Where They Stand On The Issues Canadian Parties

Upcoming Project! You will create: 1) a political party & 2) run a political campaign In groups, create a campaign poster, an electoral speech, a video/radio advertisement You must present a relatively consistent ideology (socialist, liberal/progressive, centre, conservative, etc.)

Conservative Party Centre-Right Socialism  Liberalism  Conservativism  Greens Left NDP Centre-Left Liberals Centre Conservative Party Centre-Right

Established 30 years ago, however, did not elect its first Member of Parliament until 2011 (Elizabeth May – Vancouver Island riding) Originally a one issue party – devoted to raising issue of the environment. Green Party today: a centre-left party for Canadian voters disillusioned with the other parties/options.

Leader: Andrew Scheer

Recently held power under PM Stephen Harper (2004-2015) Today’s conservatives: Favour low taxes, smaller government (less intrusive) Tough on crime approach/law-and-order Strong military Respect for traditional values – on sex, gender, family, and human life.

Leader: Justin Trudeau (Our Prime Minister)

Party that currently rules Canada Oldest and most historically successful party Liberal Party Today: Socially progressive: Strongly supportive of unrestricted abortion, LGBT rights, and high rates of immigration Fiscally (economically) responsible: Favour a free market economy, not overly regulated Not as inclined to big government solutions (as it was in the past), BUT opposed to cut-backs to universal health care and old-age pensions

Leader: Jagmeet Singh Video: Singh's reaction to a protestor

Canada has never had an NDP prime minister – has come in third in the parliamentary seat count for most of its history In 2011, however, did it come in second briefly surpassing the Liberals – In 2015, it was a favourite to win at the start of the election NDP Today: Champion goal of a social democratic society with a “mixed economy,” in which the government tightly regulates the economy but doesn’t run it. Strongly backed by Canadian unions, academics, environmentalists, and social justice activists

Conservative Party Centre-Right Socialism  Liberalism  Conservativism  Greens Left NDP Centre-Left Liberals Centre Conservative Party Centre-Right

Key Political Issues Child Care Foreign Policy/Military The Economy The Environment Criminal Justice Education Health Care Social Issues

Child Care Conservative Party Liberals NDP Bottom line (When in power) Increased monthly child care benefit to $160 (for children under 6), $60 (for children aged 6-17) Liberals Introduced income-tested, tax-free monthly Canada Child Benefit – For example: family with household income of $90,000 & child under six and one child age six to 17 would receive about $490 a month NDP Maintain child care benefits, but also introduce $15-a-day national childcare program Bottom line Liberals would provide larger monthly payments for parents than the Conservatives, while the NDP would continue monthly payments and create a new government run childcare program

Foreign Policy/Military Conservative Party Committed Canada to the military mission against the Islamic State, sending CF-18 fighter jets to Iraq and Syria for bombing missions Passed Bill C-51 - provides sweeping new powers to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to expand surveillance and actively disrupt threats to national security Liberals Ended Canada’s military mission in Iraq and Syria – instead, focusing on the military’s contribution on the training of local forces Amendments to Bill C-51 - including independent, real-time operational oversight of Canada’s chief spy agencies NDP End Canada’s participation in bombing campaign against ISIL in Iraq and Syria, and withdraw military trainers from Iraq End Bill C-51 Bottom line Conservatives tends to support a stronger military approach, Liberals prefer a more balanced one that meets our international obligations, while NDP generally prefers less military involvment.

Taxes TAXES Conservative Party NDP Liberals Bottom line Less Taxes to stimulate economic growth (When in power) Lowered corporate tax rate to 15% (wish to reduce further) NDP Increase corporate tax rate to 17% from 15% to generate $3.7 billion per year to pay for increased social spending (spending in education, health, etc.) Liberals Leave corporate tax rate at 15% - but, ensure corporate tax code does not overly benefit the wealthy Bottom line Conservatives are focused on tax cuts (that often serve business interests and the wealthy), the Liberals would go after rich individuals but give larger breaks to middle- class families, and the NDP would hold personal taxes neutral but ding large corporations and the wealthy.

The Economy (continued) Liberalism A market system in which government regulates the economy is best.  Government must protect citizens from the greed of big business.  Unlike the private sector, the government is motivated by public interest.  Government regulation in all areas of the economy is needed to level the playing field. Higher taxes (primarily for the wealthy) and a larger government are necessary to address inequity/injustice in society (government should help the poor and needy using tax dollars from the rich). Conservativism The free market system, competitive capitalism, and private enterprise create the greatest opportunity and the highest standard of living for all.  Free markets produce more economic growth, more jobs and higher standards of living than those systems burdened by excessive government regulation. Lower taxes and a smaller government with limited power will improve the standard of living for all.