RESOLUTIONS 22nd BIENNIAL CONVENTION NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF CANADA QUÉBEC CITY, SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2006259 6. NDP: BUILDING THE PARTY ON THE MOVE A ECONOMY 6 A1 WHEREAS campaign rhetoric regarding economic/fiscal policies often disadvantages NDP candidates in election campaigns in that campaign rhetoric seems to pit the Party against wealthy and middle-class Canadians, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Party instruct the Election Planning Committee to review and implement strong positive language that reflects the Party's responsible, sincere and balanced economic/fiscal policy that is inclusive of all Canadians. LONDON-FANSHAWE NDP LONDON NORTH CENTRE NDP 6 A2 WHEREAS the Federal NDP is forming a Social Policy Caucus, and WHEREAS social policy is highly dependent on economic policy; and WHEREAS the Federal NDP does not have a well-known economic platform, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Party immediately activate an economic policy Caucus/Committee, to seek input from experts and the general membership, in order to promote our economic policy that underlies and supports the Party’s social policies. PROVENCHER NDP260 B INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS 6 B1 WHEREAS the NDP is committed to peace and social justice; and, WHEREAS the NDP members and supporters want the Party to play a leading role in promoting peace and social justice around the world; and, WHEREAS the NDP has played an important role in moving Canadian policy toward peace and disarmament, such as our clear opposition to the war on Iraq and to Canada’s participation in U.S. Ballistic Missile Defence; and WHEREAS some current NDP policies such as withdrawing Canada from NATO and NORAD are not promoted or understood by all members of the Party; and WHEREAS the NDP has lacked clear policies on other important international issues such as the Israel/Palestine issue; the Canadian supported coup in Haiti; and Canada’s participation in undemocratic global structures such as G8, IMF, World Bank, WTO, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP conduct a thorough review of its policies and positions on international issues to ensure that they are consistent with NDP principles for peace and social justice; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this review be conducted with broad input and participation from the peace and social justice movements. BURLINGTON NDP 6 B2 WHEREAS the war on Iraq was based on the threat of weapons of mass destruction, and WHEREAS there are not and were not any weapons of mass destruction; and WHEREAS the Canadian mission in Afghanistan helped support the war in Iraq and the bigger picture which includes the control of oil in that region; and WHEREAS the Canadian military mission in Afghanistan is a mission of military occupation; and WHEREAS this mission aids the Americans and the transnational oil corporations in their lust for control of oil; and WHEREAS war resisters in Canada are bravely communicating their difficult conscientious decision to abandon the amoral Iraqi war, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively advocates for the immediate end of the Canadian military mission in Afghanistan. WELLAND NDP261 6 B3 WHEREAS the current commitment of the Canadian military mission in Afghanistan is not a multi-national peacekeeping force under the principles of the United Nations; The conditions and commitment undertaken in that mission are in stark contrast to what Canadians believe to be the international role of our military; There was neither a public discussion, nor a Parliamentary debate about a change in role for the military; and There has never been any public discussion or analysis to see if the Karzai government stands up to Canadian standards of democracy, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that no Federal New Democratic Members of Parliament cast any vote that either 1) supports any government motion that drastically changes the role of the Canadian Armed Forces or enlarges its scope beyond its formerly established peacekeeping role, or 2) directs the expenditure of money for commitments that represents a dramatic departure from traditionally understood elements of Canadian Foreign policy. WELLAND NDP262 J ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES 6 J1 WHEREAS environmental and conservation issues are of the utmost concern to all Canadians, and the frightening lack of substantive measures to address and correct the damage to air, land and water are being exposed daily, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Federal Party Executive will instruct the EPC to prioritize the NDP’s environment and conservation policies to be the foundation to the next federal election platform. LONDON-FANSHAWE NDP LONDON NORTH CENTRE NDP263 K JUSTICE & RIGHTS 6 K1 WHEREAS non-normative gender identity or presentation on the physical, psychological or behavioural (like transgendered, transsexuals, transvestites, genderqueers and intersexuals, are our peers) levels are people born as equal in dignity and have the equal right to self- definition, growth and taking part in the community; and WHEREAS the fight for gender self-definition is a consequence of the fight against sexism; and WHEREAS these communities suffer all forms of hate, including discrimination, harassment, denial of essential services, even assault and murder, trying to exercise their right to gender self-definition; and WHEREAS this abuse includes, among others: denial of surgery or hormonal intervention without going through several steps that are never asked of people seeking various non-emergency or elective medical interventions; denial from Vital Statistics to change their sex assignation without surgical sex change, an intervention that is unwanted by, impossible for or denied to many; lack of access to appropriate care for transgendered and transsexual people such as a lack of understanding from doctors as to their status, which consequently, is detrimental to the general health of transgendered and transsexual people; lack of protection against arbitrary discrimination based on gender identity; and WHEREAS among the most pernicious of these outrages is the lack of understanding of their problems, that is refusing to unite for their advocacy, within the same progressive groups that fight for the freedom and self-definition of their purported allies, the gay, lesbian and bisexual communities; and WHEREAS a group wanting to become an ally of transgendered and transsexual people must act thus proactively before earning this designation; and WHEREAS the New Democratic Party – Quebec Section wants to be the ally of the sexual and gender minorities community; and WHEREAS the need to counter historic and present marginalisation of women is still pressing within the Party, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party’s mission is to defend transgendered and transsexual people’s right to self-define; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that as a first step, the NDP abandon any of its own practices that could compromise the full participation of transgendered and transsexual people: to assert that, as far as the Party is concerned, gender is a matter of self-definition, and therefore a person identifying to a gender is of that gender. to regularize its current practice by replacing, on its membership forms, the choice between “man” and “woman” by with only a “woman” box on the list of groups with which a member can identify for review by an affirmative action commission,. This would allow us to maintain our usual activities to promote the participation of women, while recognizing the possibility of multiple forms of gender identities.264 that any task or skills assigned according to sex or gender within the Party (particularly under the parity rule) apply to gender identification of the person concerned, whatever sex or gender the State or others may believe that person should be given; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP adopt the following public positions to promote the rights of transgendered and transsexual people. QUEBEC SECTION265 N FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL AFFAIRS 6 N1 WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada must be ready for any contingency in the relations Quebec-Canada including unleashing a potential referendum on Quebec sovereignty if the Parti québécois were elected in the next two or three years; and WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada must strengthen its understanding of the relations between Quebec and the rest of Canada to provide Quebeckers with an alternative to Quebec’s secession; and WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada must explain to Canadians the Quebec reality and not leave this initiative to sovereignists and members of the Liberal Party of Canada and to the members of the Conservative Party of Canada, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP pursue its work to clarify its position on the Quebec issue, particularly regardgasymmetrical federalism and Quebec’s right to self- determination; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada proceed to strike a NDP Federal Council Standing Committee on Quebec-Canada relations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Standing Committee on Quebec-Canada relations be joint, i.e. comprised of an equal number of activists from Quebec and from the rest of Canada; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Standing Committee on Quebec-Canada relations also have a certain number of activists from the Anglophone community, cultural communities and Aboriginal communities from Quebec and the rest of Canada; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Standing Committee on Quebec-Canada relations issue proposals for the application of asymmetrical federalist principles proposed by various documents developed by the New Democratic Party of Canada in recent years; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Standing Committee on Quebec-Canada relations develop a training and communications program to introduce left-wing Quebec activists to the left-wing tradition in the rest of Canada, and the Quebec left-wing tradition to NDP activists from the rest of Canada; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Standing Committee on Quebec-Canada relations strive to develop a vision so that the New Democratic Party can propose an alternative to the secession of Quebec from Canada including in-depth reforms of the Canadian Federation taking into account that Quebec is a nation with a right to self-determination, but that this self- determination could continue to exercise itself within the Canadian Federation. QUEBEC SECTION 6 N2 WHEREAS the Bloc Québécois is competing against the NDP on the socio-democratic issue; and WHEREAS the NDP is experiencing difficulties differentiating itself from the Bloc Québécois on this issue,266 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP continue to develop a progressive agenda that separates and differentiates it from the Bloc Québécois and continue thus to demystify the neo-liberal policy of the Bloc Québécois. QUEBEC SECTION 6 N3 1. A social democratic government in Canada The New Democratic Party aims to form the Government of Canada. It is once in government that we will be able to implement concretely the progressive social democratic values and policies that shape our commitment. If it is to truly and legitimately form the Government of Canada one day, the NDP must have strong support throughout the country. Specifically, that means that the NDP has to make significant inroads in Québec in the medium and long-term. The Québec question has all too often been a stumbling block for the