Very proud and excited to vote in the NDP leadership race today!!
This is not the first time I've voted in a Federal leadership race... more on that later but first, my choices! I considered only voting for two people, but I ended up filling in all 5 choices.
#1: Tanille Johnston @votetanille
#2: Avi Lewis @avilewis
#3: Heather McPherson
#4: Tony McQuail
#5: Rob Ashton
Why?
You might ask why I would publicize my choices. I don’t expect others to of course. It is a privilege and a right in Canada to exercise your democratic choice freely and privately, but I also think there is value in knowing how others voted.
#1 why Tanille? https://www.tanille.ca
Easy decision. She is First Nation. She is a woman. Two things that are long overdue not just as party leader in Canada, but as a potential Prime Minister.
She also ticks all the boxes for progressive, social(ist) policies that will actually make a difference. Tanille is a normal human being who works in normal small town Canada and has dedicated herself to public service. That's the kind of person I would love to see as Prime Minister.
There are forces that are trying to discourage women, First Nations, and minorities from being involved in politics.
Also, in terms of bringing the country together, I think Tanille is best positioned to speak and present well in both official languages in time, plus represent her own First Nation and speak for other Indigenous people in Canada with lived experience.
Tanille could be a person the entire country could truly see themselves in as a leader and rally around.
#2 why Avi? https://lewisforleader.ca
Were it not for Tanille, Avi would have been my first pick without question. He closely represents my political and social beliefs. He gets it. I believe we need to disabuse ourselves of the shackles of neo-liberal ”incrementalism” and do big things to make a real difference in all of the issues that face Canada.
Avi is walking in the footsteps of his grandfather and he's doing it truthfully, sincerely, and forcefully. He's not afraid to call out corporations and understands that we are in a class struggle above all else. Climate Change, Work, Social Well Being, there is a global movement that is picking up pace that is the polar opposite of the hate fueld far-right authoritarian insanity. Avi could be the leader of that movement in Canada.
Avi could very well be the spark in Canada that people can rally around and revitalize what is supposed to be this progressive and optimistic country. I believe Avi is going to win this leadership race because I believe he is the best chance the NDP has to differentiate itself from the Liberals and Conservatives.
Avi can bring hope and huge change for the better to the NDP and to all of Canada if the party gives him that chance.
#3 Why Heather?
I had honestly considered stopping my ranking at #2. I would have been happy with just Tanille and Avi on my ballot.
However, after some reflection, I thought that as an advocate for #electoralReform and proportional representation myself, I didn't just want to pick my top two. I wanted to make a statement on each of these candidates an influence each one.
To be blunt, Heather is #3 because she is the middle-of-the-road candidate. She is an excellent representative as MP and has gathered the support of other MPs including my own, but while I would be OK with her leadership, I would see her as a continuation of the status quo, and that is not what the NDP needs as a party, nor is it what Canada needs as a country.
We desperately need a vigorous and clear alternative to the Centre-but-mostly-Right Liberals, and the MAGA-wannabe Conservatives. The only way to do that is to catch the attention of Canadians and inspire them. I am not sure that Heather has the ability to do that, and if we continue with the same leadership crew in the NDP, I am not confident that the policy choices will be strong enough to inspire and attract Canadians.
That is why Tanille and Avi are far better options.
#4 Why Tony:
Tony is the real deal. Honestly, I would have loved to rank him higher. He represents the true life blood of rural, socially progressive, environmentally aware, Canadians. You should go check out his platform. I am so glad that he was able to participate fully in the race and we need his voice in the NDP.
#5 Why not Rob?
I have been an active member in my Union for more than 10 years. Unionism is The Way. Rob is representing a division within the union movement that claims that working people can't have jobs if the environment is put first. This is a lie.
We need union leaders that look to the future and speak honestly to people. We need union leaders who are genuinely progressive, not ready to do the bidding of corporate masters to the benefit of a few.
Working people need honesty, and when an industry is on decline, a clear path to new, excellent, union, jobs!
#CanPoli #CdnPoli #Liberal #CPC #Canada #Democracy #NDP
