On calling a leadership race (Bylaw 2.1.7.2)
Preamble
Whereas the Green Party of Canada has grown to approximately 20 000 members; and
Whereas the selection of a Leader of a national political party is a serious matter that requires consideration and planning; and
Whereas a Leadership contest is an opportunity to grow the party and engage in grassroots discussion; and
Whereas 2.1.7.2 is unclear as to whether the leadership contest must be concluded within six months; and
Whereas six months is too short and not consistent with current practice in other national political parties;
Operative
Be it resolved that
Bylaw 2 (Federal Council) be amended to read:
2.1.7.2
A Leadership Contest must be started within six months of the appointment of an interim Leader and concluded within 24 months of said appointment.
Previous wording:
2.1.7
Where the Leader's term ends or the position of Leader otherwise becomes vacant:
2.1.7.1
Federal Council shall forthwith appoint an interim Leader until a Leadership Contest is held and a new Leader is elected.
2.1.7.2
A Leadership Contest must be held within six months of the appointment of an interim Leader.
Background
Six months to start and finish a leadership contest seems like much too short a time to properly engage our growing membership. For comparison, at the recent NDP convention in Edmonton, the floor decided to extend their own leadership timelines from 12 to 24 months.
This motion doesn’t necessarily mean that the process will take 24 months, but it gives more flexibility. Federal Council can set a timeline within that framework that takes into account any external factors such as an upcoming election or byelection and that ensures a proper consultation of members is accomplished.
Code
Proposal Type
Submitter Name
Party Commentary
This resolution was co-sponsored by Bob MacKie and Colin Griffiths.
Preamble
Whereas the Green Party of Canada has grown to approximately 20 000 members; and
Whereas the selection of a Leader of a national political party is a serious matter that requires consideration and planning; and
Whereas a Leadership contest is an opportunity to grow the party and engage in grassroots discussion; and
Whereas 2.1.7.2 is unclear as to whether the leadership contest must be concluded within six months; and
Whereas six months is too short and not consistent with current practice in other national political parties;
Operative
Be it resolved that
Bylaw 2 (Federal Council) be amended to read:
2.1.7.2
A Leadership Contest must be started within six months of the appointment of an interim Leader and concluded within 24 months of said appointment.
Previous wording:
2.1.7
Where the Leader's term ends or the position of Leader otherwise becomes vacant:
2.1.7.1
Federal Council shall forthwith appoint an interim Leader until a Leadership Contest is held and a new Leader is elected.
2.1.7.2
A Leadership Contest must be held within six months of the appointment of an interim Leader.
Sponsors
Background
Six months to start and finish a leadership contest seems like much too short a time to properly engage our growing membership. For comparison, at the recent NDP convention in Edmonton, the floor decided to extend their own leadership timelines from 12 to 24 months.
This motion doesn’t necessarily mean that the process will take 24 months, but it gives more flexibility. Federal Council can set a timeline within that framework that takes into account any external factors such as an upcoming election or byelection and that ensures a proper consultation of members is accomplished.
Party Commentary
This resolution was co-sponsored by Bob MacKie and Colin Griffiths.