NDP. However, Québec must become the cornerstone of a movement aiming to form a government. Since Confederation, Canada has been governed by either Liberals or Conservatives. Today, the Bloc Québécois not only relegates Quebeckers to a reactive and defensive role, but also splits the vote and undermines the emergence of a united left in Canada. The question of the place of Québec in Canada will be solved with good faith, flexibility and recognition, not with corrupted programs. We have now a chance to propose a new vision of federalism, with progressive and social democratic values that we share with a majority of Quebeckers. The New Democratic Party feels it has a duty to spell out its stand on the issue of Québec’s place in Canada. The NDP has to be clear and consistent on the issue, not only for Quebeckers, but for all Canadians. As social democrats, we have to present and communicate our own vision of federal-provincial relations, especially when it comes to Québec. We cannot simply follow the lead of other parties in that area. This declaration is a complement to or clarification of the Social Democratic Forum on the Future of Canada adopted by the 1999 federal Convention; it does not make obsolete the other positions taken earlier, such as the ones on bilingualism, multiculturalism, Aboriginal rights, reform of federal institutions, and so on. This declaration, as the Social Democratic Forum on the Future of Canada Report, represents framework resolutions which guide the interpretation of other positions that have already been taken or that may be taken in the future. The ideas and approaches in this document can, in a large part, be applied in the present context without a formal Constitutional reform. However, the fact Québec did not sign the Constitution is a real untenable problem in long-term. Therefore, we are aiming in the medium term to get results that could allow Québec to embrace the Canadian Constitutional framework. The vision presented in the next pages, particularly on the recognition of Québec’ distinctiveness, could contribute to this. 2. Federalism and social democracy Federalism is a political structure based on the principle of division of powers between a Federal State (country) and federated States (provinces, cantons, etc.). It is essentially a267 system of shared sovereignty that implies respect for specific areas of jurisdiction. The provincial governments, therefore, are not simply “subcontractors” of the federal government. A State built on the principle of federalism is different from a Unitarian state, where all government power is concentrated at a single central level. The New Democratic Party believes that, in the Canadian context, a federal state is the best way to ensure a fair and cooperative society for the good of the individuals, communities and peoples which make up that society. The New Democratic Party, unlike the Liberal or Conservative Parties, believes that society cannot be based solely on the primacy of the individual. We have to rethink the commonalities between a new vision of social democracy and a new vision of federalism. That necessary process has to be based on the principles of common good, collective rights, democracy, social and political involvement, respect for communities of origin, solidarity, cooperation, etc. 3. Recognition of Québec’s national character For decades, many expressions were used to try to name the “Québec difference” and its special relation with the rest of Canada such as the “founding people”, “distinct society”, “unique character”, etc. In August 1999, the Social Democratic Forum on the Future of Canada referred to the recognition of Quebeckers as a “people”. Our 2004 election platform specifically mentioned recognition of the Québec “nation”. The time is now come to reaffirm and clarify that concept. The New Democratic Party recognizes the national character of Québec and believes that that character can be expressed in the context of the Canadian federation. The national character of Québec is based primarily, but not exclusively, on: a primarily Francophone society in which French is recognized as the language of work and the common public language; a specific culture, unique in America, that is expressed by a sense of identity with and belonging to Québec; a specific history; its own political, economic, cultural and social institutions, including government institutions and institutions in civil society. The people of Québec, especially since the Quiet Revolution, have expressed a clear desire to « Vivre ensemble » and build a social and political project based on solidarity. The construction of a modern state and a social blueprint for Quebeckers has centred around the Québec State. We commend Quebeckers for establishing institutions allowing them to develop differently in linguistic, social, cultural and economic terms. In that context, the role of the federal government was more often than not viewed as secondary or peripheral. That vision obviously contrasts with the vision put forward by a majority of people in the other provinces who see the federal government as their “national” government and the provinces as playing a secondary role. In short, the process of creating an identity and national institutions is different be it in Québec or elsewhere. That is one of the knots of the Canadian dilemma. That is the solution asymmetry aims to provide: enabling those two visions to co-exist. We therefore acknowledge that Quebeckers’ sense of belonging to Canada is different from that of the Canadian majority. That special sense of belonging and identity is not, however, incompatible with flexible, cooperative federalism. Fully understood and recognized, Québec nationalism can be a strength for Canada, not a threat.268 The political debate over the national issue – both in and outside Québec – has been polarized for far too long. It is important to bring things into balance and remember that recognizing the national character of Québec does not necessarily lead to sovereignty. Many democratic countries are multi-nation states, that is, countries comprised of two or more nations. Think of the United Kingdom, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, etc. Canada is not the only country that has to deal with that dynamic. The NDP understands Canada’s status as a « multinational » country. Therefore, in addition to this new multicultural reality, it must explicitly deal with the realities of Québec as with those of the Aboriginal communities. Many people view Canada’s role in the world in the 21st century as being a “model citizen” (in terms of its international relations, economy and social initiatives). But Canada can also show the entire world an example of how differences can be accommodated. Canada can be a demonstration showing that it is possible to combine respect for individual freedoms, equality, bilingualism, multiculturalism and integration of immigrants, respect for Aboriginal self- government, and finally, the recognition of a national minority with a distinct character. Canada can be an example for the world in this regard. We have a duty to do everything we can to succeed. 4. Asymmetrical federalism The New Democratic Party believes that asymmetrical federalism is the best way to consolidate the Canadian federal State with the reality of Québec’s national character. That means that Québec has to have powers and room to manoeuvre. Asymmetry is necessary if Québec is to meet the challenges it faces, foremost among them the challenge of preserving the French fact in America. We believe that an egalitarian and cooperative society has to accommodate, not eliminate, differences. Unity is not necessarily uniformity. Canadian diversity, which encompasses Aboriginal peoples, Québec and multicultural communities, is not a threat to Canada. On the contrary, it is part of the essence of Canada. This asymmetry vis-à-vis Québec can be applied in real terms through opting out with compensation. The right to opt out applies where the federal government, on its own or with the agreement of the provinces, intervenes in areas of exclusive provincial jurisdiction (in particular health and social services, education, family policy, housing, municipal infrastructure, etc.). In such case, no conditions or standards should be applied to Québec without its consent. The principle of opting out is very important, as it makes it possible to reconcile the exercise of federal spending power for provinces that want it with respect for Québec’s Constitutional jurisdiction. Canada is already asymmetrical to a large degree. Québec has separate agreements on the labour force, income tax, health, immigration and parental leave. Québec is also active on the world stage when it is about issues related to the extension of its areas of jurisdiction (for example, culture and education). The New Democratic Party supports that type of agreement. 5. Working together and with respect: cooperative federalism Cooperation is central to our social democratic vision of society and the world. It simply means working together. The starting point for any discussion therefore has to be respect for the areas of jurisdiction recognized in the Constitution. In recent decades, the federal government has often acted unilaterally, sometimes to impose its will in areas of provincial jurisdiction, sometimes to cut transfer payments to provinces. Cooperative federalism must aim to combat the federal government’s unilateralism and ensure multilateral decisions and negotiations with a long- range outlook.269 In February 1999, the federal government and nine provinces signed the Social Union Framework Agreement. That document spells out the processes, rules and conditions that shape federal-provincial relations in the area of social policy. We in the New Democratic Party believe that such an agreement can, in principle, be the basis for truly cooperative federalism. It can play a very significant role, even if it is not a Constitutional agreement. But the Government of Québec did not sign the 1999 agreement. An “agreement” to which Québec does not consent is not an agreement at all; it’s a disagreement. The NDP contends that the federal government should obtain – following negotiation and amendment – Québec’s consent to the framework agreement and any subsequent agreements. We cannot necessarily assume what form future agreements might take. For now, it is sufficient to say that negotiations will be transparent, conducted in good faith and guided by the principles of co-decision and cooperation. A new Social Union Framework Agreement must provide a framework for federal spending power. In short, it has to both recognize and limit that power. It is important to remember that “federal spending power” in areas of provincial jurisdiction is not actually written into the Constitution. It is, however, recognized by Convention. The New Democratic Party takes a positive view of the federal government’s involvement in shared-cost programs. The New Democratic Party realizes that there is currently an imbalance in public finances because the federal government has large surpluses while the provinces are looking at considerably higher costs, particularly in the areas of health and education. The NDP realizes that the provinces need predictable long-term funding if they are to continue providing services to the public. The NDP will tackle the fiscal imbalance by increasing federal payments to the provinces. Those transfers will have to be done in the framework of cooperative asymmetrical federalism. The NDP is not, however, in favour of a tax points transfer, particularly because it comes from a complex fiscal process that is detrimental to transparency. As a social democratic party, the NDP will, in any negotiations, defend and demand respect of the principles of universality, non-privatization and of