80 With a Purpose

THE DOMINION

In Regina, where it held its first convention in 1933, the Socialist Co-operative Commonwealth Federation last week held a political powwow with a new purpose. C.C.F.'s aim, in what may be the party's decisive year: to get its leaders talking the same language all across Canada.

There was need for such uniformity. At the Regina meeting C.C.F.ers could see in their topmost leaders the diversity that has often made Canada's newest, lustiest party seem short on teamwork.

From British Columbia, where militant labor is strong, came dark, intense Harold Winch, who talks lustily of "Socialism Now." His blunt, fiery speeches have been widely used against the party, particularly in more conservative Ontario, where Socialism still makes most voters queasy.

From Ontario, where C.C.F. has had most practical success, came suave Edward Jolliffe, a Rhodes Scholar turned radical, who knows how to make leftwing doctrines seem ordinary to the orthodox.

From the Saskatchewan prairies came doughty, onetime Baptist Minister Tommy Clement Douglas, who knows how to talk to farmers. His job is to become the first C.C.F. premier of Saskatchewan.

After meeting for four days with these potent three, and other delegates (about 80 in all), the C.C.F. national leader, moderate, cautious Major (his Christian name) James Coldwell was beaming. At least unanimity had been achieved, if not much else. The rank & file delegates were pleased, too. They included a good cross-section of the party itself: 18 farmers, eleven trade unionists, eleven small businessmen, nine professors, 15 professional men (five lawyers, four doctors, two clergymen, two engineers, two architects), three housewives, one student.

Most important of their recommendations: 1) that the Dominion get power from the provinces to lay down a national labor code; 2) that planning be begun on a program to build 114,000 houses a year after the war; 3) that provincial C.C.F. parties work to prevent "further alienation of natural resources," concentrate on finding opportunities for new socialized industries; 4) socialized medical care for all Canadians.

This file is automatically generated by a robot program, so reader's discretion is required.