OTTAWA, Apr 25, 2001 (LSN.ca) – Considering that the Canadian Alliance Party touts itself as one that listens to grassroots concerns and emphasizes “binding referenda”, the current fiasco over Stockwell Day’s leadership by some disgruntled caucus members is being seen as a betrayal of the grassroots. In a show of defiance, Alliance deputy leader Deborah Grey, House leader Chuck Strahl, and deputy House leader Grant McNally, resigned from their posts yesterday citing lack of support for Day’s leadership.
The Globe and Mail today reveals that another six MP’s have openly come out against Day including Art Hanger, Val Meredith, Bob Mills, Werner Schmidt, Jim Pankiw and Dave Chatters. However, in an Alliance caucus meeting today it was revealed that Day still enjoys the support of a majority of the caucus. At least 21 Alliance MPs have come out forcefully in favour of Day’s leadership and many more tacitly support him.
During the caucus meeting a policy was reaffirmed that members should not publicly criticize the leader. After the meeting Day announced the new slate of MP’s to fill the positions resigned yesterday. Grant Hill was appointed deputy leader, John Reynolds as House leader, Randy White as caucus chair, Cheryl Gallant as deputy House leader, and Gary Breitkreuz as deputy whip. Dick Harris has replaced Reynolds as party whip.
The revolting Alliance MPs are seen by many to be acting contrary to approval to a Day-led Alliance by the party grassroots within their own ridings. Day was elected by a party vote of 75,000 (64%) to 43,000 (36%) only eight months ago. In Deb Grey’s riding of Edmonton North 60% supported Day and 40% Manning. In Chuck Strahl’s Fraser Valley 51% voted for Day while 49% voted Manning. Art Hanger, likely the most vocal Day critic, saw 70% of his constituents support Day.
Concerns to Alliance MP’s may be expressed by locating their email at: https://www.canadianalliance.ca/youralliance/mp/index.html