not-for-profit endeavours. For example, we support the five principles of the Canada Health Act and also support a sixth principle, that of the non-privatization. Social policy in Canada is complex. Sometimes, the provinces implement their own programs. Sometimes, the federal government implements its own programs. Sometimes, the federal government “federalizes” and “universalizes” policies that are created in a particular province in order to apply them nationwide, for example, the Canada Health Act. This back- and-forth dynamic can, in the context of respectful cooperative federalism, be very good for social policy. That is certainly in the interest of Canadians in Québec and all the provinces. By respecting provincial jurisdiction, the federal government can do a great deal to maintain and develop minimal social policy standards. As Social-Democrats, our vision of cooperative federalism stands in contrast with the neo-liberal vision of the State that aims to water down social, environmental and labour policies. Many Québec policies (CLSCs and other community health centres, early childcare, pharmacare, etc.) can be strengthened by the federal government. As a social democratic party, the NDP wants to support the most progressive initiatives of Québec society. Québec simply needs assurance that the federal government will respect the processes and policies Québec adopts. In short, most major social policy breakthroughs were made through cross influence and negotiation rather than unilateral action by the federal government. It is clear that giving Québec guarantees regarding asymmetry and respect for provincial jurisdiction could go a long way toward promoting greater cooperation. Canada benefits from Québec’s dynamic nature. Formal recognition of and respect for Québec could help dispel mistrust. That, in turn, will enable Québec to come to the table with pride.270 6. Québec’s right to self-determination The NDP hopes for and will promote a united Canada. Canada is a great, diversified, tolerant and progressive country. We believe wholeheartedly that it deserves to continue to exist and to develop. The NDP recognizes Québec’s right to self-determination, which implies the right of the people of Québec to decide freely its own political and Constitutional future. This right can be expressed in various ways and can go as far as achieving sovereignty. But the right to self- determination can also be exercised within Canada. The New Democratic Party recognizes that exercising the right to self-determination in some form is part of a political process. We feel that to legally formalize this process is not useful or necessary. This was confirmed by the Supreme Court in its opinion on the question: The reconciliation of the various legitimate Constitutional interests is necessarily committed to the political rather than the judicial realm precisely because that reconciliation can only be achieved through the give and take of political negotiations. To the extent issues addressed in the course of negotiation are political, the courts, appreciating their proper role in the Constitutional scheme, would have no supervisory role. (Supreme Court, Reference re Secession of Quebec, 1998). As well, the NDP has already adopted at its 1999 Congress the following assertion: Forum participants overwhelmingly affirmed the New Democratic Party’s policy that the people of Québec have the right to decide, democratically, their own future. Although the NDP opposed the reference to the Supreme Court, the panel notes that the court’s judgment did in fact reinforce the long-standing NDP view that the future of Quebec within Canada is ultimately a political question and not a legal one (SDFCF, page 25) Therefore, the NDP is committed to respect, in all its dealings, the Loi québécoise sur la Consultation populaire (Québec Referendum Act). Also, the NDP would recognize a majority decision (50% + 1) of the Québec people in the event of a referendum on the political status of Québec. The NDP recognizes as well that the right to self-determination implies that the Assemblée nationale is able to write a referendum question and that the citizens of Québec are able to answer it freely. It would be to the federal government to determine its own process in the spirit of the Supreme Court ruling and under international law, in response to the results of the popular consultation in Québec. According to its values, the NDP rejects also any use of – or threat of – force against Québec at any stage. Our vision is one of trust toward democracy, good faith and values of peace. For the NDP, it is necessary to propose a positive vision of the future rather than contribute to polarize the debate. We want to develop a new attitude towards the whole debate as our work must contribute to the reinforcement and the renewal of federalism, not to maintain entrenched positions. 7. The future The NDP will actively propose a vision of federalism inspired by the social democratic values of cooperation, recognition, equality, respect, flexibility, transparency and honesty. Québec, it must be remembered, did not sign the 1982 Constitution. The subsequent failed Constitutional amendments created a situation that too many Quebeckers seriously undermined the legitimacy of the Canadian political framework. The NDP undertakes to work actively to propose a vision of Canadian federalism that will enable us to break the current impasse.271 The Party will take part in efforts to promote cooperation and pooling of Canada’s and Québec’s social democratic and progressive forces, as well as an ongoing dialogue between them. We believe that the process of building a country of which Quebeckers feel they are truly part must be based on good faith, recognition and accommodation of differences, and cooperation and harmony between peoples, and not on intimidation. As well, it should be pointed out to always remember that Québec does not want to be bought, but respected. The NDP rejects the current polarization around this debate; it is harmful, yet it is perpetuated by too many politicians on both sides of the issue. The NDP will actively promote a vision that offers tangible solutions for building a Canada that is fair, cooperative and united for the 21st century. QUEBEC SECTION272 T PARTY AFFAIRS 6 T1 BE IT RESOLVED that the Party adopt a new policy development process that specifically includes the following elements: the implementation of a program, the principles guiding policy development, the policy development process and the role of resolutions. BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP target the development of a comprehensive program, including all of its policies by the next Convention. The program will include the full policy and resolution documents. Each policy document will essentially be a “chapter” of the program. PRINCIPLES The following principles will need to guide the development of policy and program ocuments: 1) Coherence. The program of the Party should present a comprehensive and coherent vision of the picture we have of society. We need to avoid contradictions. 2) Direction. The program should present the vision we want to give to Canada. 3) Realism. The program should present feasible proposals that we, as government, will strive to implement. 4) Flexibility. The program should be flexible enough to allow adjustments and nuances depending on the circumstances. The electoral team and a Caucus of Members of Parliament require leeway for their work. 5) Cohesion. The program is the main reference tool for Party members at the level of its policies; it is therefore an important foundation for the Party’s unity. 6) Communication. While the content of the program will be precise, the program should also be a communication tool, presented in a language that is easily understood. 7) Education and discussion. The policy development process should facilitate the discussion between Party members, with non-members, and with civil society organizations. The process should help to educate those groups as well as engage them. 8) Continuity. The Party should have a policy review that constantly reviews necessary updates to the program. PROCESS The policy development process would include, but is not limited to the following steps: 1) Making an inventory of already adopted and implemented policies; 2) Having an initial brief consultation with the riding associations to get their input on the general direction for policy documents; 3) The preparation of a first draft of the policy document by the Policy Committee. A sub- committee of experts can be consulted to help with this task; 4) Consultations with riding associations on this first draft; 5) Holding consultation forums; 6) Writing and circulating a new version of the policy document; 7) Adoption of the policy document at the Convention, using a transparent process for amendments; and 8) Setting up clear processes to update said policy documents.273 RESOLUTIONS Within this process, resolutions brought to Convention or to the Party Council will be as follows: 1) Amendments to the program. General amendments should clearly identify the program elements that will be amended; 2) Position. Certain resolutions may propose taking a position on a precise issue. These resolutions would be precise, exact and time-determined and would not include a change to the program itself; and 3) Internal Party policy. Resolutions to change the internal workings of the Party. would not include a change to the program itself. MANICOUAGAN NDP 6 T2 WHEREAS members wishing to run in riding’s as candidate’s are at present not required to go through the riding’s search committee to make their declarations to run in that riding and; and WHEREAS those who are circumventing existing search committees are causing potential conflicts; and WHEREAS these conflicts potentially cause fractures and schisms in the ridings and the Party, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that when there is a search committee in place to interview and make recommendations, that all candidates must first contact the riding’s search committee and be interviewed before signing declaration documents to run as a candidate within a riding; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the search committee cannot find a candidate to run and the Party provides a persons name that the executive have the right to interview this person before accepting them as a candidate for nomination. SCARBOROUGH CENTRE NDP 6 T3 WHEREAS it is very expensive to rely primarily on professional staff to do the Party’s work; and WHEREAS it is very expensive to rely primarily on phone banks and advertising in the mass media at election time; and WHEREAS the NDP needs to capitalize on its greatest asset, the energy and intelligence of its many members across the country, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP encourage and assist riding associations to have an active and involved membership that can do political education and organize social events that will help broaden and deepen our base between elections and be available to support the Party at election time; and that it produce organizing materials and274 educational materials to support such an active membership; and that it help organize educational schools for Party activists, either on its own or in conjunction with the Party’s allies in social movements or research centres. TORONTO-DANFORTH NDP 6 T4 WHEREAS substantially greater democracy and political pluralism are an urgent necessity within the NDP, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP look into providing more accessible membership and delegate-driven Party conventions, with low/minimal registration fees, and a majority of convention time dedicated to debate and voting on resolutions from delegating bodies. TORONTO-DANFORTH NDP DURHAM NDP 6 T5 WHEREAS