Policy
Ever wake up in the morning and decided that you wanted to help shape the policy of the nation? Well, countless Young Liberals from across the country have done so. Here is just a sample of what Young Liberals have achieved this year:
- Long-Term Commitment to Africa Policy
- Commitment to the Kyoto Accord Policy
- Protection of Sex Trade Workers Policy
- Canada Post-Secondary Education Transfer Policy
- Same-Sex Marriage Rights Policy
All of these policies were originally the ideas of young, pro-active Canadians, all under the age of 25. And now, all of these policies have been officially adopted as the policy of the whole national party.
Leading Peace Operations Abroad
WHEREAS no price can be put on a human life.
WHEREAS approximately 90% of all casualties in armed conflicts are civilians and more than half of these are children.
WHEREAS Canada historically has been a significant contributor in personnel for UN peacekeeping missions and has developed a reputation as a peacekeeping nation.
WHEREAS Canada currently is ranked 49th of the UN member states in terms of the number of military and police personnel contributions to UN operations.
WHEREAS several developing nations are ranked in the top five contributors of personnel.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to take a leadership position in actively preventing intrastate and interstate conflicts from taking place.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to focus on building relationships and partnerships with like minded member states of the UN.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to actively seek ways to implement the Responsibility to Protect Doctrine.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to take an active leadership role and increases the number of personnel for UN peace operation missions to once again become a top ten contributor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to contribute a diplomatic corps to resolve situations as much as possible, before military involvement is needed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to provide better funding and general support systems to peace operations, training, and research facilities.
Challenging Complacency: Fighting Poverty Globally
WHEREAS levels of global poverty, particularly in the developing world have reached unprecedented levels.
WHEREAS these high levels of poverty endanger the security and overall prosperity of the world.
WHEREAS every child deserves equal access to the resources necessary to succeed in life.
WHEREAS Canada, as an economically strong and prosperous nation has the economic resources to make a substantial difference in eliminating global poverty.
WHEREAS Canada is well below reaching the 0.7% of GNI being dedicated to foreign aid.
WHEREAS child poverty in Canada is unacceptable and should be fixed immediately.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to meet its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals to meet minimum targets to reduce poverty.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to commit now to the UN minimum target of pledging 0.7% of Gross National Income (GNI) to foreign aid by 2015.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to commit to devote 1% of the GST revenue, if necessary, to achieve the target.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to promote the cancellation of multilateral and bilateral debt owed by the 20 poorest countries by 2015.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to push for fairer international trade laws that will work towards ending global poverty.
Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation
WHEREAS the unhindered global trade of small arms and light weapons (SALW), and their munitions has been recognized as having disrupting effects on economic, social and political development, as well as security at all levels.
WHEREAS the unhindered proliferation of SALW has had a devastating humanitarian impact and implicated in causing climates of insecurity which prevent humanitarian agencies and international peacekeepers from effectively performing their duties.
WHEREAS the unhindered global trade SALW and munitions helps fuel permanent war-time economies which are linked to both the illicit global trade of natural resources, such as blood diamonds, on the black market and to gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law.
WHEREAS the unhindered global trade in SALW and munitions has effectively made SALW weapons of mass destruction in some African regions.
WHEREAS 45 out of 49 wars since 1990 have been fought exclusively with SALW, while causing 90% of war-related deaths, resulting in millions of casualties while 2 million children have been killed by small arms since 1990.
WHEREAS these and other devastating effects of the unhindered global trade in SALW and munitions has been recognized by the United Nations, countless humanitarian agencies, NGOs, academics, and the countless victims around the world.
WHEREAS the unhindered trade in SALW and munitions is a recognized global problem, though current international efforts to curb the trade such as United Nations arms embargoes have proved largely unsuccessful.
WHEREAS Canada has played a historical role in the advancement of international law, peace, security, and human security as evident in the creation of international peacekeeping operation, the International Criminal Court, and the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel land mines.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to immediately begin exploring avenues for the creation of an international convention regulating the global trade in small arms and light weapons and munitions.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT The Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to immediately begin advocating the creation of such a convention to other members of the international community and to open dialogues to discuss means of creating such a convention.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT The Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to recognizes its international commitments in having signed the United Nations firearms Protocol and hereby commits to ratifying the Protocol at the soonest possible date.
Low-Emission Vehicles
WHEREAS Canada has made a commitment to the Kyoto Protocol to reduce Greenhouse, among other, emissions.
