A special anniversary program
published by the CPC in May 1996
to mark the 75th anniversary of its formation in 1921
Part Four
THE "CRISIS OF SOCIALISM"
AND THE FUTURE OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY
The crisis of socialism in the former Soviet Union and other socialist states in Eastern Europe (1989-91) constituted a world- historic reversal for the cause of socialism world-wide. Not only did the events lead to the dismemberment of the socialist community and tilt the world balance of forces sharply in favour of imperialism. They also had a staggering ideological impact, leading many Communists and other socialist-minded people around the world to question the possibility of winning people's power and constructing socialism in the new conditions.
In Canada, these international developments – combined with internal party weaknesses – sparked a profound crisis inside the ranks of the Communist Party. A majority of the leadership at the time, led by former general secretary George Hewison (1988-92), began to abandon Marxism-Leninism as the basis of the Party's revolutionary perspective and moved to liquidate the Party itself, seeking to replace it with a rather nebulous left, social-democratic variant.
The protracted ideological and political crisis created much confusion and disorientation within the ranks of the Party, and paralysed both its independent and united front work for over two years. The vast majority of the membership, however, actively resisted this rightward, revisionist and ultimately liquidationist policy, and the membership ultimately prevailed in saving the CPC.
The 30th CPC Convention (December 1992) marked an historic turning point in the struggle to save the Party from liquidation. It reaffirmed the revolutionary, Marxist-Leninist orientation of the CPC, launched a new party press, the People's Voice, and elected a new leadership to rebuild the Party in the aftermath of the crisis. Despite this severe setback, the CPC has now re- established its presence in most parts of the country, and both Party and press are now growing again across Canada.
Our 75th anniversary comes at a critical time for working people, both in Canada and around the world. Imperialism, led by U.S. imperialism, is ever more brazen in dictating its will to the rest of the world, especially now that the camp of socialism is much smaller and weaker. Canada itself is in the grip of a deep economic, political and structural crisis. Pro-corporate, neo-conservative policies by governments at every level threaten to destroy many if not all of the economic, social and political gains achieved by the working class and its democratic allies over the last half century. The unity of the country itself is in question.
And yet, at the same time we see hopeful signs that the pendulum is again in motion, back to the left and progressive forces. Virtually everywhere around the world, the working class and mass democratic movements are increasing their actions.
Among the peoples of the former socialist countries, the left forces are growing rapidly. Cuba and other socialist countries are continuing to defend and build socialism despite increased pressures from imperialism. And the left forces are gaining ground in India, Italy, an many other countries as well.
In Canada too, the class struggle is intensifying in response to big business and government attacks on our jobs, living standards, social services, and democratic rights.
In celebrating this important anniversary, we rededicate ourselves to the principles and aspirations which bind us – to struggle to construct a new society free of exploitation, racism, sexism and oppression.... for a Socialist Canada!