the Constitution of the New Democratic Party provides for affiliation of organizations; and WHEREAS unions affiliated to the NDP are proud of the accomplishments made over the years and of the work that continues to advance Canadian social democracy; and WHEREAS affiliated members and constituency members may sometimes disagree and hold differing views but have the opportunity to debate issues and accommodate different positions within the structures of the Party; and WHEREAS unions and the Party have never regarded their alliance as a stagnant relationship and continue to re-examine it with the goal of strengthening the linkage to advance our shared goals, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP continue to encourage and promote the affiliation of unions and other progressive organizations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that affiliated organizations and members in good standing of the NDP reaffirm to accept and abide by the principles of the Party; are not members or supporters of any other political party; and will not campaign for other parties during or between elections. USW LOCAL 8412 USW LOCAL 5328 USW LOCAL 13173 USW LOCAL 838 NORTHUMBERLAND QUINTE WEST NDP USW LOCAL 8300275 6 T6 WHEREAS the NDP of Canada strives for equity and gender parity at all levels of participation within our Party; and WHEREAS Article VI.3.3 does not ensure gender parity, BE IT RESOLVED that the wording of Article VI.3.3 be changed to read: In order to achieve gender parity, two youth delegate spots are reserved for one male and one female member for each federal riding/constituency association. OTTAWA CENTRE NDP 6 T7 WHEREAS the Federal Party under the new public funding law receives $1.75 per vote; and WHEREAS an increase in local votes contribute to this funding even if we are unable to win the seat, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP use this money to hire organizers to work locally each province and help increase the participation opportunity and vote. KILDONAN ST. PAUL NDP 6 T8 WHEREAS the six principles on the Manitoba membership card lay out the NDP’s basic philosophy, inclusion and goodwill, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Party strongly urge that all Provincial and Territorial Sections print their statement of principles on membership cards. KILDONAN ST. PAUL NDP 6 T9 BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP return $0.25 per vote of the federal funding ($1.75) to each riding in addition to current support. ALBERTA CFR276 6 T10 WHEREAS Québec Solidaire formed in February, 2006 to fight against right-wing, anti- feminist, racist, and capitalist ideology; and WHEREAS Québec Solidaire formed because the working class in Quebec was looking, and continues to look, for a means to change society and class exploitation, and WHEREAS Québec Solidaire can only hope to effectively fight for the working class of society if it has the support of the labour unions and the labour movement, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP support Quebec Solidaire in the fight against oppression and class exploitation and encourage unions and progressives in Québec to do likewise. ONDY 6 T11 WHEREAS democracy is best served when members have 30-days written notice of a nomination meeting; and WHEREAS minority governments always face a risk of collapse; and WHEREAS "snap election" situations put severe strains on 'normal' timelines; and WHEREAS from time-to-time there may not be a 30-day window in which to call a nomination meeting and have a candidate before a writ drop; and WHEREAS the current nomination rules do not take this into account, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Executive be granted the power to activate special "Snap Election" windows of no more than three months which would allow ridings to set nomination meeting dates with as little as 10 days written notice to members. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in these situations ridings be encouraged to provide as close to 30-days notice as possible. ONDY 6 T12 WHEREAS back-to-back federal election campaigns and another one that looms on the horizon, is causing financial strains on most Federal Riding Associations; and WHEREAS aggressive and numerous fund-raising campaigns by the Central Campaign, compete with Riding Associations for funds; and WHEREAS Federal Executive and Federal Council, have reduced Riding Associations share of the election rebates from 40% to 20%, putting further financial strain on Riding Associations; and WHEREAS the core principles of the New Democratic Party of Canada, is Democracy, Equality and Sustainability,277 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Federal Riding Associations be given some financial sustainability and equality, by remitting to said Federal Riding Associations, the $1.75 per vote which Federal Office is currently receiving from Elections Canada. KELOWNA-LAKE COUNTRY NDP 6 T13 WHEREAS the Federal New Democratic Party of Canada believes its grassroots are its riding associations and their members; and WHEREAS the grassroots of the Party are an integral part of the whole of the NDP; and WHEREAS local labour councils are affiliated to the NDP and thus entitled to delegate status; and WHEREAS local labour councils are the grass roots of the CLC; and WHEREAS local labour council affiliates are local labour unions, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP support, in principle, that CLC affiliates have their local unions/lodges/federations/associations automatically affiliate with local labour councils. THUNDER BAY AND DISTRICT LABOUR COUNCIL 6 T14 WHEREAS the public funding formula of $1.75/vote/year is currently paid quarterly ONLY to the Party (individual ridings currently receive nothing of this); and WHEREAS the public funding based on individual voters in individual ridings is currently not transferred to the ridings in which they voted; and WHEREAS each vote for a NDP candidate is a vote for the candidate as well as for the NDP; and WHEREAS the health of the Federal Party is dependent on the health of individual ridings; and WHEREAS individual ridings are entitled to start-up funding at least on a basis that reflects their past success, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Party be directed to remit to ridings, immediately on receipt, 10% of the public funding received per individual NDP vote cast in that riding; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that: Article IV, 1, (2) be amended to include a new subsection (a) the Federal Party shall remit to ridings, immediately on receipt, a portion of the public funding moneys received on behalf of individual NDP voters in that riding; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funds transferred in compliance with the above resolutions shall not jeopardize, or be used as an excuse to reduce current transfers or levels of support for individual ridings. EDMONTON CENTRE NDP278 6 T15 WHEREAS in order to be able to communicate directly with other ridings through e-mail to discuss ideas and formulate strategies to get them implemented; and WHEREAS an electronic inter-riding communication system is a way of harnessing the energies and creativeness of grassroots members; and WHEREAS this proposal is not meant to replace other parts of the Party structure, but it could make them more effective, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Federal Office establish an electronic inter-riding communication system involving every riding willing to participate so that ridings can discuss ideas with each other and formulate strategies for getting them implemented. KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS NDP 6 T16 WHEREAS one of the strengths of our Party is an active and engaged membership; and WHEREAS a national membership campaign built around a clear vision for the country would energize and engage our riding associations, our Party and indeed all the citizens of Canada; and WHEREAS a membership of 500,000 members would make it more likely that the NDP would form government; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Party develop and implement, in cooperation with the provincial parties, a nation-wide membership drive with the goal of 500,000 NDP members. VANCOUVER QUADRA NDP 6 T17 WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada seeks to include all individuals in the political process and the New Democratic Party of Canada has historically championed the right of persons with disabilities; and WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada believes that persons with disabilities should be more engaged in the political process, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada in preparation for the next federal election strive for five percent of all Party candidates to be persons with disabilities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Party assist these candidates to run effective and meaningful campaigns by providing appropriate support to candidates with disabilities who are on fixed incomes and provide advice and volunteers, if necessary to all persons with disabilities who are NDP candidates. PICKERING-SCARBOROUGH EAST NDP SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST NDP279 6 T18 WHEREAS all persons possess opinions that are based on faith and a sense of personal identity that is difficult to modify by use of reasoned debate alone, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that individual members of the Party, whether or not they are elected representatives, will not be discouraged from being members of the Party if their dissent from official policy, does not jeopardize our ability to advocate for our policies effectively; and that members of the Party are encouraged to work to change the culture of our Party to be more tolerant of dissent as it is good politics and the right thing to do. BRANT NDP 6 T19 WHEREAS some voters and the media conceptualize the philosophical and policy positions of political parties as a continuum on a left-right axis; and WHEREAS this concept has underpinned voting strategically; and WHEREAS members of the NDP have advocated strategic voting precipitating the sanctioning of a prominent labour leader – namely Buzz Hargrove – for advocating strategic voting; and WHEREAS a former leader of the provincial NDP – namely Bob Rae – appears to believe in this continuum; and WHEREAS the economic system is driven by the short-term interests of shareholders rather than the long-term interests of people, communities and the environment, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Election Planning Committee and its advisors develop campaigns, language and materials that differentiate the NDP from the other parties in absolute terms rather than on a continuum; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these materials point out that the other parties including the Green Party put the short-term interests of shareholders and corporations ahead of the long-term interests of people and their communities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that NDP campaigns and materials more explicitly advocate putting the long-term interests of people and communities ahead of the short-term interests of shareholders and corporations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that polling and focus group activities should test out these ideas. PETERBOROUGH NDP 6 T20 WHEREAS substantially greater democracy and political pluralism are an urgent necessity within the NDP, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Party mandate and provide more accessible, more democratic, membership and delegate-driven Party Conventions, with low/minimal registration280 fees, and at least 80% of convention time dedicated to debate and voting on resolutions from grassroots organizations. TRINITY-SPADINA