Here is the final version (pdf format) of Pierre Ducasse's speech to NDP convention.

 
Convention highlights and aftermath

Wow! It's over and yet it is only beginning.

• Friday was great. First, Ken Georgetti, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, endorsed my campaign. I found out when I ran into him on the Convention floor and he was wearing a "Ducasse" pin. What a wonderful surprise! The debate that evening went well. Our team did excellent work at Convention – thank you all very much.


• Saturday morning, the speeches. What can I say? Our entrance was fun. Three standing ovations! We had people cheering, laughing and crying. A surprise scrum. Thank you everyone, it was a real pleasure! For those of you who asked, the music we were playing was a remix of "Fixation" by Andy Ling.


• Thanks to everyone who supported me... or wanted to.


• After the results were announced, we complimented the other candidates. Then we went to the party at the Delta Chelsea. It was wonderful to meet and celebrate with our new leader, Jack Layton. Afterward, we had our own party at "Deck 27". The best party! Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert came by and said a few words.


• One funny anecdote: returning to my hotel room at 2:30 AM, I noticed that my right hand was irritated and all swollen from shaking hands.


• We also cleared most of our campaign debt, raising more than $10,000 at Convention. Thank you!


• Sunday, I had an unforgettable meeting with the President of the Croatian social-democratic party of Bosnia! I was also re-elected as associate-president of the federal party.


• Since then, many journalists and commentators (Michel Vastel, Chantal Hébert and Graham Fraser) have called me a « true revelation ». Some comments are exaggerated, but flattering nevertheless.


• Since Saturday, we received close to 300 emails through our website. Let's put this enthusiasm into service for the party and the new leader.

Thank you very, very much.

Pierre Ducasse

 
To read Pierre Ducasse's speech to NDP convention, click here... [preliminary version: final version will be release in the first week of february]

 
On the road to Toronto !

Convention is coming up soon ! We look forward to seeing you in Toronto : National Trade Centre at Exhibition Place! If you want to give us a hand, please drop by our office !

For your information, Pierres’ speech will be Saturday morning at 10:30.

If you have not voted yet, this is the time ! Have your voter identification and password in hand and go to :
https://vote.election.com/NDP.

If you have not received your ballot, send a message with your name and full address to :
vote@fed.ndp.ca

We remind you that Pierre needs your support as first choice so that the party and the country hears our message loud and clear !

 
Vote !

I am back from spending the Holidays in Sept-Iles. We founded the Manicouagan riding association!

Now it's time to vote. We want to thank all those who are considering giving me their vote as first choice.

Don't forget to watch the Newsworld candidate debate Tuesday January 7th!

Pierre

 
Please give to the Ducasse campaign !

We lead a small campaign, but we need your contribution to bring us to Convention. We need approximately $ 10 000 to finish the campaign. If you beleive in our message, we ask you to give us a hand financially. Thank you very much !

contribuez_e.html

 
ENDORSEMENT

"Ducasse brings a freshness that the NDP needs at this crucial time in our history. Ducasse is a leader from Quebec with a real vision for social democracy. (...) If the NDP is to become relevant in Canadian Politics we need this kind of new life. Pierre is a leader that can bring the NDP into a new age. Unknown - sure, untried - of course, but we really have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We need to excite the Canadian Public. They are ready for it. They are ready for us." (more)

— Armand Roy,
Graphic artist, labour activist and Straight Goods Director from Regina, Saskatchewan.

 
ENDORSEMENT

"I am most impressed with the candidacy of Pierre Ducasse. In my mind he best embodies the capacity needed to "carry the flame" for democratic socialism. Pierre is clear-minded, charismatic and personable. He's got fire in the belly and a tough political instinct needed for campaigning. Canada needs another Pierre for Prime Minister!"

— Mike Parkes
President, South Surrey-White Rock-Langley Federal NDP

 
ENDORSEMENT

"Pierre Ducasse's proposals for democratizing Canada's economy are breathtaking in their practicality. With these policies, Pierre is proposing a new formula for the Canadian Left. This formula is aimed not simply at redistributing wealth and at alleviating the worst excesses of capitalism, but at fundamentally re-organizing our economy to the benefit of the majority of citizens.

