NDP Convention a Success

MFL President Darlene Dziewit addresses convention delegates.

The 2006 Manitoba NDP Convention was held in Winnipeg on February 3, 4 and 5. Many trade union delegates ensured that the concerns of working people were heard during the debate on dozens of resolutions.

Of particular importance were resolutions on the need to overhaul and update the Employment Standards Code, the rights of workers now classified as ’independent contractors’ by employers seeking to avoid employment costs and unionization, the exploitation of temporary workers placed by employment agencies and the need for action on the finalization of a provincial government ’no sweat’ procurement and purchasing policy.

There was a lot of serious discussion and debate at the Convention, but there was time for a little fun and satire, too - provided here by the Raging Grannies.

The convention heard speeches from Premier Gary Doer and Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton which laid out the many accomplishments of NDP governments in Manitoba and the positive impact the NDP Caucus has had in Ottawa.

A major highlight of the Convention was the presentation on Sunday of the Stanley Knowles Solidarity Award which recognizes a person who has been a leader in both the labour and political movements. This year’s award went to former MFL President Rob Hilliard, in recognition of his many contributions to the NDP and the representation of working people during the development of NDP policy.

Rob Hilliard spent 18 years working with the Manitoba Federation of Labour, nine of them as the President of the MFL. He has been active in both the labour and the political movements right across the country.

Former MFL President Rob Hilliard holds up the Stanley Knowles Solidarity Award while current MFL President Darlene Dziewit and Manitoba Premier Gary Doer look on.

He has been active at every level of the NDP for many years - Director of Organization in a provincial election, as well as a campaign manager. He was also one of the people who helped to birth the Poll Cats as a force in political campaigning.

"Rob Hilliard is known and respected across Canada, where his advice and guidance has been sought often,", said current MFL President Darlene Dziewit will presenting the award to Rob at the convention. "The labour movement and the NDP are linked, and Rob Hilliard continues my strong advisor on both. For that I am forever in his debt.

"Rob Hilliard is first and foremost a man of principles and ethics. And he is passionate about defending working people, wherever they may be. Rob will always be a part of the labour movement because that is where his heart remains. I am so glad he is back working within the House of Labour."