NDP KITCHENER CENTRE NDP DURHAM NDP 6 T21 WHEREAS a significant proportion of Canadian voters have little or no knowledge of the workings of our political system; and WHEREAS an uninformed voting is not desirable in a democracy; and WHEREAS the costs of reaching a mass audience through pod-casting have shrunk to almost nothing, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will encourage and endorse a regular political education pod-cast to be housed at the ndp.ca website and which will be produced in, at minimum, both official languages with the aim of empowering the citizenry and enhancing our democracy. TRINITY-SPADINA NDP 6 T22 WHEREAS low youth voter turnout and relatively high youth support for 'alternative' parties presents the NDP with the opportunity to expand its youth voter base, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP prepare a youth voter outreach strategy for use during the next federal election campaign. TRINITY-SPADINA NDP 6 T23 WHEREAS the Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP) Leadership has removed the membership Card of Canadian Auto Workers Union ( CAW) President Buzz Hargrove; and WHEREAS the NDP has taken many stands for democracy and free speech, since its Labour assisted inception in 1961; and WHEREAS union members in public and private sector organizations continue to provide leadership on issues that affect working people, their communities and their families; and WHEREAS affiliation with a political party does not ensure membership issues will continue to remain a primal issue with political parties; and WHEREAS the recommendations of Union Leadership to support or reject a political party must be accountable to only the membership of the Union,281 THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the National Executive of the New Democratic Party of Canada review and recommend changes to the decision of its Ontario Section; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP work to rebuild and renew the relationship between the Party and the Canadian Auto Workers, to ensure social justice, dignity, and mutual respect remain at the forefront of the effort to ensure fairness for working people in Canada and around the world. CHATHAM-KENT-ESSEX NDP 6 T24 WHEREAS the people of Canada asked that Jack Layton and the New Democrats continue to fight to ensure the voices of ordinary Canadians be heard; and WHEREAS during the last federal election voters at the door did not want a Party that considered itself only an acceptable alternative to elected parties historically in power, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats in Canada stop using language that suggests we will not win; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP develop aggressive strategies that empower and encourage voters to vote for progressive and left-leaning candidates. CHATHAM-KENT-ESSEX NDP 6 T25 WHEREAS during the last federal election inappropriate spokespersons were representing the Party during national media forums, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that NDP leadership and campaign organizers, ensure inclusion of appropriate NDP representation. CHATHAM-KENT-ESSEX NDP 6 T26 WHEREAS the NDP suffers from the legacy of federal and provincial NDP leaders who violated NDP policies and principals adopted at conventions, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that adopted policies and priorities are binding on Party elected officials and staff for implementation, and that NDP leaders be subject to recall and replacement for violation of Party principles, and for failure to implement democratically adopted policies and priorities. DURHAM NDP282 6 T27 WHEREAS voting mechanisms like One Member One Vote for leadership selection and/or policy determination have further atomized the membership, and reduced collective debate, discussion and movement building in favour of an exercise in top-down, manipulative, electronic polling, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this Party rejects and removes One Member One Vote as a decision-making mechanism. DURHAM NDP 6 T28 WHEREAS under the current system of public financing of federal political parties, the Federal NDP receives an annual payment of $1.75 per vote, based upon the number of votes tallied in the immediate past election; and WHEREAS federal Party financing laws now make “every vote count,” even in seats where the NDP stands little likelihood of winning; and WHEREAS the Federal NDP will be strengthened by having strong riding associations; and WHEREAS Elections Canada recognizes Federal NDP riding associations as distinct, responsible organizations which are legally accountable to the people of Canada, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a portion of revenue received by the New Democratic Party of Canada through public financing of federal political parties be allocated to all Federal NDP riding associations; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada adopt the following formula for sharing revenue from public Party financing: each NDP riding association will be allocated $0.50 per vote per annum (i.e., $0.50 of $1.75), based upon the official number of votes won in that district in the immediate past election. ST. JOHN’S EAST NDP 6 T29 WHEREAS the NDP is committed to being the Party of the people, that good government is helping people work together to find cooperative solutions to problems and that people should have some control over the decisions that affect their lives; and WHEREAS it is understood that in order to accomplish these goals people need to be informed and have access to accurate information; and WHEREAS the NDP has clearly stated principles and the other parties have less clearly stated principles; and WHEREAS during the past election the NDP had no clear policy book that candidates could use as a source to educate voters on the philosophy, principles and specific policy positions of the NDP, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP should draft a document that states the history of the Party, basic principles that define the Party and policy decisions of the past that give a clear statement about the Party. This document should be an attractive pamphlet that can be given to new voters, whether they have just become of voting age or new Canadians, in an effort to educate the public and expand the awareness of the NDP in Canada; and283 BE IT RESOLVED that for all future elections, there be a clear policy book, which candidates can use as a clearly stated reference document, that can be quoted and referred to in their canvassing and bringing the NDP message to Canadians. EGLINTON-LAWRENCE NDP 6 T30 WHEREAS the NDP has, since its inception, been committed to the democratic principles that in good government people work together to find cooperative solutions to problems and that people should have some control over the decisions that affect their lives; and WHEREAS internet technology is currently available, which allows for government to operate even more democratically than ever before; and WHEREAS the NDP took a leadership role in the last Federal leadership election when it adopted internet technology to allow the one member one vote process that elected our current Leader, Jack Layton; and WHEREAS the NDP is currently committed to using internet technology to keep members up to date in a timely manner through the Federal NDP Bulletin, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP make it a priority to continue to be a leader in using internet technology to make democracy as readily available as is possible in Canada; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP establish an internet system that informs members on specific issues, including information on the current position and voting record of their representative e.g. Prime Minister and their MP. This system would also make it possible for members to communicate quickly and easily to their representative about their position on the issue. This will establish a steady flow of e-mails to Parliament on all relevant issues; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Party establish on its website a local riding-friendly internet space with a content management system to facilitate information sharing for local ridings, which will include an up-to-date calendar of events, so that persons can be apprised of the peaking schedule of candidates, representatives or Party leaders and have information regarding topic, time, place and date. EGLINTON-LAWRENCE NDP 6 T31 WHEREAS Democratic is our Party's middle name; and WHEREAS the different Party Standing Committees that meet regularly during Federal Council meetings play an important role in information sharing and organizing on important policy areas (Environment, Aboriginal, International Affairs, Policy, Finance, Party Constitution, Media, Culture and Communications, etc.); and WHEREAS for democracy to thrive in the NDP information about the work Party activists are doing to make the Party stronger should be shared with and readily accessible to its members, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that members of the Party's various Standing Committees be elected at the next Convention held by the Party; and284 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that should vacancies on these committees that emerge in between conventions be subject to a wide call for interested participants and then officially elected by Council; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this be accomplished by sending a 'call for nominations' and circulating the positions available to all Federal Riding Presidents, Secretaries, Financial Agents, former candidates, and delegates to convention; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that at the Party's next Convention all the committees have consistent operating procedures/rules of governance; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that minutes from all Committee meetings held from today onward be kept and made accessible to Party members that request them, either by posting these minutes on the Activist portion of the ndp.ca website, or by some other reasonable means. OTTAWA VANIER NDP 6 T32 WHEREAS the NDP is proud of its democratic socialist and internationalist roots; and WHEREAS for democracy to thrive in the NDP information about its structure and operating procedures needs to be made readily accessible to its members, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Party write a short description of the importance of, and our past and current involvement with, the Socialist International and that this information be posted on the ndp.ca website, under the “Party” tab before the end of this calendar year; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this write-up also include a description of past accomplishment and activities of the Socialist International, from a NDP perspective; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP representative that attends these Socialist International meetings make a semi-annual report about their activities at these events and that this report be posted on the ndp.ca website, under the Activist portion of the website. OTTAWA VANIER NDP 6 T33 WHEREAS Democratic is our Party's middle name; and WHEREAS the NDP is a mass Party representing the interests of the many; and WHEREAS for democracy to thrive in the NDP information about its structure and operating procedures need to be made readily accessible to its members, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the current Party's structure be posted on the Activist portion of the ndp.ca website explaining what the Federal Officers, Federal Executive, Federal Council, Leader's office, Caucus Services, etc., is and what their functions and day-to-day responsibilities are; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that