The Labor-Progressive Party in Crisis, 1956–1957

The Labor-Progressive Party in Crisis, 1956–1957 Karen Levine (bio) Keywords Party, Canadian Communism, 1956, Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, 20th Congress of the Communist Soviet Union, Tim Buck, J.B. Salsberg, Norman Penner, Gui Caron, Anti-Semitism, Stanley B. Ryerson Mots-clés Parti ouvrier-progressiste, communisme canadien, Staline, Khrouchtchev. 20e congrès du communiste de l'Union soviétique, antisémitisme, On 19 April 1957, 110 delegates from across country gathered Toronto to participate 6th National Convention (lpp), Canada's major organization. heels most intense and damaging crisis party's history, this convention was deemed highly significant. It culmination twelve months acute acrimonious ideological political struggle. conflict divided both leadership membership, involving a thorough re-examination questioning strategy, philosophy, structure, and, ultimately, very existence lpp. Several issues shaped debate at convention. Of controversy were questions relationship lpp international movement general, Union (cpsu) particular; role party relation Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (ccf), trade-union movement, other "progressive" forces country; theory practice inner-party democracy. In eyes majority delegates, however, one question overwhelming significance: that need for Marxist-Leninist Canada. Around these basic issues, two distinctly antagonistic positions crystallized. [End Page 161] A minority grouping, led by J. long-standing leader its able spokesmen, had decided lpp, "with long history dogmatism, subservience cpsu, sectarianism isolation masses," no longer an adequate tool with which build socialism Canada.1 basis, Salsberg his supporters advocated dissolution "socialist realignment" progressive throughout country. This stand could be characterized as essentially social democratic. large stood behind position held national leader, prominently defended Leslie Morris, who would become 1961. To them, Salsberg's proposals represented "rank opportunism," "defeatism," worst all, "revisionism" – attempt water down Marxism-Leninism effort achieve "bourgeois respectability."2 Buck followers prepared admit precepts been followed too closely past, democracy suffered process, insufficiently flexible policies. Certain changes corrections have made. For majority, such errors did not bring principles into question. essence, line correct. Proletarian internationalism, democratic centralism, dictatorship proletariat remained valid necessary concepts. And importantly, Canada indisputable; still vanguard working class. While attempting rid dogmatic sectarian tendencies, those aligned felt primary task hand defeat "revisionists" "liquidationists."3 Yet all fit neatly either group. Besides affiliated discernible convention, advocating change, more hardened position. small cluster around Edna Ryerson, Charles Sims, leading members party.4 group critical 162] lpp's past record than far-reaching changes. Seeing "left-sectarianism" main danger party, they transform itself alter whole approach politics...