Month: March 2005

The Conservative Party of Canada recently held its first ever policy convention in Montreal. At that convention, delegates adopted a series of resolutions on a raft of topics. These are the the resolutions adopted under the broad heading Criminal Justice. (The headings were chosen by the party and the resolutions were placed in various groups by the party.) Reproduced below is each resolution in the broad grouping as it was voted on by delegates. All of the following were adopted or carried by at the convention. The acronym EDA in the following stands for Electoral District Association.  The resolutions here are presented in the order in which they were voted on  by delegates. When the following documents talk about inserting new clauses or replacing new clauses, they are referring to modifying what's known as the “Base Document” — starting point for policy discussions put together by senior party officials in September, 2004. 

Criminal Justice

P-75: Sentencing | P-78: Child Protection | P-74: Sex Offender Registry | P-76: Firearms | P-73: Dangerous Offenders | P-79: Organized Crime

P-75: Sentencing

It is moved that the current Clauses 65 and 66 be replaced with a new clause as follows:

“A Conservative government will:

i) institute mandatory minimum sentences for violent and repeat offenders;

ii) require that sentences for multiple convictions be served consecutively;

iii) eliminate statutory (automatic) release;

iv) Reform the National Parole Board  including increased input from the community and victims in National Parole Board decisions;

v) require applicants for parole to demonstrate to the National Parole Board that they have been rehabilitated.”

Moved by Eastern Ontario RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved by Alberta, Hamilton / Niagara and Newmarket RJPMs, Leeds-Grenville, Okanagan-Shushwap, and Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar EDAs.

Back to top

P-78: Child Protection

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section K) as follows:

“Child Protection

A Conservative government will act to protect children by eliminating all defences that are used to justify the possession of child pornography.

A Conservative government would rename the Age of Consent to the Age of Protection and raise it from 14 to 16 years of age.”

Combined resolution reflecting Saskatoon-Humboldt EDA and National Caucus.  Similar resolutions moved by Abbotsford, Surrey, Alberta, Greater Toronto Area, and Hamilton / Niagara RJPMs.

Back to top

P-74: Sex Offender Registry

It is moved that the current Clause 64 be replaced with the following:

“A Conservative government will require the registration of all convicted sex and (pronounced) dangerous offenders (as currently defined).  Such registration will be retroactive to the date of first conviction.

The registry and its services will provide:

i)  Mandatory DNA sampling and banking;

ii)  A registry information network, available to all police and parole services to assist in locating (and tracking) registrants; and

iii)  A system to incarcerate registrants who break the terms of release prior to trial.”

Combined motion reflecting Southern Interior EDA and Alberta RJPM.  Similar resolution  moved by Hamilton-Niagara RJPM.

Back to top

P-76: Firearms

It is recommended that the current Clauses 69 and 70 be replaced with the following:

“A Conservative government will repeal Canada's costly gun registry legislation and work with the provinces on cost-effective gun control programs designed to keep guns out of the hands of criminals while respecting the rights of law-abiding Canadians to own and use firearms responsibly. Measures will include: mandatory minimum sentences for the criminal use of firearms; strict monitoring of high-risk individuals; crackdown on the smuggling; safe storage laws; firearms safety training; a licensing system for all those wishing to acquire and use firearms legally; and putting more law enforcement officers on our streets.”

Combined motion reflecting Lethbridge and West Nova EDAs and National Caucus.  Similar resolutions passed by Alberta RJPM.

 

Back to top

P-73: Dangerous Offenders

It is moved that the current Clause 63 be amended by adding a new subclause as follows:

“ii) Anyone convicted of three offences causing death or serious harm against the person shall be automatically designated as a dangerous offender.  This would not preclude the Crown from pursuing dangerous offender status for any other offender deemed to fit the criteria.”

Moved by Manitoba RJPM.  Similar resolutions from Hamilton / Niagara RJPM, Brant EDA.

Back to top

P-79: Organized Crime

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section K) as follows:

“Organized Crime

i) A Conservative government would recognize that organized crime is growing throughout Canada, that international criminal organizations are more and more active in Canada in money laundering and illicit drug trafficking and, finally, that this phenomenon crosses boundaries.

ii) To fight against this curse and ensure the safety of Canadians in their communities, a Conservative government will:

a)   adopt, in collaboration with the provinces, a national strategy on the fight against organized crime; including the creation of a joint national task force on security.
b) increase the financial resources allocated to the RCMP to help them to fight against those activities in all regions of the country; and
c) propose an amendment to the Criminal Code to reverse the burden of proof, so that members of a criminal organization (and not the Crown) will have to prove at the time of seizure that the goods were not acquired through criminal acts committed for organized crime. Specific criteria will govern this measure to respect the principle of the presumption of innocence of the accused.”

Moved by Quebec RJPM.  Similar resolution moved by Abbotsford RJPM.

Back to top

The Conservative Party of Canada recently held its first ever policy convention in Montreal. At that convention, delegates adopted a series of resolutions on a raft of topics. These are the the resolutions adopted under the broad headings of Health and Social Programs (The headings were chosen by the party and the resolutions were placed in various groups by the party.) Reproduced below is each resolution in the broad grouping as it was voted on by delegates. All of the following were adopted or carried by at the convention. The acronym EDA in the following stands for Electoral District Association.  The resolutions here are presented in the order in which they were voted on  by delegates. When the following documents talk about inserting new clauses or replacing new clauses, they are referring to modifying what's known as the “Base Document” — starting point for policy discussions put together by senior party officials in September, 2004. 

