The way forward: Sask NDP 2009

June 6.

Regina.

One person will be hoisted up to lead the Saskatchewan NDP.

But where will that leader take us? To government because we are not on the right? Perhaps a step to the left to become reacquainted with the ideals that formed the party? Or perhaps, to the people of Saskatchewan?

The question of the leadership race: What does it mean to be a New Democrat in Saskatchewan?

Since 1944, the NDP has been in power 47 of the past 65 years (or, since Saskatchewan became a province, 47 out of 104 years). From Douglas to Blakeney, Romanow to Calvert, the NDP has carved out a niche as the pragmatic left - managerial democratic socialists. It is an umbrella held together by their support of crown corporations, medi-care and memories of Saint Tommy. As government, the NDP has consistently applied a patient approach to the management of resources and the expansion of the welfare state. They have maintained an eye on the finances and a hovering foot over the brake peddle on social programs. Only when the finances permitted did social change get the green light.

But years in government has also taken it's toll on the party. The idealists have often taken a back seat to the economic stewards - perhaps more so under Romanow and Calvert then under previous NDP administrations. The NDP has been successful because it has carved out the centre, thereby crippling the Saskatchewan Liberals. But it has compromised its progressive values in the process. The Saskatchewan NDP has been characterized as the Saskatchewan version of the federal Liberals - a party that pursues power by being flexible with its views - although perhaps a little less smug. The Saskatchewan NDP has proven adaptable, changing with the times, while consistently being solid managers. On the eve of a rare leadership convention, it is time for Saskatchewan NDPers to ponder where they want their party to go. Broadly speaking, is it a party in pursuit of power or does it want to risk being in opposition a little longer while espousing social democratic values?

The answer to this question will set the path for answering a number of other issues facing the party. For example, how does the NDP reconnect with people in rural areas now that their convenient excuse that international trade agreements tied their hands has worn thin. How do you deal with poverty, particularly in first nations communities, in a free market economy? Is Nuclear really the clean energy that the industry wants us to believe that it is? How do you take the riches of from resources to diversify the economy?

The Jurist has not a marvelous job of describing what the leadership candidates stand for and I will not repeat that here. Obviously, the leader selected this coming weekend will pave the route that the Saskatchewan NDP will take, but will that route answer the question of what it means to be a Saskatchewan New Democrat?

The routes are as follows:

All for power - Dwain "Iggy" Lingenfelter. After encouraging business away from Saskatchewan for the better part of this decade, Dwain has returned to fulfill his destiny. His policies are safe, and his experience long. His campaign is that he can defeat Brad Wall. This small print is that power is more important the party.

Progressive foot soldiers - Ryan "Netty" Meili. Ryan has been a breath of fresh air. He has occupied the same space that Netty Wiebe did in 2001 as the progressive outsider. His campaign has been the most innovative (at least from a virtual stand point), and he has been the only candidate with clear and well thought out policies. He marks a return to roots.

Happy Middle - Deb Higgins. Her heart is in the right place. Her campaign focused. Deb is the link between Dwain and Ryan. She maybe short on policy debate, but she is to the point. I have a lot of time for Deb. The party would do well by electing her.

The Lawyer as outsider - Yens Pedersen. Unfortunately, I cannot at much about this candidate.