Create Your Own Political Party Party Platform and Campaigning (Day 1 & 2)

What is a political party? An organized group of people who share similar ideas about the way in which government should operate What government should focus on What government should do How government should do it

Political Party Like a team Provides a way for citizens to participate in government The people that make up a political party are politically aligned at similar points on the political spectrum

Political Parties in Canada Political parties are active at the: Federal level Provincial level Municipal government does NOT have political parties.

Review: Political Spectrum This is used to help identify your political position (how you believe government ought to behave) Blend of State and individual control State control Individual control

What about Canada? * Left Right Generalist Beliefs, Values, Policies Universal Social Programs Rehabilitation of Criminals Government involved in economy Many civil and moral liberties (freedoms) Reason and science Pacifism High taxes to pay for social programs Generalist Beliefs, Values, Policies Self-reliance (look after yourself) Retribution (eye for an eye) Free market economy To keep and maintain traditional moral liberties (freedoms) Tradition / religion nationalism Low taxes

Count up the amount of “yes” and “no” answers Count up the amount of “yes” and “no” answers. For each “no” you will place your self one step toward the left. For each “yes”, you will move one step toward the right. For example, if you answered 6 “no” and 4 “yes” you would place yourself “2” on the left. Once done, come up here and write your name on the political spectrum. Left Wing Centre Right Wing 5 4 3 2 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 Students will be put into two groups to begin the election process

Party Platforms Each party has a party platform - package of ideas and policies that they believe are best for Canadians The party platform states the party’s position on various issues as: health care, foreign policy, unemployment, the environment. What the party will focus on (if elected government) What the party will do (if elected government) How the party will do it (if elected government) This position is consistent with the party’s position on the political spectrum.

Activity: Create Your Party Platform Remember, this is the key to your party’s success! In order to convince your fellow peers to choose your leadership, your party must be passionate about your ideas and beliefs Task: Begin by choosing the positions for your party (see handout). The you will create a party platform that outlines your beliefs on the following categories Tip: Visit the websites of Conservative, Liberals, NDP, etc., to see how they formulate their stances!

Campaigning Day 2

The Election Process Canada is divided up into 308 areas called ridings Number of ridings assigned to provinces and territories is based on population size Each riding has to elect one person to represent it in the House of Commons – becoming the MP Within each riding there is a race between those candidates hoping to win the most votes The Candidate with the most votes wins the seat for their riding They become the MP for that riding

The Election Process When an election is called each party selects a member from their party to run in each riding The winner of the most votes in a riding gets the seat in the house of commons and becomes the MP for that riding The party with the most seats becomes the government The party with the second most seats becomes the opposition

An Election is Called Timing The Governor General calls the election, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister Must be called every 5 years (maximum – Constitution) Also if government loses important vote in House of Commons This indicates that the government can no longer govern and must seek mandate from the people 1963 PM Diefenbaker’s defence policies were defeated Or if government party gets new leader Mandate- support given to a political party or government by the electors

Election Campaign Federal campaign must be minimum 36 days Used to be longer Travel time across country Now by plane, TV and other media Provincial campaigns usually shorter START DAY 2

Cost of Campaign Elections Canada spends about $300 million on federal election Only the following may contribute to political parties: Citizens or permanent residents of Canada Businesses or associations in Canada Unions in Canada

Campaign Strategy Local strategies in a particular riding: Door to door, signs, appear at clubs, schools, events Sometimes has more to do with personality than party National or Provincial strategy Focuses on leader and party policy Leader’s tour is watched and judged by press and public

Advertising All parties pay for advertising on TV and radio Negative ads show weaknesses in opponents Positive ads show strength of party’s own policies Third party ads are run by businesses, interest groups or individuals who support certain candidates or parties.

Conservative Party of Canada

Liberal Party of Canada

Activity: Create Your Own Campaign Now it is time to make your voice heard! Your party is responsible for creating your own political campaign There are no limits in what you do to get your platform out there but you may not PERSONALLY attack another student in any way (verbally, physically or emotionally) – this would be a form of bullying and that is not tolerated Keep your campaign professional and respectful You can do posters, commercials, pamphlets, bring treats, etc. Think about going around to the classes with a short speech to “advertise” your ideas and answer questions You have the class to create and tomorrow we will put everything up and you will be given time to speak to the classes