Current Federal Political Parties

Their Foundations and Beliefs

History of Conservative Party

Liberal Conservatives - founded by Sir John A. MacDonald - formed the first government of Canada

Union Government -formed by Sir Robert Borden -union of Conservative, Liberal, Independent and Labour MPs -won on the issue of conscription

Conservatives -Arthur Meighen renamed the party the National Liberal and Conservative Party -lost the election and renamed it the Liberal-Conservative Party, commonly referred to as the Conservative Party Progressive Conservatives - John Bracken (former leader of Manitobas Progressive Party) became leader

Progressive Conservatives

Generally centre-right in its ideology Identified with Protestant social values, British Imperialism, Canadian Nationalism and constitutional centralism

Reform

Beliefs: The party's platform included traditional prairie populist reform panaceas such as free trade and direct democracy (referendums, initiatives and recall), and some contemporary proposals such as the Triple-E (equal, elected and effective) Senate. The Reform Party's major preoccupations, however, were with decentralizing and otherwise reducing the size, scope and cost of government, primarily by cuts to social welfare and cultural support programs (including bilingualism and multiculturalism) and firm opposition to Qubec's demands for special status within Confederation.

Canadian Alliance

Beliefs: The policy platform accepted at that time included a flat, 17% tax rate for all Canadians, mandated balanced budgets and debt repayment, and support for the conservative creeds of "free enterprise, strong families" and "safer streets and secure borders."

Conservatives

Formed on October 16, 2003 Merger of the Progressive Conservatives and the Canadian Alliance First leader Stephen Harper Formed the current minority government after the election on January 23, 2006

Beliefs of the Conservative Party

Over the years, conservatives in Canada have fought elections under many different party banners. But the core principles of the conservative movement have not changed:

Conservatives stand for Canadian sovereignty and a strong national defence, open federalism and national unity, free enterprise and individual achievement, and the opportunity for all Canadians, regardless of background, to achieve their dreams in a safe and prosperous country. In short, a Canada that is strong, united, independent and free.

History of the Liberal Party

Wilfred Laurier Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Liberal Party

In the present times, the Liberal party has favoured a variety of policies from both right and left, but mostly left of the political spectrum. It has been a strong champion of balanced budgets, and has removed the deficit completely from the federal budget a few years after coming to power in 1993 and turned it into a $13 billion surplus, reducing spending on some social programs and gradually introducing tax cuts [citation needed]. It had legalized same-sex marriage and use of cannabis for medical purposes, and has been proposing complete decriminalization of possession of small amounts of it. The party also holds progressive views on various other social issues like abortion.

Liberal Party
During the 2006 election the Liberal party's platform included an Introduction of a national childcare program Immediately cut tax for low income earners by 1 point from 16% to 15% Tougher firearm laws, including a ban on handguns and semiautomatic rifles Reducing wait times for medical treatments Increased support and opportunities for seniors, immigrants and the aboriginal populations Increased spending on military Additional investment in research and higher education.

Liberal Party

Current Policy: The Liberal Partys three pillar approach sets a clear path to ensuring Canadas bright and prosperous future. By weaving together economic prosperity, social justice and environmental sustainability, together we can build a better Canada.

Democratic Socialism (root of the NDP)

A non-Marxist brand of socialism, developed in the nineteenth century. It evolved globally into Social Democratic parties, with programs emphasizing the importance of capitalism and the determination to effect social reforms through peaceful, constitutional action.

Ideals of Democratic Socialism

Economic systems should be operated in the best interests of society as a whole Members of society should pick their representatives. These representatives of the people should decide such questions as whst industries should be nationalized and how the countrys production should be distributed. The important fact is that people have a say in the economy.

Canadian Socialism
The Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) [Regina 1933] We aim to replace the present capitalistic system, with its inherant injustices and inhumanity, by a social order from which the domination and exploitation of one class by another will be eliminated, in which economic planning will supersede unregulated private enterprise and competition, and in which genuine democratic self-government based upon equality will be possible.

CCF

In 1944-1945, the Party decided it was no longer necessary to nationalize all industry, and no longer did it call for the eradication of capitalism. The application of social planning, investment of available funds must be channeled into socially desirable projects: financial and credit resources must be used to help maintain full employment and to control inflation and deflation.

Organized labour decided to support a natonal party. The CCF was the natural choice. A name change was necessary to step away from the past and into the future. In 1961, the New Democratic Party (NDP) was formed replacing the CCF.

New Democratic Party (NDP)

The NDP grew from populist, agrarian and democratic socialist roots. Today it's known for its relationships with non-governmental organizations and organized labour. While the party is secular and pluralistic, it has a longstanding relationship with the Christian left and the Social Gospel movement, particularly the United Church of Canada. However, the federal party has broadened to include concerns of the New Left, which advocates progressive issues such as gay rights, peace, and environmental protection.

Bloc Quebecois

A break off from the Progressive Conservatives Formed by Lucien Bouchard, a former cabinet member in the Mulroney government Main focus is the sovereignty of Quebec

Green Party

Their Vision: -build a sustainable Canada -build an inclusive Canada -build a healthy Canada -renew our democracy -build a sustainable fiscal framework