Dear Editor:
Re: If you’re on the attack, check your facts first, Inbox, the Record, April 6. Your “Let me assure you” response to my letter reads more like a U.S.A.’s Kelly-Anne Conway reply complete with “alternate facts.”
First, as a gay man who has been partnered for 40 years and who has lived through real periods of legal bullying, persecution, inequality and discrimination, I can assure you there is a significant difference between the Liberals and the Conservatives. Conservative candidates in New West literally delivered flyers door to door against gay marriage and rights, have been past adversaries to the women’s rights movement and the list goes on. So let me assure you – there is a difference.
As for your adamant refusal to acknowledge any link between the NDP and the New Westminster and District Labour Council (DLC), you apparently missed the entire 2014 B.C. Federation of Labour convention. Mr. Lundy, at the 56th B.C. Fed Convention in 2014, on page 162 under the heading Political Action, it states: “NDP Leadership: The Federation is proudly affiliated to the NDP and devotes considerable energy on working to build the Party toward the goal of securing an NDP Government.” (2). Further on page 163, under Municipal Election, it states: “The Federation works closely with the Canadian Labour Congress, labour councils, affiliate unions and local activist to put forward a full effort to elect strong labour-endorsed candidates to local government, including school boards and regional districts.”(3). Then a financial link is made in the minutes for the BCFED, PSAC and the DLC in the August financials of 2013 (4). Let me assure you – there is a clear link between the NDP and DLC.
To further make this connection clear, people in New Westminster know that MP Peter Julian, MLA Judy Darcy, trustee Jonina Campbell or any of our esteemed city council wouldn’t be where they are now and wouldn’t have been permitted to run under the NDP banner unless they had been interviewed, vetted and approved by the District Labour Council. The relationship is clear, has always been clear and, in New West, people are abundantly clear of the affiliation.
Thank you for confirming the real fact that Darcy, in her past, was a member and candidate for the Worker’s Communist Party of Canada. Let me assure you that it wouldn’t be an issue to me and others if, like her comrade in the WCP, separatist and Bloc Quebecois leader Gilles Duceppe, who called his membership a “mistake,” Darcy publicly acknowledged she too had made a mistake.
Last, me running for politics. If I could get the provincial, federal and municipal NDP/DLC phone bank access like all the NDP/DLC candidates have done in past elections, I might consider it. Meanwhile, many in New West will remember my partner James Crosty’s run for mayor of the city and as an independent in the last provincial election. As his communication/marketing manager – and the same to several other candidates – I have done what I can to “make a change.” While my changes were unsuccessful, at least I tried. Let me assure you that I do believe in change and will welcome any opportunity to make change happen in the May election.
Paul R. Thompson, New West
