Layton Prefers Compromise, Not Division

Jack Layton has found himself in a tough position on the upcoming long-gun registry vote, but he is handling it the best way he can.

When Parliament convenes on September 22 to vote on Bill C-39, which will scrap the long-gun registry, members of the NDP will find themselves in the unenviable position of making or breaking the vote. Not wanting to alienate rural supporters, Jack Layton has refused to whip his caucus into voting down the legislation. There are 12 NDP caucus members who support the bill.

During the Liberal caucus meeting in Baddeck, N.S., Michael Ignatieff accused Jack Layton and his deputy, Thomas Mulcair, of siding with Stephen Harper for not joining the Liberals in unanimously voting down the legislation. Layton, however, has said he would prefer a compromise that would address the concerns of police and urban voters and alleviates the frustrations of rural gun owners.

Robin Sears, Senior Partner at Navigator Ltd. and former National Director of the New Democratic Party, spoke to The Mark about how the leader of the NDP has handled the divisions within his own party on the upcoming long-gun registry vote with a proposed compromise for urban and rural regions.