every person on Federal Council should have their name posted on the ndp.ca website, under the "Party" tab of the website; and285 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that when a Federal Council member is affiliated with a trade union, webpage links to their union should be provided. OTTAWA VANIER NDP 6 T34 WHEREAS Vancouver Island North NDP has experienced growth in our membership; and WHEREAS continued growth is to be encouraged; and WHEREAS it is extremely costly and time consuming to mail meeting notifications; and WHEREAS membership lists also include e-mail addresses, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that notification to members for meetings allow the use of e- mail addresses as an acceptable method. VANCOUVER ISLAND NORTH NDP 6 T35 WHEREAS the NDP cannot carry a progressive message to Canadians unless it is present within the communities; and WHEREAS party building is a grassroots activity that should focus on creating viable ridings especially where we have shown electoral promise but don't have a strong base; and WHEREAS too many federal ridings do not have reasonable and healthy funding currently to cover the costs of member newsletters, meetings, and other organizing activities, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Party transfer directly to ridings, for building the local riding organizations, not less than $.50 of the $1.75/voter they receive from the government; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this revenue would be in addition to funds that are currently provided from the centre during national election campaigns. EDMONTON-STRATHCONA NDP 6 T36 WHEREAS the NDP suffers from the legacy of federal and provincial NDP leaders who violated NDP policies and principles adopted at conventions, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that adopted policies and priorities are binding on Party elected officials and staff for implementation, and that NDP leaders be subject to recall and replacement for violation of Party principles, and for failure to implement democratically adopted policies and priorities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that National Council develop procedures to implement recall. EDMONTON-STRATHCONA NDP286 6 T37 WHEREAS the involvement of the Federal Party in ongoing membership and fundraising activities is creating confusion among members about their membership status and extreme frustration among activists pursuing memberships, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Executive Council direct the Federal Secretary, in consultation with the Secretaries of the various Sections, to clarify these matters; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the clarification include a clear distinction between contributions and membership fees/dues and between the Federal Party and Provincial Party Sections; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all solicitations for financial contributions and/or membership dues/fees make a clear distinction between federal and provincial aspects and make this absolutely clear to the people being solicited; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all solicitations scripts and letters used for such solicitations and membership drives by the Federal Party be filed on-line for viewing by Provincial Secretaries and Membership activists and fundraisers. WILLOWDALE NDP 6 T38 WHEREAS the Prime Minister chooses people to serve in cabinet, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a NDP cabinet be elected by the NDP Caucus. PRINCE GEORGE-PEACE RIVER NDP 6 T39 WHEREAS slates are a tool of power; and WHEREAS slates can and usually do make or break an election for individuals seeking office within the NDP; and WHEREAS slates are used by outgoing executive members and groups within the Party to influence the composition of the next executive; and WHEREAS slates can be a barrier towards achieving equality within the NDP, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a slate as any list of endorsed candidates produced and/or distributed by a group or individual; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that slates whether official or unofficial be banned from all NDP functions; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that groups within the NDP may still endorse candidates, and are encouraged to aid candidates in their elections and that endorsements may still appear on a candidate’s literature. SCARBOROUGH-SOUTWEST NDP287 6 T40 WHEREAS the central Party receives from the government an annual subsidy of $1.75 per vote plus all the revenue from direct fundraising plus the funds from unions; and WHEREAS local Elections Committees must raise all their funds from individual donors who are also being solicited by central fundraisers; and WHEREAS the riding rebate was clearly intended by the legislation to go to the riding, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Party cease the practice of requiring nominees to sign over the riding rebate to the Party in order to be official candidates so that the full rebate goes to the local campaign account. SCARBOROUGH-SOUTHWEST NDP 6 T41 BE IT RESOLVED that in all elections at least one French translator be provided exclusively for Northern Ontario. NICKEL BELT NDP 6 T42 BE IT RESOLVED that all agreements regarding funding arrangements between the Party and riding associations during election campaigns be in writing. NICKEL BELT NDP 6 T43 WHEREAS the NDP and the organized labour movement have a shared history of mutual respect and cooperation dating back to the founding of the Party, and WHEREAS not all members of affiliated labour organizations are NDP members, and that affiliated labour organizations exercise their own best judgment through their internal democratic process to advance the interests of its members in collective bargaining, and other responsibilities; and WHEREAS the elected representatives of labour organizations have a duty and responsibility to carry out the democratic decisions of their organization membership, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP recognizes and accepts that labour leadership who are also NDP members, in carrying out the democratically decided positions of their membership, may at times be conflict with the NDP’s strategic direction. LONDON-FANSHAWE NDP288 6 T44 WHEREAS policy resolutions passed at NDP conventions are an important part of the Party’s program and should be made broadly available to members as well as the general public, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP Policy Book be made available on the Party’s central website in a readily accessible manner; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to provide indexing, tables of contents and other user aids so as to make the materials more accessible and easy to use. LONDON NORTH CENTRE NDP 6 T45 WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada seeks to include all individuals in the political process and the New Democratic Party of Canada has historically championed the rights of persons with disabilities; and WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada believes that persons with disabilities should be more engaged in the political process, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada in preparation for the next federal election strive for five percent of all Party candidates to be persons with disabilities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Party assist these candidates to run effective and meaningful campaigns by providing appropriate support to candidates with disabilities and provide advice and volunteers, if necessary, to all persons with disabilities who are NDP candidates. PARKDALE HIGH-PARK NDP 6 T46 WHEREAS the Persons Living with Disabilities Committee voted at its first general meeting to rename itself the Disability Rights Committee; and WHEREAS the Federal Council of the New Democratic Party of Canada has recognized this change in principle and practice since March 2003; and WHEREAS this name reflects the image we want to project to the public when we become a Commission, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the words Disability Rights Committee replace Persons Living with Disabilities Committee in all relevant portions of the Constitution and other documents to reflect the Committee’s recognized name; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the name Disability Rights Committee be used in all internal and external communications. PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES COMMITTEE289 6 T47 WHEREAS perfume and scented products can cause severe allergic reactions including severe difficulties breathing, runny eyes and severe headaches; and WHEREAS asthmatics react to scents sometimes causing serious complications, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all Federal NDP events be declared scent-free; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a notice be sent prior to all Federal Party events requesting that people refrain from wearing scented products. PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES COMMITTEE 6 T48 WHEREAS membership in the NDP is currently held only at the Provincial and Territorial level, under rules and customs according to each individual Section; and WHEREAS recent election financing legislation has precluded revenue-sharing between the Provincial/Territorial Sections and the Federal Party; and WHEREAS the Federal Party needs to maintain an active and dynamic presence between elections, both at the national and riding levels; and WHEREAS the Federal Party and Provincial/Territorial Sections can maintain a positive and mutually supportive relationship with separate federal memberships; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal Party establish a process to examine the feasibility of creating a separate federal membership under rules set by the New Democratic Party of Canada. VICTORIA NDP 6 T49 BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP elect and appoint a committee to plan a concerted and focused campaign to attract other progressives to the NDP, and as a goal to publicly declare their support when appropriate to meet common goals. VICTORIA NDP 6 T50 WHEREAS the Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees freedom from discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex (including orientation), age or mental or physical disability; and WHEREAS NDP has historic roots in the principles and values of the 'Social Gospel Movement' which was a major force in Canadian religious, social and political life from the 1890s through the 1930s and inspired the political action of CCF founders William Irvine and J.S. Woodsworth and NDP founder Tommy Douglas; and290 WHEREAS the NDP celebrates the principles and values of diversity and inclusiveness, secularism, the separation of religion and state, and religious freedom; and many in social justice movements, who share these same values and commitments, are inspired by faith and spirituality, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP form a faith, spirituality and social justice Caucus open to all regardless of faith or spiritual commitment that: i) provides a forum for people grounded in faith and spirituality who are interested in social justice and the social democratic values of the NDP; and ii) provides an avenue for networking with faith based NGO's civil society allies, partners and individual Canadians to comment on legislation and public policy from a faith perspective while bringing the NDP social democratic perspectives to these faith based NGO's, civil society allies, partners and individual Canadians. CARLETON MISSISSIPPI MILLS NDP 6 T51 WHEREAS the NDP suffers from the legacy of federal and provincial NDP leaders who violated NDP policies and principles adopted at