Tory policy: What passed, what didn't

STEVEN CHASE

Globe and Mail Update

November 15, 2008 at 7:29 PM EST

WINNIPEG — The following is an edited list of policy resolutions passed or voted down by Conservative delegates:

P-106: To encourage provinces and territories to “further experiment with different means of delivering universal health care utilizing both the public and private health sectors.” FAILED

P-110 Ottawa should work with provinces and territories to get nationwide agreement to amend labour codes to provide “at risk” workers such as prison guards and law enforcement officials and health care workers and physicians the “right to know when they have been exposed to infectious diseases.” This right would “transcend the privacy rights of the infected individual.” PASSED

P-113 Party believes that Ottawa should seek “dangerous offender” status and mandatory life sentences for any person convicted of a third serious violent offence, criminal organization offence, terrorism offence or serious drug trafficking offence. PASSED

P-114 Repeal the “faint hope” clause in the Criminal Code, thus removing the possibility of parole before 25 years for those sentenced to life in prison. PASSED

P-119 Party believes the government should take “strong action” to combat human trafficking and take a lead in developing international agreements and protocols against human trafficking. PASSED

P-202 Party reaffirms the legitimacy of the entire Charter of Rights and Freedoms including Section 13 (the notwithstanding clause). PASSED

P-203 Party supports legislation to remove authority from the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Tribunal to regulate, receive, investigate or adjudicate complaints related to Section 13 (hate messages) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. PASSED

P-207 Party supports legislation to ensure that individuals who commit violence against a pregnant woman would face additional charges if her unborn child was killed or injured during the commission of a crime against the mother. PASSED

P-213 Party supports the “full participation of women in the social, economic and cultural life of Canada” and the idea that “women must be entitled to equal pay for equal work.” PASSED

P-218 Party believes that Canada's multicultural society is a “valued reality” and accepts the need to foster understanding and equality of opportunity while expecting Canadians “to adopt Canadian common values such as equality, democracy and the rule of law.” PASSED

P-222 Party recognizes that temporary workers can be a valuable source of potential immigrants because of their work experience in Canada. Calls on government to develop pilot projects designed to address serious skills shortages in specific sectors and regions of the country that can attract temporary workers to Canada; examine ways to aid the transition of foreign workers to permanent status from temporary status and ensure that these workers receive the same protections under minimum employment standards as those afforded Canadian workers. PASSED

P-223 Government should in consultation with provinces, territories and aboriginal leaders, direct an independent audit of all social services providers to aboriginal communities to determine what if any measures of effectiveness are employed and whether the programs provided result in desired outcomes. Ottawa should also establish a three-party co-ordinating body to develop strategy for co-ordination of all programs and services provided to aboriginal communities. The Auditor General of Canada and counterparts in provinces should evaluate the actual outcomes as well as the financial accountability in audit reports on aboriginal services. PASSED

P-301 Party supports formation of a single national securities regulator with “robust enforcement powers.” PASSED

P-303 Party believes government should eliminate tax on capital gains that are reinvested. PASSED

P-305 Party supports income splitting for couples with children. PASSED

P-306 Party favours simplifying the federal tax code to reduce the complexity of tax calculations for ordinary Canadians. PASSED

P-308 Party supports right of workers to organize into unions but also respects private property and the decision of fellow workers not to participate. PASSED

P-321 Conservative government will continue to seek out bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that will improve market access for Canadian agricultural products and reduce foreign subsidies that distort trade and production. PASSED

P-101 Party believes federal and territorial governments should make joint investments to study and address climate change adaptation in the North. PASSED

P-104 Party believes government should work with provinces and territories to promote the development of ecological recycling plants using incinerators that capture waste gas and transform it into energy. PASSED

P-105 Party supports exploration and development of offshore oil and gas resources in Canadian waters including the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic. Supports ensuring that “accurate and complete information on the risks and benefits of such development is made available to the public.” PASSED

P-111 Party supports government amending the Canada Health Act to permit the funding of complementary health services which demonstrably improve people's health. FAILED

P-122 Party believes the government should commit to providing the best possible services and benefits for veterans and their families in recognition of their service to Canada. The party is also committed to keeping the memory of Canadian veterans' achievements and sacrifices alive through the promotion of public awareness and memorials. PASSED

P-205 Party believes demonstrating Canada's presence in the Arctic requires both political and economic development in northern Canada and that government should work with territories to streamline regulatory processes; make substantial investments in the territories particularly in transportation infrastructure; and fast-track the devolution of “provincial-type” responsibilities to the territories. PASSED

P-208 A Conservative government would revamp the federal student loan program to eliminate the inclusion of parental income and assets in the assessment of loan applications. FAILED

P-209 Conservative Party supports abolishing employment insurance contributions paid by students when they have a summer job. FAILED

P-307 Conservative Party recognizes importance of innovation to creating a flourishing Canadian economy. This means providing support for businesses by ensuring low corporate and small business tax rates and enhancing tax credits for companies who do significant research and development. FAILED

P-311 The Conservative Party supports investing in scientific infrastructures specializing in polar scientific research in order to increase the body of scientific knowledge on the Arctic region. PASSED

