The federal NDP leadership race has its first candidate sort of. Cheri DiNovo, the long time NDP MPP for Parkdale-High Park, tossed her hat in the ring June 7, declaring herself as the unofficial candidate to replace Tom Mulcair.
At the NDP convention in Edmonton in April, delegates voted for new leadership after the partys disappointing performance in the last federal election. Many believed Mulcair was to blame, but few within the party were willing to state as much publicly. DiNovo was the exception, emerging as outspoken critic, telling NOW bluntly in an interview earlier this year, Hes got to go. Im not a fan.
At the time, DiNovo was certain she had no aspirations for the job herself, even going so far as to say, Im not qualified. But now the former United Church minister is having second thoughts.
Really, who is qualified for that job? she asked at a press conference at her Roncesvalles constituency office this morning. Certainly, I can imagine better candidates than myself, candidates that would get more votes and have more skills, and I say go for it. If a stronger candidate comes along that espouses the same principles, Im happy to fold behind them, but Im also not happy to just stand back and wait for that to happen.
DiNovos unofficial status, she explained, revolves around a rule that requires leadership candidates to pay a $30,000 deposit upon entry into the race. From there, they can raise up to $1.5 million in campaign funds. While DiNovo wouldnt confirm whether shes raised the deposit, shes opposed to the idea that money should be a barrier.
For the leadership of a democratic socialist party, it shouldnt be about the money, it shouldnt be about how much money you can raise to buy buttons and baubles to promote yourself. It should be about principles, says DiNovo, who adds that she plans on running a grassroots-fuelled.
DiNovo cites Jeremy Corbyn, a fringe candidate for leadership of the Labour Party in the UK and won with overwhelming support in 2015, as an inspiration. She also named Germany and Sweden as countries with “strong social democratic principles” that Canada should look towards. To that extent, DiNovo listed these four guiding principles to her campaign:
An aggressive and realistic response to climate change, including a dramatic shift to renewable energy and green jobs
Advancing social justice and human rights issues, particularly LGBTQ2S rights, income equality, affordable childcare and building union rates
Real justice for Canadas First Nations and respect for treaty rights, as well as addressing the concerns of Black Lives Matter and systemic racism
Free post-secondary education, liveable social assistance rates and affordable housing for all.
As for next steps, DiNovo is non-committal. Lets see what happens.
This much is sure, DiNovo, will not be running for re-election in her provincial seat in 2018. Ive given everything for the last 10 years to my job at Queens Park, and Ive done my best, she says.
At the same time, a failed NDP leadership bid would not force her into retirement. She has left open the possibility of running federally.
Im not going to say no to anything, but what I will say is this: My real interest in not about me. My real interest is standing here making a point about principles upon which our party should stand. For those principles, Ill always be running.
michelled@nowtoronto.com | @michdas
