Canada's Political Parties

Canada’s Main Political Parties Conservative Party of Canada New Democratic Party (NDP) Liberal Party of Canada Bloc Quebecois Green Party

Other Political Parties Communist Party of Canada Christian Heritage Party Canada Action Party Natural Law Party Libertarian Party ETC

One issue of your choice: Should marijuana be de-criminalized? Should the government censor the arts? Should the government fund day care? Should we accept more or fewer immigrants? Should we have closer ties with the US? Should we have closer ties with Britain? (ie. what should we do with the monarchy?) Should we have a carbon tax? ETC - you may come up with another question Research the parties’ positions on the issue of your choice…

Current Division of Seats □ Liberal Party (183) □ Conservative Party (97) □ New Democratic Party (44) □ Bloc Québécois (3) □ Groupe Parlementaire Québécois (7) □ Green Party (1) □ Independent (2) □ Vacant (1)

Results by Ridings

Liberal Party of Canada Who’s the Leader of the Liberal Party? Main Ideology- Liberalism Justin Trudeau

Taxation -keep same or raise Economics -some interference is necessary, but still a free market

Social -more Tradition vs. change -change if most want it Crime -address crime through social programs

Healthcare -no privatization Environment -need more action to respond to climate change Military -some increase, but less involvement, especially with the US

Conservative Party of Canada Who’s the Leader of the Conservative Party? Main Ideology: Conservatism Andrew Scheer

Taxation -lower taxes (especially business taxes) Economics -as little interference as possible

Social -less social programs Tradition vs. change -promote “family values” Crime -tougher punishments

Healthcare -interested in some privatization Environment -some “green” programs, but not at the expense of the economy Military -increase spending; use military more around the world

New Democratic Party Who’s the Leader of the New Democratic Party? Main Ideology- Socialism Jagmeet Singh

Taxation -higher, especially for businesses Economics -more intervention; government should own major industries

Social -many more ie. universal day care Tradition vs. change -change – some support of euthanasia Crime -address crime through social programs

Healthcare -no privatization; prioritize health Environment -immediate action; big priority Military -decrease spending and intervention; stick to peacekeeping

Bloc Québécois Who’s the Leader of the Bloc Québécois? Main Ideology- Socialism/Liberalism Mario Beaulieu

Taxation -higher Economics -main focus is QUEBEC – what is good for the province; will always promote their interets

Social -more programs Tradition vs. change -change – want Quebec to separate from Canada Crime -address crime through social programs

Healthcare -want an independent system in Quebec Environment -important, but don’t want Quebeckers to pay for solutions outside of Quebec (ie. Alberta oil sands) Military -moderate spending

Green Party Who’s the Leader of the Green Party? Main Ideology- Socialism Elizabeth May

Taxation -higher; add a carbon tax to reduce dependence on fossil fuels Economics -should develop a “green” economy by investing in a National Clean Tech/Energy Program

Social -more programs – need to improve quality of life Tradition vs. change -government should not legislate morality (right and wrong) Crime -address crime through social programs

Healthcare -expand to include coverage for physiotherapy, prescriptions, etc Environment -TOP priority; more government involvement Military -less active; pressure NATO allies to get rid of nuclear weapons

Important Note Each individual MP does not necessarily have the same views as his or her party. It is vital that you find out what the views of the candidates are before voting.

Party Discipline Each party requires that its own MPs vote the same If an MP does not “toe the party line,” that MP may be given fewer responsibilities, be back-benched, or even be kicked out of the party Occasionally parties will allow their MPs to vote their conscience – a free vote (ie. Private member’s bill) Do you think party discipline is necessary?

Application Journal writing: www.votecompass.cbc.ca/federal Journal: (be sure to put your title, name, course code) Which party did vote compass say that you most closely aligned with? (What were the percents?) 2. Do you agree with this? Why or why not? Which of the 5 major political parties would you support and why? 4. Where do the 4 parties stand on 2 issues based on research done on: https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/everything- you-need-to-know-about-the-parties- platformshttps://nationalpost.com/news/politics/ever ything-you-need-to-know-about-the-parties-platforms https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/everything- you-need-to-know-about-the-parties-platforms

Discussion How do Christians decide who to vote for?