Photo Courtesy Kathleen Ganley Facebook page

By rdnewsNOW Staff

Provincial Politics

Kathleen Ganley releases Members’ Charter to strengthen party, give members greater voice

Feb 16, 2024 | 4:12 PM

Alberta NDP leadership candidate Kathleen Ganley has released an eight-point Members’ Charter, which she says is a response to concerns from members — and a bid to give them a greater voice in the party’s affairs.

“It’s simple. When we work together, we win together,” Ganley said. “Since the last election, I have talked to members across the province and it’s those conversations that have led me to the commitments contained in this Members’ Charter. Let’s talk, share and build a party that reflects us all.”

The charter was sent out to party members Friday morning. It includes the following commitments:

Accessible Leadership: I will ensure regular, direct communication between members and Alberta NDP MLAs. This includes regular town hall meetings, member surveys, and open forums for policy discussion, facilitated by the Provincial Secretary and party staff.

EDA President Council: I will establish a council made up of constituency association presidents to bring forward ideas to the Alberta NDP MLAs. This would include structured opportunities to formally present to Caucus and to the leader.

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Improved Relationship with Party Caucuses: As Leader, I will commit to two formal meetings between the Alberta NDP MLAs and each party Caucus annually.

Your Voice on our Relationship with the Federal NDP: This is a decision of the membership. I have heard from many Alberta New Democrats who feel the relationship with the federal party is detrimental, does not reflect their values and they wish to sever ties. The concerns of these members are valid, they deserve to be heard and I will provide members with the full information they need to make this decision. I am committed to making sure the members have a choice on whether to sever ties.

Transparent Candidate Vetting Process: As leader, I will streamline and clarify the process for selecting party candidates in advance of opening nominations for the 2027 campaign.

Support for the Rural Caucus Strategy: I will realize the goals of the Rural Caucus Strategy by establishing a working group of elected members and party staff to work directly with the Rural Caucus.

More Staff in the Party Office: I commit to hiring staff to provide more timely responses and better interaction between members and party staff members. We will create a central party point-of-contact for constituencies and their local campaigns.

Prioritize Local Talent: I am committed to nurturing and developing Alberta’s homegrown talent prior to and during election campaigns. It is my goal to ensure that Albertans are given substantial opportunities to lead our organizing teams.

“When I launched my campaign last week, I promised we would be a team — and that’s exactly what this Members’ Charter is all about,” Ganley said.

More information is available at TeamGanley.ca.

Two other candidates are also running for the leadership of the Alberta NDP, including Sarah Hoffman and Rakhi Pancholi.

Leadership results will be announced live on June 22, 2024, at the Alberta NDP Leadership Showcase. Details are expected to be announced soon.