Health and Social Programs

P-54: Childcare | P-47: Healthcare | P-92: Definition of Marriage | P-48: Post-Secondary Education | P-93: Abortion Legislation | P-55: Support for Parents | P-52: Housing and Homelessness | P-51: Retirement Savings | P-53: Shared Parenting | P-50: Employment Insurance | P-49: Student Loans

P-54: Childcare

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section I) as follows:

Child Care

The Conservative Party of Canada recognizes that parents are in the best position to determine the care needs of their children, and that they should be able to do so in an environment that encourages as many options as possible, and in a manner that does not discriminate against those who opt to raise their children in family, social, linguistic, and religious environments.  We also recognize that the delivery of education and social services are provincial responsibilities under the constitution.  We believe that support should go to all parents and families raising children, especially to lower and middle income parents.  All existing levels of support will be maintained and improved if necessary.”

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-47: Healthcare

It is moved that the current Clause 43 be amended by replacing the existing subclause iii) with the following:

“iii) Flexibility for the provinces in the implementation of health services should include a balance of public and private delivery options.  This approach would ensure that health services remain publicly funded, while services are provided through the most appropriate public or private provider based on quality and cost.”

Combined motion reflecting Manitoba RJPM and Brampton West EDA.  Similar resolutions moved by Alberta, Victoria-Saanich, and Hamilton / Niagara RJPMs, and Prince Edward-Hastings, Elgin-Middlesex-London and Nipissing-Timiskaming EDAs.

Back to top

P-92: Definition of Marriage

It is moved that the current Clause 56 of the Policy Statement be amended by adding a new subclause as follows:

iv) “A Conservative Government will support legislation defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.”

Moved by New Brunswick RJPM.  Similar resolutions were moved by the Regina, Alberta, Surrey, Halifax, Kitchener, and Southwestern Ontario RJPMs, and by Wild Rose, Nipissing-Timiskaming, Thunder Bay RJPM, Prince Edward-Hastings, Battlefords-Lloydminster, Saskatoon-Humboldt, and Saskatoon-Wanuskewin EDAs.

Back to top

P-48: Post-Secondary Education

It is moved that the current Clause 50 be replaced with the following:

“The Conservative Party believes in greater accessibility to education by eliminating as many barriers to post-secondary education as possible.  We believe strongly that provincial jurisdiction must be respected.  However, the federal government must play a role in addressing tuition and standards.

i)  A Conservative government will remove post-secondary education funding from the Canada Social Transfer and create an independent Canada Education Transfer.  The Transfer will be funded at a base level and increased annually according to inflation and demographic growth.  The Transfer will be negotiated with the provinces to ensure the funding is targeted to post-secondary education.

ii)  A Conservative government will change the current policy and make scholarships and bursaries tax free.

iii)  A Conservative government would revamp the federal student loan program to eliminate the inclusion of parental income and assets in the assessment of loan applications.

iv)  As the Millennium Scholarship Program currently only assists six per cent of students, a Conservative government would channel these funds into the student loan program to help more students obtain post-secondary education.”

Moved by National Caucus.

 

Back to top

P-93: Abortion Legislation

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section I) as follows:

Abortion Legislation

A Conservative government will not support any legislation to regulate abortion.”

Moved by Alberta RJPM.  Similar resolutions were moved by the Greater Toronto Area, Greater Vancouver Area, and Quebec RJPMs.

Back to top

P-55: Support for Parents

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section I) as follows:

Support for Parents

A Conservative government will consider, in collaboration with the provinces,  establishing the policies required to give parents who choose to stay home to take care of their preschool children the recognition and financial support they need to carry out this important task.”

Moved by Quebec RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved Kitchener RJPM, Okanagan-Coquihalla EDA.

Back to top

P-52: Housing and Homelessness

It is moved that a new Clause be added in Section I) as follows:

“Housing and Homelessness

i)  The Conservative Party believes that all Canadians should have a reasonable opportunity to own their own home and to have access to safe and affordable housing.

ii)  A Conservative government would develop a policy of broad based tax relief, income support programs and tax incentives, to make home ownership and rental accommodation more attainable and accessible.

iii)  A Conservative government will address homelessness by assisting in the provision of shelters and by recognizing, addressing and seeking solutions to contributing factors of homelessness.

iv) A Conservative government will partner and link with the respective jurisdictions of provincial and municipal governments, business initiatives and the work of social agencies and non-profit organizations, in dealing with housing, homelessness, social infrastructure and related support services, such as skills development, literacy, substance abuse treatment, health and social development.

v) A Conservative government will work with the provinces and municipalities to develo
p framework agreements that help low-income city dwellers access affordable housing, through the use of tax incentives for private sector builders.   The Conservative Party of Canada recognizes that most renters live in urban centres, and that the pressures of population growth as well as certain economic factors have made it increasingly difficult for many renters to find housing.”

Combined resolution reflecting National Caucus and Greater Toronto Area RJPM.

Back to top

P-51: Retirement Savings

It is moved that the current clause 54 by amended by adding three new subclauses as follows:

“iii)  A Conservative government will ensure that the CPP Investment Fund is mandated to seek maximum security and to maximize the rate of return being earned on behalf of Canada's pensioners.  No other policy objective will be permitted to interfere with the objectives of security and maximum rate of return.

iv)  A Conservative government will recognize the efforts put forth by Canadians to prepare for retirement and consider the splitting of registered retirement income and how best to enable flexibility in pension withdrawals.  

v)  A Conservative government will increase financial flexibility by implementing a Registered Lifetime Savings Plan which would allow Canadians to withdraw their savings tax-free.”

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-53: Shared Parenting

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section I) as follows:

Shared Parenting:

A Conservative government will make the necessary changes to the Divorce Act to ensure that in the event of a marital breakdown, the Divorce Act will allow both parents and all grandparents to maintain a meaningful relationship with their children and grandchildren, unless it is clearly demonstrated not to be in the best interests of the children.”

Moved by Manitoba RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved by Eastern Ontario and Newmarket RJPMs, and Etobicoke Centre EDA.

