NDP: No Longer Socialist?

The NDP could ring in its 50th birthday by nixing the word 'socialist' in its constitution.

When members of the New Democratic Party meet in Vancouver to celebrate their 50th anniversary this weekend, they will also debate a motion to remove references to being “socialist” in both their party constitution and policy manual. Members at the policy convention, set to get underway on Friday, will be voting on whether to ditch “socialist” for “social democratic," as well as to eliminate references to being opposed to profits. While NDP officials say the change is just meant to update language, it symbolizes the party's consistent creep toward the centre since being taken over by Jack Layton in 2003. Another proposal to be voted on is one that would bar the party from merging with the Liberals.