Because It's Time to Restore Democracy.
The Green Party has a comprehensive plan for a sustainable economy, strong communities, good government and bold action on climate change. This post is the third of four summaries based on the Green Party platform:
Good government is founded on prudent planning and rational, evidence-based decision-making. It provides long-term stability, security from threats both domestic and abroad, and a vision that stretches well beyond four year election cycles.
To deliver on these basic principles, government needs to engage with, and be responsive to, the concerns of all Canadian citizens. The critical first step in this process is to ensure we have a government that represents the will of the people – that means an end to first-past-the-post voting, an end to false majorities, and the creation of a voting system that ensures all Canadians have a voice in our government.
The Green Party is the only party committed to ending whipped votes. MPs from the other parties in Parliament routinely face whipped votes – they must vote the party line or face punishments, such as not being allowed to speak in the House or even being thrown out of the party. Green MPs will be free to put their conscience and their constituents first.
That is the commitment Green candidates make, to be your voice in Ottawa, your local champions.
MPs who Represent their Constituents and Champion their Communities
Integrity, civility and respect. Green MPs will seek constructive solutions to issues in their local communities, striving to create dialogue and solve problems when they arise.
Green MPs will publish their expenses online, to ensure maximum transparency and accountability, and never use Parliamentary resources for party or personal benefit.
Restore Canadian Science and Evidence-based Decision Making
Science, evidence, and transparency together form the backbone of good public policy. We will immediately restore the long-form census to ensure that Canadian researchers and policy-makers have access to the latest data. We will rebuild scientific capacity, unmuzzle scientists and make government-funded research accessible to the public.
Create a Council of Canadian Governments to Collaborate on National Goals and Priorities
Work together to ensure more effective collaboration among all levels of government in Canada – federal, provincial/territorial, municipal/local, and First Nations, Metis and Inuit. Cooperate to improve inter-provincial labour mobility and trade, and work towards recognition for international accreditations.
Work Collaboratively with Our Allies Abroad
From climate change to terrorism, we will work together with our allies to counter threats and ensure a safer world. Strengthen our international influence by reviving diplomacy. Shift our focus and funding away from NATO military contributions, towards UN peacekeeping, poverty alleviation and disaster relief. Commit to ending poverty globally by contributing 0.7% of GDP to official development assistance.
Repeal Bill C-51 to Defend Our Charter Rights and Privacy
Canada already had effective anti-terror laws. C-51 infringes on the political and civil rights granted to all of us under the Charter. Widespread government surveillance and intrusions into our privacy, all without oversight, will make us less safe.
Fix Our Electoral System
Our current voting system allows a minority of the votes to elect a majority government with 100 percent of the power. It makes voters feel as if their vote just doesn’t count. We will replace first-past-the-post with a proportional representation system through extensive public consultation by an all-party committee. We will overhaul the Elections Act to restore independence of the electoral officers and to encourage all Canadians to vote, including youth, First Nations, homeless and those living overseas.
Defend Canada’s Sovereignty
Press for legislation to require transparency on complaints under the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement. We will vigorously oppose the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). Work with Green MPs around the world on a complete review of all investor-state agreements to rebalance rights for democracies and reduce global corporate rule.
Reverse Harper’s Legacy and Put Our Country Back on Track
Work to end use of omnibus budget bills, which have severely damaged our democracy. They have devastated centuries-old environmental legislation, curbed free speech, and cut billions in funding from health care. A single omnibus bill in spring 2012 (C-38) changed 70 laws. Require 2/3 majority to prorogue Parliament and summon parliament within 30 days of an election. Halve the budget of the PMO. Empower parliamentary committees. Strengthen the mandates and independence of officers of parliament. Overhaul Accountability, Conflict of Interest, Privacy and Access to Information legislation. Protect the fundamental principle that the Prime Minister reports to Parliament; not the other way around.
The Green Party platform is a plan for all Canadians, for our democracy, our economy, our communities – for our future, together. We will reverse course and reinvent our democracy to provide effective, accountable government for all Canadians. We hope it will inspire you to join us, and to vote Green on October 19.