 

Back to top

P-50: Employment Insurance

It is moved that the current Clause 52 be replaced with the following:

“A Conservative government will encourage the establishment of an independent employment insurance system, with a self-accounting fund administered by employees and employers, the surplus of which being used to increase workers' benefits or reduce contributions.”

Moved by Quebec RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved by Prince Edward Island and Mississauga-Oakville RJPMs.

Back to top

P-49: Student Loans

It is moved that the current Clause 51 be amended by adding the words “and provide a preferred interest rate on student loans post-graduation” after the words “Income Contingent Loans.”

Moved by New Brunswick RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved by Peterborough RJPM and Kings-Hants EDA.

Back to top

The Conservative Party of Canada recently held its first ever policy convention in Montreal. At that convention, delegates adopted a series of resolutions on a raft of topics. These are the the resolutions adopted under the broad heading of Fiscal and Economic Policy. (The headings were chosen by the party and the resolutions were placed in various groups by the party.) Reproduced below is each resolution in the broad grouping as it was voted on by delegates. All of the following were adopted or carried by at the convention. The acronym EDA in the following stands for Electoral District Association.  The resolutions here are presented in the order in which they were voted on  by delegates. When the following documents talk about inserting new clauses or replacing new clauses, they are referring to modifying what's known as the “Base Document” — starting point for policy discussions put together by senior party officials in September, 2004. 

Fiscal and Economic Policy

P-26: Family Tax Fairness | P-29: Industrial Development | P-24: Tax Relief – Personal Income Taxes | P-27: Debt Repayment | P-32: Equalization | P-21: Tax Relief | P-34: Mining |

P-26: Family Tax Fairness

It is moved that the current Clause 15 be amended by adding a new subclause as follows:

“ii) A Conservative government will amend the Income Tax Act to eliminate all tax disadvantages to families including those who care for children at home and to recognize the economic value of stay at home parents by introducing tax fairness measures such as income splitting.”

Combined resolution reflecting Eastern Ontario and Abbotsford RJPMs.  Similar resolution moved by Mississauga-Oakville RJPM

Back to top

P-29: Industrial Development

It is moved that the current Clause 18 be replaced with the following:

“18. Industrial Development and Economic Growth

i)  The Conservative Party of Canada favours reducing subsidies to for-profit businesses.  We believe it will be possible to not only reduce, but eventually to eliminate subsidies to for-profit businesses by focusing on improving overall economic growth through facilitating competition, improving productivity, streamlining regulation and fostering innovation in concert with free and fair trade agreements.

ii)  A Conservative government will work with international organizations and individual nations to reduce protectionist policies to secure free trade agreements.  Our goal in negotiations will be to secure agreements that benefit Canadian manufacturers by allowing them to compete and succeed through competition on a level playing field.  Where there is injurious harm caused by a trade action, and we have a reasonable chance of winning and/or reversing this action, we will support an industry on a temporary basis until the trade action is resolved.

iii)  A Conservative government would amend the Investment Canada Act to expand the review process to include not only the net benefit to Canada in reference to our industrial, economic and cultural policies, but also a consideration of our national security interests.  This would include security of supply, technology transfer and any anti-trust implications.

iv)  A Conservative government will privatize crown corporations that compete directly with comparable services from existing private sector institutions.

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-24: Tax Relief – Personal Income Taxes

It is moved that the current Clause 14 be amended by replacing the first sentence of subclause ii) with the following:

“iii)      A Conservative government will introduce immediate and long-term tax relief, focusing on personal income tax by reducing personal income tax rates and substantially raising both the Basic Personal Exemption and the Spousal Exemption under the Income Tax Act.”

Moved by Alberta RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved by Greater Toronto, Greater Vancouver, Manitoba RJPMs and Peace River EDA.

Back to top

P-27: Debt Repayment

It is moved that the current Clause 17 be amended by deleting the current subclause ii) and replacing it with the following:

“A Conservative government will introduce a debt repayment plan with the main part of budget surplus being allocated to debt repayment, in order to have a debt-to-GDP ratio well under 20% as soon as possible, thus having greater flexibility to deal with the fiscal pressure coming from the aging of the Canadian population.”

Moved by Quebec RJPM.  Similar resolution moved by Greater Vancouver RJPM.

Back to top

P-32: Equalization

It is moved that the current Clause 23 be replaced with the following:

“Equalization is an essential component of Canada's nation building efforts.  The Conservative Party supports changes to the equalization program to ensure provinces and territories have the opportunity to develop their economies and sustain important core social services. We will remove non-renewable natural resource revenue from the equalization formula to encourage the development of economic growth in the non-renewable resource sectors across Canada. The Conservative party will ensure that no province is adversely affected from changes to the equalization formula.”

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-21: Tax Relief

It is moved that the current Clause 14 be replaced with the following:

“i)  A Conservative government will provide broad based tax relief, starting with personal income taxes.  Reducing personal income taxes will hike the take home pay and raise the living standard of all Canadians.

ii)  A Conservative government will reduce business taxes. Reducing business taxes would encourage both foreign and domestic businesses to invest in Canada, meaning more and better jobs for Canadian workers.  Lower business taxes mean greater returns for pension plan members and those who own RRSPs, mutual funds and common shares.

iii)  A Conservative government will reduce capital gains taxes.  Lower capital gains taxes encourage saving and investment which means more capital for Canadian businesses, more jobs for Canadian workers and bigger returns for Canadian investors.

iv)  A Conservative government will reduce payroll taxes.  Payroll taxes that exceed the amount necessary to properly fund Employment Insurance are a tax on job creation. Lower payroll taxes encourage hiring and business expansion.

v)  Canada's tax system must be built on a foundation of fairness.  The Conservative Party of Canada will take steps to close loopholes such as the use of offshore tax havens which erode the Canadian tax base and allow companies to avoid paying Canadian taxes.”

