday May 2nd, remember that you have a choice. Challenge these “myths” and choose the New Democrats. Join Farah tomorrow at 7 PM for one last Mississauga South candidate debate at the Cawthra Senior Centre (1399 Cawthra Road) and see her address more claims like these.
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