I believe that Pierre Ducasse's economic vision is a new and powerful one, capable of re-energizing the Left across Canada. Furthermore, it is one which he can eloquently and charismatically expound in both official languages. I am genuinely excited about the NDP's prospects with Pierre Ducasse as leader."

— Blake Evans,
VP Communications NDP Concordia

 
HOME SWEET HOME...

I’m back home after more than three weeks of campaigning in the West. After Newsworld Debate on November 14th, I left for Regina. The Regina Debate, on November 15th, went very well for us and the crowd was great ! I got many new supporters and my handouts were gobbled up. I did the remainder of the western trip by train.

November 17 the debate was held in Edmonton, during the Annual Convention of the Alberta New Democrats. Again, I went away with some new supporters. Then, I moved on to British-Columbia. I toured Vancouver island on the 23rd and 24th of November, debating in Campbell River and in Victoria. The next day, we debated in Vancouver : thereI think I got new support with my « electile dysfunction » speech ! J

After, I spent a few days in Winipeg. The debate there on the 28th went well and I met and exchanged views with a lot of people. On the 30th, I went to a breakfast with Gary Doer as a speaker. I rounded out the month with quick visits in Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa and Montréal, meeting New Democrats and hearing their concerns.

— Pierre

 
ENDORSEMENT

“Pierre is the new face for the NDP. He has the vision and new ideas to lead the NDP to a bold and bright future. Pierre's fresh approach, concrete ideas, and sense of humour are a breath of fresh air to the New Democratic Party.”

— Steven Bobiash
Former Provincial Secretary, Saskatchewan NDP
Former President, Saskatchewan Young New Democrats

 
PRESS RELEASE

Ducasse wants to "export" the Québec model

Pierre Ducasse, Federal NDP leadership candidate, proposes extending to all Canadians a number of policies already successfully tested in Quebec. At a press conference today in Ottawa, he gave a positive account of his participation, as a Québécois, in the leadership race.

"I have been traveling across the country for the last five months. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of people on the English Canadian left. I was struck by how many people were jealous of the many progressive policies in place in Québec that we often take for granted. How many times have I heard: "If only we had in our provinces what you already have in Québec. You really have some progressive policies", said Mr. Ducasse.

Mr. Ducasse gave a few examples, in terms of social policy : five dollar a day childcare; a network of community health and social services centres; and the financial support given to non-profit community organizations. He also gave examples concerning economic policy: local development organizations like the Centre locaux de développement (CLD) or the Corporations de développement communautaire (CDC); the strong presence of Labour funds (Fonds de solidarité (FTQ) and Fondaction (CSN)); the development of social economy enterprises; and the cooperative model. Mr. Ducasse is also happy about the possibility of implementing, at the federal level, a law on the public and citizen funding of political parties inspired by the one adopted in Québec more than 20 years ago.

"All these examples point in one direction: many components of the 'Québec model' are of interest to our social-democratic allies elsewhere in Canada. We often hear that New Democrats don't understand Québec. This is a false perception: in fact they want to copy much of what they know about Québec".

"My platform is inspired, in part, by the Québec experience. This is one aspect of my candidacy that brings a new and dynamic element to this race for the NDP leadership. We can be proud of the kind of society we have built in Québec. There is still much to be improved, but English Canada is eager for Québec to share its expertise and experience. This is one of the bigger lessons I have learned in this race. That is why the NDP needs a leader from Québec: to bring the lessons learned from the Québec model to the level of federal politics", concluded Mr. Ducasse.

 
ENDORSEMENT

"As I listen and hear more and more from the leadership candidates, I am convinced that Pierre has the most to offer our party. His energy and commitment to the party comes across very clearly time after time. Also, as an Acadian, I feel that it is important to have a Leader that is fully bilingual and can help us make the gains in Quebec that we need."

