On calling a leadership race (Bylaw 2.1.7.2)

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:
Mary Ann Coleman, Simon McMillan, Christine Cantin, Bob MacKie, Kate Storey, Kyle Tate, Becky Smit, Ard van Leeuwen, Burt Folkins, Constantine Kritsonis, Danny Polifroni, Joe Foster, Johan Hamels, Marcus Madsen, Mark MacKenzie, Stacey Leadbetter, Lorraine Rekmans, Erich Jacoby-Hawkins

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

G16-C009

Proposal Type

Constitutional

Submitter Name

Bob MacKie

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

Mary Ann Coleman, Simon McMillan, Christine Cantin, Bob MacKie, Kate Storey, Kyle Tate, Becky Smit, Ard van Leeuwen, Burt Folkins, Constantine Kritsonis, Danny Polifroni, Joe Foster, Johan Hamels, Marcus Madsen, Mark MacKenzie, Stacey Leadbetter, Lorraine Rekmans, Erich Jacoby-Hawkins

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.