During the lead-up to this year's provincial election, Director Lucy Watson of the ONDP negatively affected members, candidates, potential candidates, riding associations, and party democracy, creating an unwelcome and undemocratic atmosphere.

We, the undersigned, demand the resignation (effective immediately) of:
Lucy Watson, Provincial Director

The provincial director has been instrumental in undermining party democracy through centralization of control, marginalization of Riding Associations, members, interfering with equity committees, and manipulation of the vetting and nomination process.

Many strong candidates seeking nominations have been left in the dark for months, in some cases over a year, while the party - as run by Watson  - refused to provide candidate packages, refusing to begin the vetting process, rejected potential candidates (when that is not the stated purpose of vetting), took over nomination meetings (which are supposed to be grassroots events), prevented open communication during meetings, prevented riding association executives/members from attending nomination meetings, and used party resources to organize against members.

The salaries of these staff are paid by the free labour of the members and their work is supported by countless hours of free labour from people who they prevented from participating in the processes and spaces members are supposed to be in control of. This has led to many riding association executives, volunteers, donors, and long term members leaving the party.

Lucy Watson is supposed to answer to the membership, and lead the administrative body directed by the will of the membership. They have failed in their duties, and must not be allowed to remain in their positions leading up to or during the new leadership race.