Campus Conservatives chastised over nomination stunt
Dal-King’s Conservatives tried to get “weak” opposition candidate elected
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The Dalhousie-King's Conservatives have existed on campus under different names for more than 15 years.
The Dalhousie Student Union is issuing a written and verbal reprimand to the Dalhousie-King's Conservatives for an incident at an NDP rally last fall.
On Sept. 8, 2008, approximately six members of the group attended the nomination rally for the Halifax NDP candidate.
"(The Conservatives) had prepared some promotional material in support of the individual perceived to be the weakest candidate for the nomination," said Daniel Boyle, Vice-President Internal of the DSU.
That weakest candidate was Irvine Carvery, President of the Africville Genealogy Society and Chair of the Halifax Regional School Board. The Dalhousie-King's Conservatives hoped Carvery would get the nomination so the Conservative candidate for Halifax would have an easier time in the election.
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From left: Megan Leslie, Irvine Carvery and Alexis MacDonald at the NDP nomination rally. Photo: Megan Leslie's NDP website
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Thanks for nothing
Carvery finished last in the nomination voting, behind Meghan Leslie and Alexis MacDonald. In his concession speech he unknowingly thanked the campus Conservatives for their support.
"He said he didn't know who made (the material) but it was nice to know he had that kind of support out there," said Boyle. After being thanked, the Conservative members left, laughing and shouting "Harper, Harper, four more years."
"It was embarrassing to be at the rally and know Dal students acted that way," said DSU Vice-President of Education Mark Coffin. Coffin doesn't believe Carvery ever learned of the group's stunt.
The DSU will issue a written and verbal reprimand to the group as punishment for its inappropriate conduct and comments. The issue was discussed at the DSU meeting last Wednesday, where group President Tyler Dennis apologized for the society.
"We know this reprimand is necessary and whatever the reprimand is, we'll accept it," said Dennis.
Delay in action
The DSU could not reprimand the campus Conservatives earlier because it didn't recognize the group as a campus society until last month.
The Conservatives refused to comment on the incident.
"We're glad it's over and resolved," said the group's Vice-President of Finance, Chad Bowie.
Comments on this story are now closed
Aren't there more pressing issues to write about than some stunt that happened four months ago? Personally, I think the DSU has an axe to grind and that this whole situation has been blown up for political purposes.
Posted by K. Terrick | Jan 26, 2009
I object to the description of Carvery as the "weakest" candidate. Although he may have lacked mainstream support, Carvery was a strong and serious contender. I can easily imagine a situation where Carvery was nominated and won the riding.
Posted by David | Jan 27, 2009