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-34: Mining

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section D) as follows:

“Mining

The Conservative Party of Canada shall support positive policies pertaining to the mining industry for the future such as increased investment in geosciences programs and research and by streamlining regulatory processes related to these industries
.”

Combined motion reflecting Yukon and Western Arctic EDAs.

Back to top

The Conservative Party of Canada recently held its first ever policy convention in Montreal. At that convention, delegates adopted a series of resolutions on a raft of topics. These are the the resolutions adopted under the broad headings of Agriculture; Fisheries and International Trade Policy. (The headings were chosen by the party and the resolutions were placed in various groups by the party.) Reproduced below is each resolution in the broad grouping as it was voted on by delegates. All of the following were adopted or carried by at the convention. The acronym EDA in the following stands for Electoral District Association.  The resolutions here are presented in the order in which they were voted on  by delegates. When the following documents talk about inserting new clauses or replacing new clauses, they are referring to modifying what's known as the “Base Document” — starting point for policy discussions put together by senior party officials in September, 2004. 

Celebrating Canada's Diversity, Aboriginal Affairs and Heritage

P-17: Bilingualism | P-60: Multiculturalism | P-57: Aboriginal Affairs Principles | P-61: Amateur Sport

P-17: Bilingualism

Bilingualism

The Conservative Party of Canada believes that Canada's official languages constitute a unique and significant social and economic advantage that benefit all Canadians. 

i) A Conservative government will support the Official Languages Act ensuring that English and French have equality of status and equal rights and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and Government of Canada.

ii) The Conservative Party of Canada will work with the provinces to enhance opportunities for Canadians to learn both official languages.”

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-60: Multiculturalism

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section L) as follows:

Multiculturalism

The Conservative Party recognizes the rich, diverse make-up of the Canadian population and the contribution of these communities to our history and the Canadian way of life.  The government must ensure that each community is able to enhance and contribute to Canada without discrimination and barriers.”

Moved by National Caucus. 

Back to top

P-57: Aboriginal Affairs Principles

It is moved that the current clause 57 and 58 be replaced with the following:

“Improving the Lives of Aboriginal Canadians

The fundamental obligation of the federal government is to improve the living conditions of aboriginal Canadians in terms of economic opportunity, health, education, and community safety.
The Conservative Party believes that the following principles should govern the administration of existing federal aboriginal programs.  These principles should also govern future legislative reform to the Indian Act and related legislation.  They should also inform government decision making in the resolution of rights disputes – whether based upon existing treaties, court decisions or Section 35 of the Constitution Act:

i)  The Need for a Legislated Framework for Federal Aboriginal Expenditures:  The Parliament of Canada must develop legislation which governs the delivery of federal governmental programs to aboriginal Canadians. Both aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians deserve to know the legislative basis upon which the Government of Canada is expending funds on aboriginal health, education, social welfare and infrastructure.  Legislation should be developed which governs such programs and which prescribes the standards of service which the federal government has undertaken to provide to aboriginal Canadians.

ii)  Self Government – Legal and Democratic Authority:  The Indian Act (and related legislation) should be replaced by a modern legislative framework which provides for the devolution of full legal and democratic responsibility to First Nations for their own affairs within the overall constitutional framework of our federal state. 
Such legislative reform should be pursued following full consultation with First Nations, with the objective of achieving a full and complete devolution of democratic authority that is consistent with the devolution of other decision making responsibility within our federal system.  First Nations like other Canadians, are entitled to enjoy democratic control over their own affairs within a legislative context that ensures certainty, stability, respect for the rule of law and which balances collective and individual responsibility. 
First Nation communities must have the flexibility to determine for themselves, whether and how free market principles, such as individual property ownership should apply to reserve lands. Self government should be accomplished in a manner which takes into account the cultural and linguistic diversity of Canada's First Nations.  Within the context of the Canadian Constitution, we should be prepared to make flexible accommodations for the protection of language and culture within self-government agreements.

iii)  Transparency:  Both aboriginal and non-aboriginal Canadians are entitled to complete transparency and accountability in the expenditure of all public funds on aboriginal programs, services and inter-governmental transfers.  Aboriginals, like other Canadians, must have ready access to police and judicial intervention to constrain and check any exercise of governmental authority (whether aboriginal or non-aboriginal) which is illegal, corrupt or an abuse of power.

iv)   Respecting the Canadian Constitutional Framework:  We are a nation governed by the Constitution Act, under which the rights of all citizens are protected and advanced by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Our future together as a country must be built upon the universal application of that framework.
All Aboriginal rights recognized under Section 35 of the Constitution must be conferred within the four square corners of the Constitution Act and the Charter, with full protection for equality rights, such as women's rights, for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians.  Future aboriginal legislation, policies and programs must balance the collective rights of Aboriginal Canadians under Section 35 of the Constitution with the individual  equality rights enshrined in the Charter – which protect all Canadians – whether Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal.  Aboriginal Canadians are entitled to the full benefits of Canadian citizenship and the full protection of the Charter – in areas such as economic opportunity, the delivery of health services, community safety, women's rights, respect for the rule of law, and the education and protection of children.  Canada must develop in a manner that ensures constitutional equality and workability.

v)  A Framework for the Settlement of Comprehensive Claims and Self Government Agreements:  Settlement of all outstanding “comprehensive claims” must be pursued on the basis of a clear framework which balances the rights of aboriginal claimants with those of Canada – in particular, negotiated settlements must balance the economic and social needs of aboriginal Canadians with Canada's need for certainty and finality of terms. Self government agreements must reflect Canada's need for both efficacy and practicality in institutional structure, and “constitutional harmony” so as not to impede th
e overall governance of Canada.

vi)  The Resolution of Existing Specific Claims and Lawsuits against the Federal Crown:  The federal government should, as a priority, adopt measures to resolve the existing backlog of “specific” claims so as to provide justice for aboriginal claimants, together with certainty for Government, industry and non-aboriginal Canadians.  Institutional reform in the specific claim area should be pursued in a manner which resolves claims in a timely manner.  The jurisdiction of the Federal Court should be expanded and the arbitrary ambit of the Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Minister and the Specific Claims Policy contracted to eliminate the inherent conflict of interest of the Federal Crown in the resolution of 'specific claims'.”