— DeeDee Daigle,
New-Brunswick, CLC

 
ENDORSEMENT

“I am proud to endorse Pierre Ducasse for the leadership of the New Democratic Party of Canada. Pierre has in-depth knowledge of social economics, an acute understanding of the confederation of provinces we call Canada, and the ability to fluently articulate his vision of pragmatic radicalism in both official languages. Pierre represents the future of our party in Canada. With Pierre as the NDP’s first leader from Quebec, we can effectively engage Canadians of all social and ethnic backgrounds in transforming Canada into a true social democracy.”

— Anita Romaniuk
President, Vancouver-Quadra NDP
Vancouver Park Board Commissioner-elect

 
ENDORSEMENT

“Pierre is a great guy, great energy, and a surprisingly articulate performer in English, not to mention in French. He also has a sense of humour, which helps. What I like most about him, however, is his range and breadth of mind. He realizes that for the NDP to succeed, a new leader needs to appeal to Canadians in a larger way, touching on their work, their creativity, the economy, public finances, and not just talking about health care and other social services.

Equally important, he understands that, for democratic socialism, it's not enough to redistribute wealth. We need a broad-gauged economic democracy. In other words, he wants to bring the values of democratic socialism to life at large. I like that, too.”

— Herschel Hardin,
British Colombia,
Former NDP leadership candidate (1995)

 
ENDORSEMENT

"What Pierre Ducasse is offering the NDP is not only a real chance for a bright future in Québec, but a quality of leadership that would appeal to all progressive Canadians. I cannot emphasize enough how much I hope that all New Democrats recognize the viable, significant, and rare opportunity Pierre’s candidacy represents. I am however confident that those members who get the opportunity to talk with Pierre will be as impressed as I am."

— Jer Lewsaw
VP External NDP McGill

 
We’ve had many debates in the last few days.

On October 27th, it was the debate in Montréal: a good crowd was present! After, I continued my tour in Ontario. The Toronto debate, on the 29th, went well: over 700 people attended the event! On November 2nd, visit and debate in Windsor. That night, there was a dinner to honour volunteers in the community; Alexa’s presence was also much appreciated.

After, there was a series of unofficial debates. I was in London on November 3rd: again, a good crowd. November 4th, Cambridge. I met with a lot of supporters. Afterwards, Hamilton on November 5th. November 6th, there was a debate in Ottawa organized by Ottawa’s district labour council.

Now, I am taking a few days off to rest before I start touring the western parts of the country. See you soon.

Pierre

 
ENDORSEMENT

"I support the candidacy of Pierre Ducasse for the leadership of the New Democratic Party of Canada. Pierre has the makings and the maturity of a leader. He has the convictions and the values of a true new democrat. His courage, his determination and his vision of our political future commands our support.

Pierre Ducasse is campaigning on a well-thought out program. Realistic in the presentation of his plans for reform, he keeps a distance from simple slogans and easy expressions. He is the only candidate to insist so much on this new economic track, that of social democracy. It's new, it's stimulating, our future depends on it. Coming from a province traditionally underrepresented within our party, Pierre must receive significant support from the whole of the membership of the party and I want to contribute to this goal."

— François Côté
Former Associate-president of the federal NDP ;
Co-chair of the renewal comitee

 
ENDORSEMENT

"Pierre Ducasse offers an exciting vision for the NDP - a vision which captures his passion for economic and social justice with rational ideas for achieving these goals.

In order to become government the NDP must become a truly national party, one which represents both English and French speaking Canadians from all regions of the nation. By electing Pierre Ducasse as leader of the NDP, the party will demonstrate its willingness to embrace Canada's founding peoples."

— Gavin Will,
Secretary of the Newfoundland and Labrador NDP
President St. John's East NDP Riding Association

 
ENDORSEMENT

" It is with great pleasure that I endorse Pierre Ducasse's campaign for the leadership of the Federal NDP. For far too long the New Democrats have ignored economic issues out of fear that we have no credibility on these issues. Pierre wants to change that! He would bring renewed purpose and direction to the party.

I first met Pierre in 1990 at the bi-annual convention of the New Democratic Youth of Canada. For the next two years we worked closely together as President and Associate-President. Pierre was, even then, one of the party's most effective public speakers. He has been a constructive voice for change within the party ever since.

