New Democratic Party leader Carole James insists the opposition caucus remains strong and united in the wake of MLA Norm Macdonald's resignation as caucus chair.
Macdonald told her of his decision at the end of the day Thursday, James said in a phone interview. “He felt he had a disagreement around the amount of discipline that was given to [Bob] Simpson,” she said.
Last week James ejected Cariboo North MLA Simpson from the caucus saying his comments on a website showed he was unprepared to work constructively as part of the NDP team.
“These aren't easy decisions to make,” she said. “It's also a decision the leader has to make.” She said she's open to Simpson returning to caucus if he shows he can work constructively. “The door's always open.”
Macdonald has not responded to The Tyee's requests for comment.
Public Eye is quoting an email Macdonald sent to supporters: “The role of caucus chair is to ensure that caucus decisions are made in a principled way, following a proper process. I have decided that I am no longer able to continue in my role of caucus chair given recent events.”
James said Macdonald will remain as forest critic and his resignation is an example of how NDP members can disagree in a constructive way.
She declined to say how widespread the dissent is within caucus. "That's a discussion for inside caucus and the team is working well together," she said.
Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.
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seth
1 year ago
Girl scouts
SEXIST COMMENT REMOVED. -MODERATOR.
Stewart MacKenzie
1 year ago
Unfair
Much as I disapprove of James' performance as leader, I object to her formal education level being offered as an indication she isn't worthy.
I only did a year of UBC but consider myself better educated than most graduates, because I have kept learning over the ensuing 40 years - including reading materials which could put a normal person to sleep in minutes if not seconds!(Try reading some Kierkegaard, Nietsche, or any of the great economic thinkers if you don't believe me or suffer
from insomnia.)
The NDP's worship of degrees, this assumption that university grads think on a higher level than the rest of us, is one of the party's great failings, and helps ensure the elitists maintain control over the party as the rank and file (including most wage workers) are seen as dullards!
I think there are far more valid criticisms of James and hope others will stick to what is relevant.
seth
1 year ago
Nietsche?
Carole James has never even heard of him.
Therein lies the difference my friend.
This is a woman that watches cartoons for entertainment and last read a book as a requirement for Grade 12 english lit.
Have you never listened to her in interviews and debate. Her sole repetoire is canned phrases programmed into her by her handlers.
Stewart MacKenzie
1 year ago
Which is why the real
Which is why the real problem is much deeper than a poor leader.
Many of the elitists causing the trouble have plenty of academic qualifications, which doesn't mean they can find their own behinds with a 6 person search party and GPS!
Do the canned phrases and wind-up speeches sound like the products of intelligent and open minds? All James is doing is recite her lines; those writing the lines are far more hard to even identify, much less to make accountable. If the leader changes but the unelected types keep running the show, nothing will have been achieved - eg Moe Sihota, who has at least a couple of degrees and has damaged the party's image more than Carole.
DPL
1 year ago
No matter, if the caucus is
No matter, if the caucus is behind her or not. What else could she say. If stuff is showing up in reporters hands saying other wise, who do we believe?