Moved by Alberta RJPM and National Caucus.

Back to top

P-61: Amateur Sport

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section M) as follows:

Amateur Sport

The Conservative Party recognizes the value of promoting amateur sport as a means of building legacy and heritage in local communities, and as a means of serving future generations of athletes. We will develop tax incentives to support and increase participation in local and top-tier international sporting events. An investment in amateur sport is an investment in future Canadian leaders and builds Canadian representatives around the world.

Moved by Richmond EDAs

Back to top

The Conservative Party of Canada recently held its first ever policy convention in Montreal. At that convention, delegates adopted a series of resolutions on a raft of topics. These are the the resolutions adopted under the broad headings of Agriculture; Fisheries and International Trade Policy. (The headings were chosen by the party and the resolutions were placed in various groups by the party.) Reproduced below is each resolution in the broad grouping as it was voted on by delegates. All of the following were adopted or carried by at the convention. The acronym EDA in the following stands for Electoral District Association.  The resolutions here are presented in the order in which they were voted on  by delegates. When the following documents talk about inserting new clauses or replacing new clauses, they are referring to modifying what's known as the “Base Document” — starting point for policy discussions put together by senior party officials in September, 2004. 

Agriculture, Fisheries and International Trade Policy

P-42: Agricultural Principles | P-41: Supply Management | P-44: Fisheries | P-36: International Trade – Freshwater Exports

P-42: Agricultural Principles

It is moved that a new clause be added to the beginning of Section O) as follows:

Agriculture Principles
Agriculture policy must be developed only in consultation with the agricultural producers. Our farmers today are business operators and to dictate policy which might have an adverse affect on this business community would be foolhardy and go against Conservative Party principles. Balancing financial responsibility with support programs that actually work is a major priority of this party.

i) Food. Food is one of the basic necessities of life, and a Conservative government places high priority on assuring that Canada's food supply is safe, secure, and sustainable. We seek to be among the world's best when it comes to the safety of our food supply.

ii) Export and Diversification.  To ensure that Canada has a secure supply of food, a Conservative government will encourage self-sufficiency in national food production, including increased diversification in the types of foods and agricultural products produced.   We will seek to enhance export opportunities for all agricultural products with special emphasis on markets for processed and finished commodities.  Through diversifying, the value added process and manufacturing will create new jobs within the respective communities and Canada.

iii) Sustainability.  If we are to ensure that Canada's food supply is assured in the long term, agricultural production must be both economically and environmentally sustainable.  We believe that responsible land use and receiving a fair return for growing food go hand in hand.  To mitigate against unforeseen adversity, we will put in the hands of the individual producer innovative economic tools they need to be flexible, to respond to changing market conditions and to manage the risks of weather and disease.

iv) Rural Economy.  As the agricultural base of the rural economy has declined, so too has infrastructure in small communities.  To preserve the social fabric of rural Canada, a Conservative government will encourage diversity and responsible development in small towns and villages by encouraging innovation in the development of small businesses that keep these communities alive.”

Moved by Manitoba RJPM.  Similar motion moved by Elgin-Middlesex-London EDA.

Back to top

P-41: Supply Management

It is moved that the current Clause 76 to be replaced with the following:

“The Conservative Party of Canada believes it is in the best interest of Canada and Canadian agriculture that the industries under the protection of supply management remain viable. A Conservative government will support supply management and its goal to deliver a high quality product to consumers for a fair price with a reasonable return to the producer.”

Moved by Southwestern Ontario.RJPM. Similar resolutions moved by Peterborough RJPM, Elgin-Middlesex-London EDA

Back to top

P-44: Fisheries

It is moved that the current Clauses 77 and 78 be replaced with the following:

“i)  A Conservative government will work cooperatively with the provinces and territories in all regions of the country to put emphasis on protecting and enhancing all stocks.  This must be done in order to meet the needs of Canadians rather than reducing the harvesting and processing efforts to fit declining and mismanaged fisheries.
ii)  A Conservative government will take a leadership role in international dealings with other fishing countries in order to assure cooperative management of common stocks and end fishing abuses, including foreign overfishing.  We will not hesitate to take custodial management of the stocks on the Nose and Tail of the Grand Banks and the Flemish Cap.  We recognize that fish is a renewable resource which can be rebuilt and sustained through a proper investment in science and management.
iii)  A Conservative government would invest significantly in increasing our scientific knowledge base and make firm and fair decisions based on facts, with a regulatory and enforcement regime that has the ability to carry out the necessary function.  Responsibility must come from participating regions where more decision making must be located so that wild stocks, as well as aquaculture, can be managed appropriately.
iv) A Conservative government would ensure that the current capital gains deferral available to farmers and woodlot owners when capital property is transferred to a child is extended for the commercial fishery.”

Combined resolution reflecting National Caucus and South Shore-St. Margaret's EDA.
 

Back to top

P-36: International Trade – Freshwater Exports

It is moved that the current Clause 29 be amended by adding a new subclause as follows:

“iii) In recognition of freshwater as a critical resource to the future of Canadians, the Conservative Party believes that there should be an investigation into the security of our long term freshwater resources as they pertain to exportation as a commodity.”

Moved by Hamilton-Niagara RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved by Quebec RJPM.

