First Published:The Workers’ Advocate Vol. 4, No. 3, April 23, 1973.
Transcription, Editing and Markup: Paul Saba
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The Twenty-Second Congress (Second Congress since the criticism and repudiation of the modern revisionist line in March, 1970) of the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) concluded in great revolutionary atmosphere and determination on March 24th, 1973.
The Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) was founded in March, 1970 to fulfill the basic need of the modern proletariat of Canada to have their own revolutionary political party. The founding of CPC (ML) was a historic occasion and a turning point in the revolutionary struggle of the proletariat against U.S. imperialism and the monopoly capitalist class. It marked the complete criticism and repudiation of the line of subservience to foreign imperialists and social imperialists and to the rule of the monopoly capitalist class pushed by the modern revisionists headed by Mr. William Kashtan.
Since March, 1970, the leadership of William Kashtan is increasingly discredited and he and his clique has currency in the quisling circles connected with Soviet social imperialism and no where • else. But the struggle against modern revisionism is, by no means, pver. New leaders espousing modern revisionism have gained ascendancy replacing the old ones. The class struggle against these modern revisionists and opportunists is acute and they comprise the main roadblock to revolution in their respective cities as well as nationally. The founding of the Communist Party of Canada(Marxist-Leninist) has created ample material conditic^hs for a revolutionary advance and it is for the purposes of checking the revolutionary advance that the modern revisionists and opportunists are showing their heads as representatives of the reactionary bourgeoisie in the ranks of the people.
The Twenty-Second Congress of the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) was held at a time when the lines between Marxism-Leninism and modern revisionism and opportunism are clearly drawn. More specifically, the three years of the existence of the CPC (ML) has culminated into a clear division between those who follow the Marxist-Leninist political line and style of work and those who follow the modern revisionist and opportunist line and style of work. The demarcation between the two lines is drawn.
The Twenty-Second Congress was called by the Fourth Plenum of the Party which was held in January and February in Montreal. The plenum analysed that it is most urgent to further strengthen the work of the Central Committee and that it was a most appropriate time to elect a new Central Committee. This new Central Committee was comprised of comrades who had:
(1) Struggled against the modern revisionism and opportunism of the William Kashtan type;
(2) Struggled against the modern revisionism and opportunism of the Jack Scott type;
(3) Struggled against the fascism and social fascism of the entire holy alliance of the “left;
(4) Struggled against the attacks of the state machine and;
(5) Struggled against the splitting activities of the “left-sloganeering front of Khruschevite revisionism led by D. Varma.
These comrades had actively participated in the thirteen revolutionary movements, had extensive knowledge of the political situation and climate in Canada and the world and were relatively more experienced and mature in their leadership. The time was ripe to have these comrades in the Central Committee. The Twenty-Second Congress was the instrument through which the new Central Committee was established and members and supporters mobilised behind this leadership. The proceedings and the decisions of the Twenty-Second Congress showed that this analysis was entirely correct. The Twenty-Second Congress established a Central Committee which reflects the deep desire of the revolutionary masses to have an experienced and mature leading group. The Twenty-Second Congress gave birth to such a leading group.
There were altogether 225 participants. Of these, 57 were delegates and alternate delegates. One hundred and thirty-three were observers and thirty-five fraternal delegates. The cities represented were Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Windsor, London, Hamiltion, St. Catherines, Waterloo, Kitchener, Guelph, Ottawa, Montreal, St. Jerome, Quebec City, St. Jean and Halifax. The fraternal delegates came from the Communist Party of Ireland (Marxist-Leninist) led by Comrade C. Reakes; the Communist Party of England (Marxist-Leninist) led by Comrade C. Coleman and a large delegation from the American Communist Workers Movement (Marxist-Leninist). Communist League (USA) was represented by one comrade.
The Twenty Second Congress has further consolidated the Marxist-Leninist centre, defeated revisionism, splittism and informality inside the Party and has created ample enthusiasm to advance the mass democratic anti-imperialist revolution. The convening of this Congress and its entire proceedings reflect the growing revolutionary mass movement and the increasing difficulty of the reactionary forces to combat the forward trend of history. Class struggle Which has been summed up by the Congress is now back in the masses where the actual struggle is taking place. It is all to the glory of our members and supporters who made immense contributions in the resistance movement, in opposing revisionism, reformism and terrorism, in opposing splittism and informality and who have steadfastly held the proletarian revolutionary line of Comrade Bains. The holding of the Twenty-Second Congress is a glowing tribute to the work and sacrifices of these comrades. The Twenty-Second Congress of the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist) continues the great tradition of the Canadian proletariat in leading the anti-imperialist revolution and preparing material conditions for a proletarian revolution. The road of anti-imperialist-proletarian revolution is an irresistible road and the Twenty Second Congress is a shining milestone on it.