Pierre has remained active within the party through thick and thin. In 1997, he ran as an NDP candidate in Quebec. Not the easiest job at the best of times. Even though the NDP was not on the electoral map in his riding, Pierre seized the agenda and forced the other candidates to respond to issues important to New Democrats everywhere: jobs, community economic development, education, and the rights of first nations people. I remember listening to a radio debate where the other candidates spent much of their time responding to the substantive points raised by Pierre.

Sept-Iles, Quebec (Pierre's home town) is much like other resource towns across the country (including my native Thunder Bay). It is a union town. A town where working people are dependent on an outside company for their livelihood. A town struggling to diversify. Perhaps this is why Pierre has placed the economy, job security, and economic democracy at the centre of his campaign for leader. These are all issues that the Party needs to reclaim as our own.

Voting for Pierre will send a message to the Liberals and to the Canadian Alliance that the New Democratic Party is still the party of ordinary Canadians. And, we are going to give Canadians a clear choice to make in the next election.

Thanks Pierre! "

— Steve High,
Assistant Professor of History, Nipissing University (North Bay, Ontario);
Former President of the New Democratic Youth of Canada and,
Former Vice President of the New Democratic Party of Canada (1990-92).

 
Since mid-september, the campaign has become more intense. Our campaign got a lot of very positive feedback after the Montréal debate that took place during the Québec section’s convention on September 15th. Notably, I got the official support of Nathalie Rochefort, MNA for the riding of Mercier.

Then I toured the West. Party members were very enthusiastic with our message at the Vancouver debate that took place during the BC provincial council on September 21st. I was also the only leadership candidate present at Saskatchewan’s provincial council on September 24th. I spent a few days in Saskatoon, Edmonton and Winnipeg and got a chance to meet with members there.

Back in Québec, I had the chance to meet with some labour leaders like Henri Massé from the QFL and Michel Arsenault of the Steelworkers.

Afterwards, I went back to the Atlantic provinces. The official leadership tour has begun. To this date, we had three debates : St-Johns’ (NF), Halifax (NS) and Moncton (NB). And after a brief stay in Prince-Edward-Island, I am back in Montréal in preparation for the debate.

Now, we are preparing for a new tour in southern Ontario.

See you on the road.

 
New text about Party organization and structure.

 
In view of my 30th birthday (which is today!), I will make a brief report on the campaign thus far.

After I announced my candidacy, I toured the maritimes, took part in Federal Council in Halifax, visited St-John's, Newfoundland and New Brunswick. Then I toured through Québec for a few weeks. I am presently in Ontario where I've had the chance to meet members in formal and informal gatherings. Things are going well so far. We're working with many people accross the country which are helping us organize activities.

I thank everyone who has contributed to this campaign. We are currently preparing a tour of Québec and the West.

See you soon.

 
PRESS RELEASE For the true renewal of the NDP

Ottawa – Pierre Ducasse, 29 years old, announced today his resignation as associate-president of the New Democratc Party of Canada as well as his candidacy for party leader. Mr. Ducasse has put his candidacy forward in order to ensure that the NDP continues its renewal process.

« There must be, one day, an alternative to the Liberals. But this alternative should not come from the political right. It must come from the left, it must come from us. But to become again a credible and winning party, the NDP must continue its renewal in terms of its vision, its policies, its organisation ans its language ».

Particularly, Mr. Ducasse wishes to put forward a vision that centres on economic democracy as the principal element of a renewed social democracy. « We want to give people and communities power over the economic levers that affect their lives. We should not be afraid to talk about local control of investement, worker and community capital funds, workplace democracy, cooperative development, fair trade, international regulations over the movement of capital, work sharing, community economic development, social responsibilty of enterprises,… All of which are tools for the democratisation of the economy » says Ducasse.

Mr. Ducasse, a political scientist, is originaly from Québec’s North Shore. The « little guy from Sept-Iles » has taken a sabbatical from his job as coordinator of (Québec’s) National Table of Community Development Corporations which is based in Drummondville, QC.