GATHERING virtually for the first time, the BC NDP concluded its 47th Convention last weekend with “a renewed commitment to building a future worth fighting for,” according to a press release.
“Thanks to all the New Democrats from around the province for taking part in our convention,” said BC NDP Leader John Horgan on Monday. “We’ve accomplished so much over the last four years to make life better for British Columbians, but there’s still more to do. We’re going to keep working together to build a stronger BC for everyone.”
Delegates debated and passed resolutions related to policies to improve the lives of British Columbians, including:
- Fighting the overdose crisis through safe supply and decriminalization
- Getting housing built faster
- Single step certification for workers who want to unionize
- Making polluters pay for environmental cleanups
- Advancing reconciliation through UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People)
Additionally, delegates passed a resolution to amend the party constitution to create a new role for an equity vice president who, once elected, will work with and support all equity seeking committees of the BC NDP to further their work, organization, training, and success.
Convention delegates also ratified the election of Aaron Sumexheltza as the new President of the party. Aaron is a practicing criminal defense lawyer and the former elected chief of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. He is the BC NDP’s first-ever Indigenous President.
The BC NDP gathers for Convention every two years. The next Convention will be held in fall 2023.