conventions; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that adopted policies and priorities are binding on Party elected officials and staff for implementation, and that NDP leaders be subject to recall and replacement for violation of democratically adopted policies and priorities made at Party Councils and conventions. OAKVILLE NDP 6 T52 WHEREAS the NDP must restore and expand its links to the working class, including the unemployed, the under-employed, and the non-waged workers, and to the social protest movements that battle the depredations of globalized capitalism; and WHEREAS NDP links to labour unions, including its receipt of their financial contributions, proudly distinguish the NDP from the parties of big business as the democratic political expression of the workers' movement in this country; and WHEREAS we can learn much from the legacy of the Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), predecessor to the NDP, which was founded as a "Federation" of local clubs, farmers' unions, cooperatives, labour and socialist parties, workers' unions, intellectual societies, and other grassroots working class organizations, united initially on the basis of the Regina Manifesto in 1932-33, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign to increase union affiliation to the Party and invite progressive social movements and groups of activist individuals to form clubs and to affiliate to the Party; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP actively promotes the idea of an expanded movement of affiliates which would enjoy direct input to conventions and Councils of the NDP to achieve a partnership of equal voices in shaping Party policy, while maintaining the autonomy of social-movement organizations, and which would constitute an expanded291 working class and activist base on which to build the Party as an instrument for democratic socialist transformation of society. KITCHENER CENTRE NDP 6 T53 WHEREAS the NDP cannot carry a progressive message to Canadians unless it is present within the communities; and WHEREAS Party building is a grassroots activity that should focus on creating viable riding associations, especially where we have shown electoral promise but don't have a strong base; and WHEREAS too many NDP federal riding associations do not have reasonable and healthy funding currently to cover the costs of membership newsletters, meetings, and other organizing activities, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Party transfer directly to each riding association for the purpose of building the local riding organization, not less than $0.50 of the $1.75 per voter that the NDP receives from the government for the NDP candidate in that riding; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this revenue would be in addition to funds that are currently provided from the Party centre during federal election campaigns. KITCHENER CENTRE NDP 6 T54 WHEREAS the office of the NDP Leader acknowledges all correspondence from members in exactly the same manner, namely, with a generic post card which says that our ideas are appreciated; and WHEREAS such an acknowledgement gives no indication that anyone has actually paid any attention to those ideas, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the generic postcards be destroyed, and that in the future, only real responses be sent to members. PROVENCHER NDP 6 T55 WHEREAS there is a need for much greater awareness of our policies on the main issues; and WHEREAS cooperation with like-minded organizations can be an effective vehicle for achieving that awareness, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Party designate each month between elections as a time to emphasize an important issue; and292 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that those organizations which exist to promote the issue of that month be invited to cooperate with us in publicizing the problems and the urgent need to act on them. GUELPH NDP 6 T56 WHEREAS presently in many areas of Canada the progressive vote is divided between two federal parties, the New Democrats and the Greens; and WHEREAS this splitting of the progressive vote has had and continues to have significant negative impacts on the electoral performance of both these parties; and WHEREAS these two parties share many similar progressive social, economic and environmental goals, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party should actively explore and formally consider the advantages of merging with the Federal Green Party of Canada, and should request that all riding associations meet to discuss this option within 120 days of the close of this Convention and report their findings to the Federal Party; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if this reporting process indicates that the Party members and riding associations are open to the possibility of such a merger, the federal Party should initiate discussions with the Green Party of Canada to consider a merger of the two parties, possibly beginning with an agreement to work together in an electoral alliance or partnership in the next federal election. NEW BRUNSWICK SOUTHWEST NDP 6 T57 BE IT RESOLVED that the present preamble of the Constitution be replaced with the following preamble; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in the event the NDP develop a comprehensive program, the following text serve as the “Statement of Principles”: Introduction WE ARE The New Democratic Party of Canada. The New Democratic Party is the socio-democratic and progressive Party of Canada. We consider that only through the application of socialist democratic principles to Government and the administration of public affairs will we be able to ensure Canada’s social, economic and political progress. Faced with the significant challenges of today’s world, the New Democratic Party is more determined than ever to pursue democratic political means to create a society based on socio-democratic principles. Despite all our diversity, we are a great gathering of citizens who stand united around the following values and ideals.293 Dignity and Freedom WE ASSERT that the principles of human dignity and freedom constitute a basic right we must maintain and expand. The respect of human beings, in all their diversity, implies the expansion of their freedoms. Freedom is a tool that allows individuals to pursue their goals and projects and, consequently, to flourish socially, culturally, economically, and spiritually. Therefore, in our vision, freedom is a tool towards accomplishment and liberation. As freedom can only be exercised in a context within which various choices are available, we believe we must be collectively responsible for ensuring that real and meaningful choices are offered to the people. Individual and social responsibility is also an essential element of true freedom. Contrary to neo-liberal ideology, our conception of freedom is not synonymous with “every man for himself” or “might is right”. The greatest freedom for all is impossible in a highly authoritarian or non-egalitarian society. Therefore, we cannot envision freedom without equality and solidarity. Equality WE ASSERT that equality, based on the equal dignity of any human being, is a constitutive principle of our vision of society. This principle implies not only equality before the law, but also the equality of opportunities. And, in itself, the equality of opportunities requires a decrease of socio-economic inequalities. We believe that the best way to achieve greater socio-economic equality is through fair access to reasonable income, (notably through work) to universal public services, (health, quality education, affordable childcare) and to certain guaranteed social rights (including housing). We want to build a society within which safety, security, health and welfare will be guaranteed to all. We are committed to pursuing the creation of fair and equal distribution of riches and to creating a society where all members compete according to their abilities and receive according to their needs. We target social justice for all, in a society that fosters diversity and does not tolerate discrimination for reasons of race, nationality, creed, gender, language, physical or intellectual capacity, sexual orientation or age. Solidarity and Community WE ASSERT that human beings are social beings and as such are asked to build the society – and seek their happiness and self-realization – with others. The importance of the ideas of solidarity and community is what differentiates us from neo-liberal and neo-conservative ideologies. We believe that fraternity and solidarity should be the pillars of both our civil and political society. Goodwill towards others and commonality are the cornerstones of a good society. This is particularly true of our solidarity with the poorest and marginalized of our world, locally, nationally, and internationally. Our conception of people’s freedom and equality is not synonymous with isolation; on the contrary, the anchors in communities are essential to people’s development. As well, our conception of citizenship is not based solely on individualism, but also on the good of communities – including the local level – where people belong. We are committed to creating a society where a marked sense of community gives precedence to the health and welfare of all Canadians rather than short-term individual gains.294 Co-operation WE ASSERT that co-operation is a basic principle within socio-economic development where responsibilities and advantages are fairly and equally distributed. Our policies and our actions should reflect people’s natural ability to live within a co-operative system, to accept collective responsibility and to work towards the welfare of all. Although we recognize that competition has its role, our vision of society rests mostly on a collaborative ideal, that is, the idea that we can achieve more – socially, economically, culturally – by working together rather than working against each other. This co-operation can manifest itself both within civil society (social groups, unions, movements, associations, co-operatives) and within state and interstate institutions. This ideal pervades all levels of society, from the local to the global levels, through our regions and provinces, and within the Canadian Federation itself. Social Good WE ASSERT that political institutions and the people who belong to them have a fundamental duty towards social good. The social good principle implies that our decisions should be made for the welfare of all citizens and society itself. Social and political institutions should target the general population’s interests and not the specific individual interests of a group, or a single social class or elites. Social good implies, among other things, strong, universal, and accessible public services, (health, education, social services) as well as protection of the environment and other collective goods. Access to all public and collective goods is a powerful instrument of equality. Therefore, the pursuit of collective interests and common goals does not clash with the pursuit of personal interests: they are their needed counterpart. Democracy and Citizenship WE ASSERT that social democracy is based on active democracy and citizenship. While we want to improve our representative democracy structures, we believe that a truly democratic society should include various forms of collaborative democracy, in various circles of life within society. The democratic control of our political, economic and social institutions is an essential condition for us to eradicate poverty, unemployment, and increasing concentrations of riches and power. We commit to making sure our Party and our governments base their operations on citizens’ accountability, open-mindedness, and free association. Ethics and transparency