Back to top

On a train today from Ottawa to Toronto and using the opportunity to clean out the virtual “Inbasket” on my hard drive. Lots of junk but also lots of fun things I’ve run across while on the Web and set aside meaning to read later. Here’s one delight: A scientific paper by some researchers at Hamilton’s McMaster University in which they tried to determine if the human taste bud can, in fact, tell the difference between a decent single malt Scotch whisky and decent Cognac.

The researchers did some blind taste tests on four individuals, asking them if they could tell the brandies Courvoisierand Remy Martin from the whiskies Glenfiddich and Springbank.

You may be surprised to learn that just one of the four individuals was able to tell the differences nearly all the time.

For more here’s an extract from the journal article (I’m afraid I don’t have the original URL)

BMJ 1994;309:1686-1688 (24 December)

Science

Ability to distinguish whisky (uisge beatha) from brandy (cognac)

E J Moran Campbell, ,^a Diana M E Campbell, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,,^a Robin S Roberts, professor ^a

^a 208 Governor's Road, Dundas, Ontario L9H 3K1, Canada

Correspondence to: Dr E J M Campbell.

Abstract

Objective: To assess ability to distinguish between first ratemalt whisky and brandy and between different brands of each.
Design: Crossover with two sessions of 12 blindfold tastingsof two whiskies and two brandies before and after supper, repeatednot more than seven days later.
Setting: Dundas, Ontario. Participants–4 volunteers aged 50-68years, all moderate drinkers of alcohol and members of a wineclub.
Main outcome measures: Proportion of samples correctly identified(whisky v brandy) and, of those, the proportion of brands correctlyidentified.
Results: Only one participant produced irrefutable statisticalevidence (P<0.0001) of being able to distinguish betweenwhisky and brandy, correctly identifying 50/51 (98%) samples.Two participants achieved some success in identification (72%,P=0.0031 and 65% P=0.031). The fourth participant's responsesreflected pure guesswork. Brandy was no easier to identify thanwhisky (P=0.84). The participant who was best able to distinguishbetween whisky and brandy was also best able to identify correctlythe brand of whisky (100%, P<0.0001).
Conclusion: Despite the fact that not all participants completedthe full number of tastings the results show that some participantscould distinguish neither between malt whisky and brandy norbetween different brands of whisky and brandy. However, thesuccess of one participant shows that “it can be done” and thathis whisky specific ability is acquired not innate.

The Conservative Party of Canada recently held its first ever policy convention in Montreal. At that convention, delegates adopted a series of resolutions on a raft of topics. These are the the resolutions adopted under the broad headings of Environment. (The headings were chosen by the party and the resolutions were placed in various groups by the party.) Reproduced below is each resolution in the broad grouping as it was voted on by delegates. All of the following were adopted or carried by at the convention. The acronym EDA in the following stands for Electoral District Association.  The resolutions here are presented in the order in which they were voted on  by delegates. When the following documents talk about inserting new clauses or replacing new clauses, they are referring to modifying what's known as the “Base Document” — starting point for policy discussions put together by senior party officials in September, 2004. 

Environment

P-45: Environmental Principles | P-46 Contaminated Sites

P-45: Environmental Principles

It is moved that a new subclause be added to the current Clause 34:

ii) A Conservative government will:

a) initiate a review of all environment and energy initiatives, including the Kyoto Accord;

b) adopt a new approach for an environmental strategy at the international level;

c) create a program to heighten public awareness to the economic benefits of environmental solutions minimizing the wasting of resources; and

d) establish a program of tax credits to promote environmental solutions in the areas of transportation and entrepreneurial innovation, among others.”

Combined resolution reflecting Quebec and Southwestern Ontario RJPMs.

Back to top

P-46 Contaminated Sites

 It is moved that the current Clause 36 be replaced with the following:

“In cooperation with the provinces, territories and municipalities, a Conservative government will determine how many federal contaminated sites are in Canada, rank them according to the threats they pose, and provide stable long-term funding for cleanup.

A Conservative government will remove roadblocks that discourage the private sector from cleaning and developing contaminated land.

1. Amend the Income Tax Act to allow remediation expenses to be treated as a deductible expense.
2. Introduce legislation to terminate regulatory liability upon issuance of regulatory approval of remediation to encourage development of brownfields, reversible only in emergency and in cases of fraud.
3. Create an insurance fund for post-liability insurance claims. This will permit the quantification and spreading of development risk through insurance, re-insurance and diversification of ownership.
4. Provide economic incentives to the private sector to clean up contaminated lands.”

Moved by Greater Toronto RJPM 

Back to top

The Conservative Party of Canada recently held its first ever policy convention in Montreal. At that convention, delegates adopted a series of resolutions on a raft of topics. These are the the resolutions adopted under the broad heading of democratic reform. (The headings were chosen by the party and the resolutions were placed in various groups by the party.) Reproduced below is each resolution in the broad grouping as it was voted on by delegates. All of the following were adopted or carried by at the convention. The acronym EDA in the following stands for Electoral District Association.  The resolutions here are presented in the order in which they were presented to delegates. When the following documents talk about inserting new clauses or replacing new clauses, they are referring to modifying what's known as the “Base Document” — starting point for policy discussions put together by senior party officials in September, 2004.

Democratic Reform policies passed include:

P-16: Property Rights | P-6: Senate Reform | P-4 Ethics Commissioner | P-5 Supreme Court Judge Appointments | P-90: Free Votes | P-12 Electoral Reform – Recall | P-8 Electoral Reform – Citizens Assembly | P-9 Electoral Reform | P-13 Reform of the Federation | P-11: Electoral Reform – Initiative|

P-16 New Clause – Property Rights

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section C) as follows:

Property Rights

1. A Conservative government will seek the agreement of the provinces to amend the Constitution to include this right, as well as guarantee that no person shall be deprived of their just right without the due process of law and full, just, and timely compensation.
2. A Conservative government will enact legislation to ensure that full, just and timely compensation will be paid to all persons who are deprived of personal or private property as a result of any federal government initiative, policy, process, regulation or legislation.”

