The New Democratic Party’s recent conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, intended as a forum for electing a new leader and fostering unity among Canada’s progressives, erupted into turmoil over the contentious issue of ‘equity cards.’

Delegates from across the country convened with the promise of engaging in meaningful discussions, celebrating shared values, and shaping the future of their movement, as highlighted on the party’s convention website. However, the atmosphere shifted when tensions flared over the perceived misuse of equity cards. These cards, designed to identify members of marginalized groups and provide them with certain privileges, became a focal point of controversy.

Footage from the event captured the frustration among attendees, with disputes arising over the allocation and use of these color-coded cards. This system, rooted in the concept of ‘equity,’ aims to address disparities by ensuring equal outcomes, a notion that some argue is essential for overcoming inherent disadvantages faced by minority groups.

In the midst of the commotion, one delegate voiced her anger after allegedly being bypassed in the speaker queue, despite presenting her gender equity card at the podium. Her experience underscored the broader debate within the party about the balance between ensuring fairness and maintaining order.

As the conference unfolded, the discord highlighted the challenges faced by political movements in addressing internal dynamics while striving to uphold their commitment to inclusivity and representation.

One delegate was outraged that she was allegedly skipped in the speaker queue despite having been standing at the podium with her gender equity card.

A transgender woman who argued her ‘rights are under attack’ claimed it was ‘frustrating’ that a ‘cis gender woman had spoken over me.’ 

Similarly, a black woman argued that equity cards for women like her ‘have no value outside of this space.’ 

Conference chair Adrienne Smith, who identifies as non-binary, also seemed a bit testy and snapped at a delegate in a keffiyeh after being addressed as ‘madame chair.’ 

A transgender delegate who argued her ‘rights are under attack’ claimed it was ‘frustrating’ that a ‘cis gender woman’ was permitted to speak at the New Democratic Party ahead of her

One delegate took to the microphone to criticize the speaking order, claiming that even though ‘I was standing here with my gender equity card before you called on the previous speaker’

Conference chair Adrienne Smith, who identifies as non-binary, even snapped at a delegate after being addressed as ‘madame chair’

After a vote had passed on rescinding the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms’ notwithstanding clause – which allows legislatures to temporarily override specific rights – a furious Asian trans delegate took the stand.

Highlighting first how it ‘is hard as a racialized and transgender delegate’ to even use her equity card, the delegate complained that a ‘cis gender woman’ had been permitted to speak before her when she was holding a gender identity equity card.

She noted that although the topic pertained to ‘multiple parts of my lived experience,’ her request to speak was ‘rejected.’

‘It’s frustrating when these are my rights being directly under attack right now in Alberta and the cis gender woman had spoken over me,’ the delegate said.

‘I understand her rights are important too. This pertains to her too, but I don’t know – I hope that in the future federal NDP will have a broader interpretation of the equity cards for speakers.’

That’s when Smith urged delegates to ‘assist me in better using the card by forming a “straight line” behind the microphone with a prominently displayed equity card.’ 

Smith, who smirked at her own remark, reminded delegates that ‘if I see speakers ahead of you who are not holding a card prominently, it would be wrong of me to guess about their gender identity.’

In another instance, a delegate took to the microphone to criticize the speaking order.

‘I was standing here with my gender equity card before you called on the previous speaker. That’s my point of privilege,’ she said.

A black deleagte argued that equity cards for women like her ‘have no value outside of this space’

Smith seemingly snapped at this delegate from Ontario, who also identifies as non-binary delegate, for misgendering them during a rant about the US and Israel’s war with Iran

Despite the frustrations among NDP delegates, the party did manage to choose a new leader at the convention

Smith disputed the delegate’s accusation, claiming that despite equity cards there is still a ‘fixed’ pro-con rotation for speakers. 

‘I am pro,’ the delegate interrupted. Smith tried to explain further, but was once again dismissed by the delegate.

Smith then turned attention to a delegate at the con microphone, but that speaker also wanted to air a complaint. 

‘Yesterday, this card was used in an inappropriate manner,’ the woman said, waving her bright pink equity card for all to see. ‘And while I understand in Ontario we know this is equity, even if that, this was also used inappropriately in terms of gender.

‘I want everyone to be mindful that these cards, for individuals like myself who identify as a black woman, have no value outside of this space.’

The chair also fell emotional during the convention, with Smith seemingly snapping at a fellow non-binary delegate who misgendered them during a rant about the US and Israel’s war with Iran.

The delegate argued that ‘Canada cannot and will not be part of the legacy of blood that was built in Iraq, in Palestine and now in Iran. This is a no question debate. I call this question, madame and chairs.’

Smith, appearing teary-eyed, replied: ‘I’ll thank delegates not to call me “madame chair,” I’m a non-binary person, my pronouns are they, them, and their.’ 

Despite the frustrations among NDP delegates, the party did manage to choose a new leader at the convention.

Former journalist and activist Avi Lewis, pictured, was named NDP leader after securing 56 percent of the vote

Former journalist and activist Avi Lewis was named NDP leader after securing 56 percent of the vote and defeating MP Heather McPherson.

‘Canada, mark your calendar: the NDP comeback starts now,’ Lewis said as he delivered his victory speech. 

‘This is about all of us coming together to find our place and our power in the thrilling work of building a shared future: a government that works for the many, not the money.’