within the State are also essential. We also recognize the individuals’ right to have their say in affairs that affect their lives and to exercise greater control in political affairs, the economy, the workplace, their community and their families. True democracy cannot exist without quality information, which allows for informed decisions, or vigorous debate venues. Our conception of citizenship is one of action and inclusion, where everyone has to build a good society, balanced between rights and duties, and between individual rights and collective rights.295 The Economy and the Roles of the State WE ASSERT the principle whereby the economy exists to serve people, and not the reverse. Our economic vision is one that includes full-employment, co-operation, sustainability and democracy. The production and distribution of goods and services should target the individual, social, and environmental needs, not only corporate profits. While we recognize the advantages of a market economy, we consider that the State plays an irreplaceable role in the rules and regulation of the market. It is particularly the case with the control of great economic monopolies. Only the State can make sure public services, strategic investment in some sectors, macroeconomic planning and balance, and fair redistribution of riches are maintained. In our vision, there is no contradiction between economic and social development, between prosperity and solidarity, between efficiency and justice. On the contrary, these things reinforce each other. But the State can also contribute to shaping a different economy, based on the principle of economic democracy. We intend to contribute to the development of an economy in which, through various means, the communities, workers, investors and consumers will influence economic leverage that affect their lives. Ecology and Sustainability WE ASSERT that we are aware of sharing this planet with other peoples and that a global vision of common problems is vital. Our quality of life and the existence of life on this planet require a global vision of challenges, affecting all environmental, economic, social, cultural, and political aspects. It is our responsibility to adopt a long-term vision of our development, which will ensure that resources are available to future generations and that these will have access to the same quality of life – or better – than ours. This means we have to strive towards creating a society in which the use of renewable and non-renewable resources does not exceed our capacity to generate resources or to exploit alternative renewable sources. In today’s world, sustainable development is not an ideology; it is a requirement. Respect and protection of the environment is, for us, an issue of tremendous priority. Facing environmental challenges will require an important conceptual review of the economic system which sustains a complete disregard for the natural environment and an irresponsible exploitation of resources. To protect the environment, we need to rethink our development and our economic system itself. Peace and Internationalism WE ASSERT that we belong to a common humanity and that we want to work in peace, solidarity and co-operation with other peoples of the world. Our vision implies a fair, sustainable, and interdependent development of the whole planet. We do not favour isolationism nor are we against globalization. But we are against the present globalization, a neo-liberal, ferocious capitalist globalization, solely centered on serving the interests of a small group. We want Canada to play a significant international leadership role as a champion for peace, for the fight against poverty, for international co-operation, and for basic political and socio- economic human rights as well as the protection of the environment. We believe that Canada can be a world leader in setting an alternative vision to “might is right” or to new political or economic imperialisms.296 To this effect, our Party is also proud to associate and fight alongside with other socio- democratic parties of the world for peace, co-operation, respect of human rights and the eradication of poverty. Conclusion WE INVITE all the citizens of our country who share our values and hopes to join our Party. Together, we are building the society that we dream of. Welcome to our social democracy of the 21st Century! QUEBEC SECTION 6 T58 BE IT RESOLVED that the Party adopt a new policy development process that specifically includes the following elements: the implementation of a program, the principles guiding policy development, the policy development process and the role of resolutions. PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP target the development of a comprehensive program, including all of its policies by the next Convention. The program will include the full policy and resolution documents. Each policy document will essentially be a “chapter” of the program. PRINCIPLES The following principles will need to guide the development of policy and program documents: 1) Coherence. The program of the Party should present a comprehensive and coherent vision of the picture we have of society. We need to avoid contradictions. 2) Direction. The program should present the vision we want to give to Canada. 3) Realism. The program should present feasible proposals that we, as government, will strive to implement. 4) Flexibility. The program should be flexible enough to allow adjustments and nuances depending on the circumstances. The electoral team and a Caucus of Members of Parliament require leeway for their work. 5) Cohesion. The program is the main reference tool for Party members at the level of its policies; it is therefore an important foundation for the Party’s unity. 6) Communication. While the content of the program will be precise, the program should also be a communication tool, presented in a language that is easily understood. 7) Education and discussion. The policy development process should facilitate the discussion between Party members, with non-members, and with civil society organizations. The process should help to educate those groups as well as engage them. 8) Continuity. The Party should have a policy review that constantly reviews necessary updates to the program. PROCESS The policy development process would include, but is not limited to the following steps: 1) Making an inventory of already adopted and implemented policies;297 2) Having an initial brief consultation with the riding associations to get their input on the general direction for policy documents; 3) The preparation of a first draft of the policy document, by the policy committee. A sub- committee of experts can be consulted to help with this task; 4) Consultations with riding associations on this first draft; 5) Holding consultation forums; 6) Writing and circulating a new version of the policy document; 7) Adoption of the policy document at the Convention, using a transparent process for amendments; and 8) Setting up clear processes to update said policy documents; RESOLUTIONS Within this process, resolutions brought to Convention or to the Party Council will be as follows: 1) Amendments to the program. General amendments should clearly identify the program elements that will be amended; 2) Position. Certain resolutions may propose taking a position on a precise issue. These resolutions would be precise, exact and time-determined and would not include a change to the program itself; and 3) Internal Party policy. Resolutions to change the internal workings of the Party. would not include a change to the program itself. BE IT RESOLVED that the Party elect, at each Convention, a policy committee chairperson and vice-chairperson of opposite sexes, and let these two people sit, respectively, on the Executive and on the federal Party Councils. QUEBEC SECTION 6 T59 WHEREAS the NDP is a transparent progressive Party that focuses on the commitment and energy of its militants for its electoral success; and WHEREAS the development and application of the electoral platform are the main focus for members and militants alike; and WHEREAS during the last electoral campaign, the NDP platform was only made available ten days before the vote, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, from now on, the electoral platform of the Party be available to any candidate at the launch of the campaign, so long as there is no policy program. QUEBEC SECTION298 6 T60 WHEREAS the weakness of the membership in Quebec; and WHEREAS local associations also solicit members; and WHEREAS the weakness of financial resources of Quebec associations; and WHEREAS Mr. Jack Layton’s participation to the fund-raising campaigns incites members to contribute; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP share the funds collected with local associations. QUEBEC SECTION 6 T61 WHEREAS the NDP is a progressive political Party fighting for peace, social justice and sustainable development; and WHEREAS militant political and extra-Parliamentary action is an additional and supplementary means for Parliamentary political action of the elected members of the Party; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP pay special attention to tie activists’ initiatives in the field to the legislative initiatives of the Party’s elected officials by regularly probing the associations on the local political priorities and by providing, as far as possible, tools that will allow the Party activists to amplify Parliamentary initiatives in the field and vice versa. QUEBEC SECTION 6 T62 BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP give continued financial support to constituencies and support the training of activists and candidates. QUEBEC SECTION 6 T63 COMPOSITE OF 6 T15 AND 6 T30 WHEAREAS the NDP has, since its inception, been committed to the democratic principles that in good government people work together to find cooperative solutions to problems; and WHEREAS internet technology is currently available which allows for government to operate more democratically; and WHEREAS the NDP took a leadership role in the 2003 Federal leadership election when it adopted internet technology to allow the one member one vote process; and WHEREAS the NDP is currently committed to using internet technology to keep members up to date in a timely manner through the Federal NDP Bulletin; and299 WHEREAS it is very expensive to rely primarily on professional staff, phone banks and advertising to communicate with our members; and WHEREAS the NDP needs to capitalize on its greatest asset, the energy and intelligence of its many members across the country, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Federal Office establish an electronic inter-riding communication system involving every riding willing to participate so that ridings can discuss ideas with each other and formulate strategies for getting them implemented; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP make it a priority to continue to be a leader in using internet technology to make democracy as readily available as is possible in Canada; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP establish an internet system that informs members on specific issues, including information on the current position and voting record of their representative. This system would also make it possible for members to communicate quickly and easily to their representative regarding their position on an issue. This will establish a steady flow of e-mails to Parliament on relevant issues; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Party establish on its website a local riding-friendly internet space with a content management system to facilitate information sharing for local ridings, which will include an up-to-date calendar of events. KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS NDP EGLINTON-LAWRENCE NDP