Moved by London RJPM. Similar resolutions moved by Durham , Eastern Ontario, and Alberta RJPMs and Prince George EDA.

Back to top

P-6 Senate Reform

It is moved that the current Clause 9 be amended by adding a new subclause as follows:

“ii) Where the people of a Province or Territory by democratic election choose persons qualified to be appointed to the Senate, a Conservative government will fill any vacancy in the Senate for that Province or Territory from among those elected persons.”

Moved by Alberta RJPM. Similar resolutions moved by London RJPM, Kelowna-Lake Country EDA

Back to top .

P-4 Ethics Commissioner

It is moved that Clause 6 be replaced with the following:

Officers of Parliament

A Conservative government will ensure that senior officers such as the Auditor General, Chief Electoral Officer, Comptroller General, Ethics Commissioner, Information Commissioner, and Privacy Commissioner will be appointed by Parliament and report to it.”

Victoria-Saanich Gulf Islands RJPM

P-5 Supreme Court Judge Appointments

It is moved that the current Clause 8 be replaced with the following:

“A Conservative government will ensure that nominees to the Supreme Court of Canada will be ratified by a free vote in Parliament, after receiving the approval of the Justice Committee of the House of Commons.”

Moved by Greater Vancouver RJPM. Similar resolutions moved by Newmarket, Quebec, Manitoba, Southwestern Ontario and Northern Ontario RJPMs, Nanaimo-Alberni and Kootenay-Columbia EDA

Back to top

P-90 – Free Votes

 It is moved that the current Clause 7 be amended as follows:

“A Conservative government will restore democratic accountability in the House of Commons by allowing free votes. A Conservative government will make all votes free, except for the budget and main estimates. On issues of moral conscience, such as abortion, the definition of marriage and euthanasia, the party acknowledges the diversity of deeply held personal convictions among individual party members and the right of Members of Parliament to adopt positions in consultation with their constituents and to vote freely.”

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-12 – Electoral Reform – Recall

It is moved that the current Clause 10 be amended by adding a new subclause:

“ii) A Conservative government will enact legislation to enable the recall of Members of Parliament.“

Moved by Alberta RJPM. Similar resolutions moved by Calgary RJPM, Dufferin-Caledon, Simcoe North, and Wild Rose EDAs.

Back to top

P-8 Electoral Reform – Citizens Assembly

It is moved that the current Clause 10 be replaced with the following:

1. A Conservative government will establish a non-partisan, independent Citizens' Assembly to consider changes to electoral systems including proportional representation, and the single transferable ballot;
2. The assembly's recommendations, if any, will be put to a nation-wide referendum; and
3. A Conservative government will establish fixed election dates every four years.”

Combined resolution reflecting Surrey and Greater Vancouver RJPMs. Similar resolutions moved by Calgary and Greater Toronto Area RJPMs

Back to top

P-9 Electoral Reform

It is moved that the current Clause 10 be amended by adding a new subclause:

ii)  In reviewing options for electoral reform, a Conservative government will not endorse any new electoral system that will weaken the link between MPs and their constituents, that will create unmanageably large ridings, or that will strengthen the control of the party machinery over individual MPs.  A national referendum will be held prior to implementing any electoral reform proposal.”

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-13 New Clause – Reform of the Federation

It is moved that a new clause be added in Section C) as follows:

Reform of the Federation

1. A Conservative government will consider reforming Canadian federalism, taking into account
   the need to consolidate Quebec 's position within the Canadian federation due to the province not signing the Constitution Act, 1982 , the need to alleviate the alienation felt by the citizens of the West; and the importance of building a long term partnership with aboriginal peoples.
2. The Conservative Party of Canada believes the new Council of the Federation is an important innovation in Canadian intergovernmental relations with the potential to improve collaboration among governments, while respecting regional diversity and flexibility within the federation. A Conservative government will support the work of the Council of the Federation and will encourage the development of better methods of interprovincial information sharing.”

Moved by Quebec RJPM.

Back to top

P-11 Electoral Reform Initiative

It is moved that the current Clause 10 be amended by adding a new subclause:

ii) A Conservative government will consider bringing forward legislation to ensure that issues of national importance initiated by the electorate are placed on the ballot at the next federal election.”

Moved by Manitoba RJPM. Similar resolutions moved by Calgary , Alberta , Surrey RJPMs, Wild Rose, and Saskatoon-Wanuskewin EDAs.

 

The Conservative Party of Canada recently held its first ever policy convention in Montreal. At that convention, delegates adopted a series of resolutions on a raft of topics. These are the the resolutions adopted under the broad heading of national defence and security. (The headings were chosen by the party and the resolutions were placed in various groups by the party.) Reproduced below is each resolution in the broad grouping as it was voted on by delegates. All of the following were adopted or carried by at the convention. The acronym EDA in the following stands for Electoral District Association.  The resolutions here are presented in the order in which they were presented to delegates. Where there is need for explanation, my comments are made within square brackets [ ] and are in boldface. Other than that, everything here has been written by party officials.

