Outside In by Libby Davies

Author:Libby Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Between the Lines
Published: 2019-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Jack’s years of work at the municipal level in Toronto, and as president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, gave him a close connection to people’s daily lives and struggles. His strength was always about engaging with people in a positive way. What I remember most about that leadership convention was his acceptance speech. He had the creative mind of Jamey Heath working with him on communications, both during the leadership campaign and later in Ottawa. Jack’s acceptance speech was upbeat and substantive, but what stood out for me is the length of time he dedicated to speaking about his fellow leadership candidates and what they had each contributed to the overall race. It didn’t come across as the usual thank-you nod, and be done with it; it was a genuine, touching tribute to each leadership candidate and the respect Jack had for them. It said something about the man when half his speech was about his fellow competitors.

About to leave the convention to go back to Ottawa, I got buttonholed by Rick Smith, who had worked on Jack’s campaign. He told me Jack wanted to meet before I left. They had already set up an impromptu office in the convention centre and were busy making plans for next steps. I was happy to meet with Jack, but I had no idea what he wanted to meet about. Jack, having just pulled off what many had said was impossible, showed no self-congratulation or glee. On the contrary, he was most concerned about the NDP caucus in Ottawa and how to work constructively with the MPs who had not supported him. Most of the caucus had supported Bill Blaikie to be party leader. Bill was a very credible figure in the party and an excellent parliamentarian.

The next morning would be our regular caucus meeting in Ottawa, and the first meeting with the newly elected leader. Jack wanted to seek advice on how to approach the caucus. I told him that I thought it best that he be low-key, and that he acknowledge the enormous strength in the caucus and that he needed to learn from them. He then told me he wanted me to be his House leader. I was surprised. I said that I did not have enough experience in House procedure. He told me that wasn’t the criteria, adding, “Anyway, you’ll learn.” He wanted someone he could trust and who would not be thrown off by the internal ups and downs that are wont to happen. He valued our common municipal experience and belief in getting things done rather than playing politics. Jack added that he would ask Bill Blaikie to be his parliamentary leader, in the House, until he was elected.

The next day in Ottawa, there was a tension in the caucus room before Jack’s arrival. Many of the MPs were bruised and still in shock at Blaikie’s leadership loss, and they were really not sure about this upstart new kid on the block. It would be critical how Jack handled that first meeting.

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