P-312 Party continues to support exploration for fossil fuels, pipeline construction, transportation efficiencies and plant improvements to increase energy efficiencies and reduce pollutant and greenhouse gas discharges. It supports the application of nuclear energy and associated industries while reducing negative impacts on the environment. Also believes the government should support and encourage the private development of alternative sources of energy and fuels including wind, solar, geothermal sources; alternative transportation fuels such as bio-diesel from oil seed crops and methanol, ethanol or methane from biomass and organic waste; fuel cell technology and the use of hydrogen as transportation fuel. PASSED

P-316 Party supports policies and initiatives that will strengthen the viability of family operated businesses in areas of agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry. PASSED

I have had the opportunity to meet Trusty Tory and also Stephen Taylor. Please visit their blogs for alternative blogging perspectives and full convention coverage. Both of these bloggers are very nice people. I met them prior to the Harper speech. Friday I had the opportunity to meet Roy who had lunch with the Prime Minister. I am told for two minutes he praised bloggers and the Blogging Tories. I also met Andrew Prescott as well last night. There was also a Liberal blogger covering the event Danielle Takacs. It is great to see so many bloggers here at this convention.

If there are others here from the Blogging Tories, please add your link to the comment section.

-Darryl

Today is the day to discuss the party constitution as well as policy. Resolutions will be discussed with regards to Canada's economy, Canada's social and democatic framework and protecting Canada's health and safety. These will take place until 3pm. I will try and report what was decided but it might be difficult with the resolutions divided into three different rooms. At 1:30 pm there will be national council speeches. At 2:30 there will be MP presentations on raising money and getting more votes. Later tonight Paul Brandt will be performing and there will likely be a few more hospitality suites afterwards. Sometime around 10pm I am hoping the Prime Minister comes into the media room for a scrum. Timing might be difficult though as he has a full day ahead of him in Washington, DC. I will try and have another post later tonight if possible.

-Darryl

We are here to discuss policy, but it would be impossible to ignore the fact that our victory in the last election and growth since the party merged needs to be celebrated. Hospitality suites were hosted by Don Plett (who I endorse for President), Jim Flaherty, Canada-Israel committee and Peter Van Loan who hosted a public safety suite. Hanging out with Lois Brown, I could tell she is well liked and respected among the majority of MPs and delegates. She is representing our riding very well. Peter Kent, Paul Calandra and Peter Van Loan were all on hand for the festivities. As a political junkie, it is a lot of fun to have the chance to have a beer with various cabinet ministers, bloggers, fellow government relations consultants, key regional organizers, MPs, those campaigning for positions on national council and fellow committed volunteers who have worked so hard at the grassroots level to make this victory possible. Everyone was in great spirits and a good time was had by all. It is clear to me that this party is united and excited about the future of our country. We are younger, more diverse and committed to Conservative values. Thank you to all that hosted such great hospitality suites last night. Highlights for me included meeting Tim Powers, Brad Lavigne, speaking with Flaherty, meeting Laureen Harper, hanging out with York Region MPs and seeing so many cabinet ministers accessible to delegates. I am looking forward to another round tonight.

P.S. Has anyone seen Ken Wakeman from Newmarket-Aurora???? We seem to have lost him. Ken is a committed Conservative who would be great in local politics. If you are in Winnipeg my friend call my cell. Pictured above: Elmer the Safety Elephant takes a photo with Newmarket-Aurora MP Lois Brown.

-Darryl

I just arrived at my hotel after flying in from Toronto. On the plane were several MPs as well as supporters from ridings around the GTA. Several people were taking the policy debates seriously as there were some spirited discussions around me.

I have not been to the convention center yet, although I am looking forward to going there shortly. This conference has a different feeling than the past policy conference in Montreal. First of all our party is in government. Second, I don't sense any of the concerns from the previous convention regarding the merger of the Canadian Alliance and the Progressive Conservative parties.

The highlight tonight will be the address from Stephen Harper just prior to heading to Washington for the G20 economic summit. Of course the policy portion will be important and a good chance to survey some of the grassroots membership on where they stand on various issues.

Tonight there are several interesting hospitality events. Helena Geurgis and Rahim Jaffer are holding a "traditional" Manitoba wedding social later this weekend. Tickets will cost $10 with proceeds going to charity. There are hospitality suites being hosted by the Canadian Private Copying Collective, Canada-India Foundation and various national council candidates. There is also a prarie style party tomorrow night.

Early today Jason Kenney spoke. He is holding a cultural event later today with the Outreach caucus. The Manning Centre for Democracy will be making a presentation later today. Earlier today before I got here, there was an event put on by the Canada-Israel Committee and a breakfast with Monte Solberg.

Country singer Paul Brandt is performing tomorrow night.

Overall I am looking forward to the policy resolutions, hospitality suites, networking with other committed volunteers and of course meeting members of our caucus. I am not sure what having blogging credentials entails, but I hope I am able to provide some good coverage once I get to the convention centre. Check back for frequent updates.

-Darryl