WHEREAS worldwide demand for fossil fuels such as oil, gasoline, diesel and natural gas is increasing, production capacity is nearing its upper limit, global supplies are rapidly being exhausted and prices are soaring in consequence.
WHEREAS vehicles currently on the market that are considered low-emission polluters under Kyoto standards are often priced prohibitively higher due to their new technology (gas/electric hybrid, hydrogen) that many potential consumers may be deterred from purchasing such a vehicle for purely financial reasons.
WHEREAS government has an active role to play in encouraging energy efficiency, conservation and also eventually weaning the Canadian population and industrial base off of fossil fuel-based energy.
WHEREAS a significant percentage of rural Canadians, both private citizens and businesses, employ light trucks, either pickup or forms of SUVs, out of necessity for traversing rugged terrain and for load capacity.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to create a monetary incentive to Canadians who purchase low-emission vehicles.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to put into place a system of tax penalties for heavy-polluting vehicles like luxury SUVs and pickup trucks for personal use in urban settings.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Liberal Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to ensure that the aforementioned tax penalties be abrogated for the use of pickup trucks and utility SUVs in rural settings and for business purposes.
Refugee Appeal Board
WHEREAS Canada’s Immigration System allows thousands of refugees to seek protection in Canada from political prosecution abroad.
WHEREAS despite the above, decisions made by the Immigration and Refugee Board are the work of one sole member, rendering the refugee claimant’s fate in the hands of a single person.
WHEREAS in addition, several eligibility requirements prevent some claimants from having an opportunity to tell the Immigration and Refugee Board about their fears.
WHEREAS several refugee claimants have been victims of the preceding flaws, including Amir Kazemian, who has since June 2004, been residing in a Vancouver Church to avoid deportation back to Iran.
WHEREAS the government has acknowledged the problems posed by the preceding and has promised the introduction of an appeal system to rectify it.
WHEREAS to this date, despite the recommendation of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Inter-American Commissioner on Human Rights to give refugee claimants an appeal system, the Canadian government has yet to comply.
WHEREAS in the absence of an appeal system, there are no other mechanisms to ensure a correction of errors.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada urges the government of Canada to acknowledges the need to implement a refugee appeal board in order to give refugee claimants a fair chance to correct procedural errors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration search for ways to implement an appeal system for refugees to maintain the integrity and reputation of Canada’s immigration policies.
Legalization of Marijuana
WHEREAS, recognizing that after almost a century of wasted resources, failed enforcement and judicial embarrassment, millions of Canadians today choose to ignore the real and presumed perils of a costly, ineffective prohibition by regularly consuming cannabis products.
WHEREAS, further recognizing that, despite nearly a century’s combined effort by legislators and law enforcement to prevent it from happening, the cultivation and distribution of cannabis has evolved into a major agricultural and cultural industry in Canada.
WHEREAS, the 1969-72 Commission of Enquiry into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs recommended that cannabis be removed from the Narcotic Control Act and that the provinces implement controls on possession and cultivation similar to those governing the sale and use of alcohol.
WHEREAS, the 2002 Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs chaired by Hon. Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, recommended the full decriminalisation and legalization of cannabis in Canada.
WHEREAS, in 2002, the House of Commons Special Committee on the Non-Medical Use of Drugs recommended that the Canadian Ministers of Justice and Health develop a strategy to decriminalize the possession and cultivation of cannabis for personal use.
WHEREAS, numerous private and public studies from various institutions and individuals ranging from the National Organisation for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML-Canada) to the Fraser Institute to Nobel-prize winning economist, Milton Friedman, have called for the legalization of cannabis.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada urges the government of Canada to legalise and regulate Canada’s marijuana industry and trade.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada urges the government of Canada to Examine the social consequences of granting amnesty to Canadians convicted of simple marijuana possession since 1923, and destruction of all criminal records related thereto.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada urges the government of Canada to examine and determine whether the issue of marijuana control and regulation be retained by the federal government or whether they might be better addressed by the provinces in a manner similar to alcohol.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada urges the government of Canada to ensure that Health Canada recognize and work with the existing, established network of community-based ‘compassion clubs’ in providing access to safe and secure quality medicinal cannabis to Canadians in need.
Standards for Post Secondary Education
WHEREAS the looming skills shortage due to the aging population and increased international competition from countries such as China and India, puts Canadian business and our economy at risk.
WHEREAS Canada must prioritize Post Secondary Education in order to mitigate this risk.
