The True Danger to Party Unity

The Leadership Review is a very controversial and contentious vote. There is a debate going on in the party. It is a debate that is steeped in historical and personal antagonism. In such a climate it is the democratic process that will hold the party together. It is one of the great benefits of democracy that allows difficult issues to be discussed and dealt with without any collapse of order. Thanks to the democratic process we can have debates about leaders and then come together in unity. We know our voices have been heard.

But what happens when that democratic process is subverted or corrupted? What happens if one side does not follow the rules?

The Toronto-Centre DSM is a good case study. There was a youth association established without the recognition of the senior party or the knowledge of the riding youth membership. There was no Toronto-Centre Youth Association on the OPCYA website. This youth association did not follow the proper rules of establishment and therefore was not valid. But they had a ‘dsm’ in someone’s apartment and they are sending delegates.

All the delegates are supporting John Tory. Any youth that are known to be against John Tory were kept in the dark.

There is an illusion going around that the youth in general support John Tory. This is simply a product of this sort of scheming and underhanded tactics that are stifling the voices of Yes supporting youth.

Here is the true danger to party unity. Challenging the leader under the rules of the constitution will not destroy the PCPO. Making a significant portion of the party feel coerced and cheated, that will destroy our party. Undercutting the democratic process and breaking DSM rules will create a poisonous relationship between the membership and the establishment.

I understand that Tory supporters think that their cause is just. But beyond a just cause they must fight justly. Otherwise all could be lost.