 

 

National Defence and Security

P-83 Defence Principles | P-88: Veterans | P-89: Security | P-85: Funding Our Military | P-86: Equipping Our Military-Arctic Sovereignty

P-83 Defence Principles

It is moved that the current Clauses 86 to 92 be replaced with the following:

86. Canada First Defence Policy

The purpose of Conservative defence policy is to better defend the national interest – the security of the Canadian nation and the economic prosperity of the Canadian people – in accord with the values of Canadians.  In all that we do in the area of defence policy, we will apply this basic measure of the national interest, and advance a “Canada First” Defence policy.

i)  The roles and missions supported by the Conservative Party of Canada are first, sovereignty protection, domestic defence, and North American shared defence.  Conservatives will also support international peace and security missions as well as humanitarian assistance.

ii)  The Conservative Party of Canada supports a multi-role, combat capable maritime, land and air force as the appropriate requirement to meet the goals of a “Canada First” Defence Policy.  Fundamental capability requirements are national surveillance and control, counter terrorism, air and sea deployability, as well as logistics supportability.

iii)  To achieve these capability requirements, the Conservative Party of Canada believes that Canada's national defence must be more effective and efficient.  This includes commitments to provide:  improved security of our territory, more front line personnel with less administration; a more efficient and properly funded national procurement process; increased investments in infrastructure with a specific care to married quarters and base housing; a more efficient training and recruitment process; a reduction in rank structure overhead, and an increase in Parliamentary oversight over national defence matters.

iv)  To achieve the goals of a “Canada First” Defence Policy, the Conservative Party of Canada believes the regular force strength of the Canadian Forces must be steadily increased to at least 75,000 personnel, along with simultaneous increases in reserve personnel levels.

v)  To support and maintain Canada's military today as well as cover the costs of an increased force, the Conservative Party of Canada believes in immediately injecting significant funds into the Department's budget, to address the shortfalls in capital, personnel, operating and maintenance activities.  To implement our policy, annual increases will follow throughout the mandate. 

vi)  The Conservative Party of Canada supports the longer term goal of increasing the defence budget base to ensure that Canada can advance its national interests, at levels comparable to Canada's NATO European allies.

vii)  The Conservative Party supports:

a) Canada's participation in negotiation of a North American Missile Defence System on the clear understanding that any agreement must serve Canada's interest;
b)  NORAD as a viable aerospace defence organization to counter threats to North America;
c)  Canada's continued cooperation between Canada and the US with respect to military activities in defence of North America; and
d) Canada's continued sovereign and independent command of all armed forces operations within Canadian territory.

viii)  The Conservative Party of Canada believes that a viable Canadian Defence Industry contributes to our national security and our industrial productivity, through such sectors as shipbuilding, aerospace, electronics, and land systems among others.  Defence procurement will, subject to availability, quality and cost, support Canadian industry that can meet military requirements.  The Conservative Party also believes that it is essential to ensure Canadian defence industry has access to the United States defence procurement market.”

Moved by National Caucus.

 

Back to top

P-88: Veterans

It is moved that the current Clause 93 be amended by adding five new subclauses as follows:

“iv)   The Conservative Party of Canada would immediately disband the Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) and replace the membership with qualified medical and military members who are capable of adjudicating appeals on an informed basis rather than a political basis.   The VRAB would be housed in offices separate from VA offices and be in locations as set out in the VA Regional offices (major centres).

v) The Conservative Party of Canada would immediately enlist the services of an Ombudsman with a mandate similar to that of the National Defence Ombudsman.

vi) The Conservative Party of Canada would immediately extend Veterans Independence Program services to the widows of all WWII and Korea veterans regardless of when the Veteran died or how long they had been receiving the benefit before they passed away.

vii) The Conservative Party of Canada would examine measures to ensure that National military treasures are retained in Canada as a part of our Canadian heritage.

viii)  The Conservative Party of Canada would immediately institute a complete overhaul of Veterans Affairs Canada bringing it online with the needs of today's veterans of conflict and peacekeeping missions.  This would include instituting a standard of delivery of services, i.e., reviews, payment of services, etc.”

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-89: Security

It is moved that the current Clause 94 be replaced with the following:

“94. Security

i) The Conservative Party of Canada believes that Canada has a direct interest in a more stable and secure world. Our government must be positioned to deal with complex international security issues in order to protect our citizens and contribute to the broader responsibility.

ii) A Conservative government will ensure better cooperation among Canada's intelligence and security agencies to more effectively protect Canadians against internal and external security and economic threats in a changing and unstable global environment. Canada must not be a safe haven for international terrorist operatives.

iii)  A Conservative government will establish a Canadian national intelligence agency to coordinate existing intell
igence from all sources to provide the Prime Minister, senior ministers and officials with national intelligence information and assessments. The creation of a new Canadian national intelligence agency will be drawn from the Privy Council Office's international assessment and security and intelligence secretariats.

iv) In a post September 11th world, a Conservative government will enhance the foreign intelligence gathering and analytical capacity of the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS), Department of National Defence, and Communications Security Establishment (CSE).

v) A Conservative government will work with our North American partners to coordinate efforts on security for our collective personal safety and economic prosperity.

vi) A committee of senior government and official opposition MPs (sworn to secrecy as required) will be established to scrutinize and oversee the activities of the national intelligence agency, utilizing confidential and in-camera sessions as required.  The head of the national intelligence agency should be confirmed by Parliament and should appear before the committee as required.

vii) A Conservative government will ensure that agencies such as CSIS, RCMP, Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Coast Guard are properly resourced both in manpower and equipment. “

Moved by National Caucus.

Back to top

P-85: Funding Our Military

It is moved that the current Clause 89 be replaced with the following:

“A Conservative Government will increase defence spending to the NATO European average as a percentage of G.D.P.  A Conservative Government will also guarantee a stable defence budget so that the Department of National Defence can spend funds on its most urgent operational and equipment priorities.”

Moved by Durham RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved by London, Alberta, Glengarry, Quebec and Southwestern Ontario RJPMs and Richmond EDA.

Back to top

P-86: Equipping Our Military-Arctic Sovereignty

It is moved that a new subclause be added to the current Clause 90:

“v) A Conservative Government will move immediately to increase equipment and resources to exercise Canada's sovereignty in the Arctic.”

Moved by Northern Ontario RJPM.  Similar resolutions moved by Kitchener and Quebec RJPMs and Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo EDA.

Back to top