WHEREAS there is no Minister with the mandate to help coordinate Post Secondary Education across the country.
BE IT RESOLVED that the government of Canada appoint a Minister responsible for Post Secondary Education.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Minister responsible for Post Secondary Education work with the Council of Ministers of Education Canada (CMEC) and other stakeholders to establish national PSE standards and benchmarks for cost, quality and accessibility.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Minister work to establish a transparent, earmarked fund for education similar to the Canadian Health Transfer.
Training in a Second Official Language
WHEREAS in 2001 4.3 million Canadians reported using French at work and 14.3 million Canadians reported using English at work.
WHEREAS the rich heritages of the French and English speaking residents of Canada have contributed to Canada’s multicultural society.
WHEREAS to encourage unity Canadians must address barriers that divide our nation, of which language is considered by some to be most divisive.
BE IT RESOLVED that the OYL urges the Liberal Party of Canada to advocate for the establishment of a national fund, the intent of which will be the elimination of post-secondary tuition fees for one second official language course per Canadian student per academic year if said student enrolls in a second official language course.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a cap of four courses per student shall be funded.
Safe Injection Sites
WHEREAS, Injection drug use is a growing health crisis for Canada and presents potential health risks, including fatal and non-fatal overdoses and bloodborne diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.
WHEREAS, In Vancouver, studies show almost a third of intravenous drug users have HIV, and nearly 90 per cent have hepatitis C, and similar trends have been reported in Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Quebec City.
WHEREAS giving addicts a safe place to inject drugs reduces syringe-sharing, and in doing so reduces the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.
WHEREAS a report by the House of Commons Special Committee on the non-medical use of drugs recommended that Safe Injection Sites be established in large cities.
WHEREAS, a report commissioned by Health Canada recommends that safe injection sites be set up for intravenous drug users.
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada take all steps necessary to establish a National Safe Injection Site program for large cities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Liberal Party of Canada continue to support and implement prevention and treatment programs for those afflicted with narcotics addiction.
National Volunteer and Work Experience Program
WHEREAS Canada is a country composed of diverse and distinct regions each contributing to the national enterprise different variations of culture, values, experience, and perspectives and an appreciation of Canada is fostered and improved by exposure to and experience of the different regions of the country.
WHEREAS in an increasingly global and cosmopolitan international community with fewer and fewer barriers between nations, the fostering of a positive national identity, consistent with the complexity of the Canadian experience has become of national importance, particularly in parts of the country where a strong regional identity supplants a coherent nationalism.
WHEREAS Canada’s influence in the world can be substantially enhanced through the communication of the Canadian experience in other countries by Canadians themselves in conjunction with our existing diplomatic, military and economic presence in the concert of nations.
WHEREAS volunteer and work placement programs like Katimavik, Canada World Youth, and University Co-ops have proven to be an effective way for young Canadians to develop skills as leaders, as citizens and as effective members of the work force, as well as developing personal values, goals, and a sense of direction and enjoyment of life.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Party encourage the government to appoint a Minister of State for Youth Skills Development responsible for the establishment of a national volunteer and work experience program for secondary school graduates.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this program be overseen by the Department of Human Resources & Skills Development and that participants be selected on the basis of comprehensive selection including: elements of academic success, demonstrated leadership, community involvement and awareness of current affairs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program be two-years in duration for each participant and consist of:
- An initial screening and preparation period in advance of program intake during which participants are familiarized with the program, details of their placements and the expectations of participants and;
- A six-month period during which participants are assigned to groups of ten, representing the regional diversity of Canada, and participate in three-month volunteer projects in two different Canadian Communities in cooperation with a local charitable or government organization and;
- A second six-month period during which participants are placed in a workplace internship in a region of Canada where the participant has not lived. These placements will, where possible, match interests identified during the screening process and during this placement, participants will work with program officers to learn about the local community and region and;
- A third six-month term during which program participants participate in two additional team-based volunteer projects overseas and;
- A final six-month work term. In this phase of the program, placements are made overseas and are coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and CIDA. During the term, participants work with program officers to serve as cultural ambassadors both by enjoying local customs and sharing Canadian values and experiences with locals.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the program be initially established on a pilot basis with the hope of expanding to allow for full national participation and where there is an unbalanced availability of placements in Canada or overseas that exceptions be made and additional participants be admitted to either the first year or the second year only.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that where it is practical, job placements overseas will be with Canadian government agencies or placed through partnerships with Canadian Companies operating overseas.