Alberta New Democratic Party in Canada endorses Hands Off Venezuela

05 October 2005
Hands Off Venezuela Canada
The last few weeks have seen great steps forward for the Venezuela solidarity movement in Canada. Most notably, after HOV gained the support of the Alberta Federation of Labour, the following resolution was passed at the Alberta NDP Convention. The last few weeks have seen great steps forward for the Venezuela solidarity movement in Canada. Most notably, after HOV gained the support of the Alberta Federation of Labour, the following resolution was passed at the Alberta NDP Convention.

Roland Schmidt, co-chair of the New Democratic Youth of Alberta, motivated for the resolution. The HOV resolution was one of the only ones to receive applause from the convention floor (3 times!) Youth activist Phil Goebel also expressed the need for solidarity with the Venezuelan people. The final vote was 200 for and 1 against. Many of the delegates bought HOV buttons and about 100 signed a HOV petition and protested the comments of Pat Robertson.

Resolution

WHEREAS the role of the NDP is to provide political leadership to Albertans by showing the precarious relationship between capitalist economics and the well being of youth, working people and seniors;

WHEREAS the democratically elected President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, his government and the people of Venezuela are the undisputed victims of illegitimate and illegal aggression orchestrated by the Venezuelan oligarchy and United States imperialism;

WHEREAS the future of democratic socialism in Venezuela should continue to be determined by the people of Venezuela without interference, especially foreign capital;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta NDP and its membership express strong solidarity with the Bolivarian movement in Venezuela by endorsing the “Hands Off Venezuela!” campaign, whose core principles are:

a) solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution
b) opposition to imperialist intervention in Venezuela
c) building direct links with the revolutionary and trade union movement in
Venezuela

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon ratification of this resolution by our convention that the President and Leader of the Alberta NDP jointly draft a letter of solidarity on behalf of Party membership to be sent to the “Hands off Venezuela!” international organizers and President Chavez's office

BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that the membership of the Alberta NDP make a concerted effort to educate themselves on the political situation in Venezuela and to help, wherever possible, raise awareness on the “Hands of Venezuela!” campaign.