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Panel 1: Innovating and Prospering in the New Energy Economy

1-01-13 Resolution on Combatting Tax Shelters Submitted by Hochelaga WHEREAS, in addition to creating a parasitic sector driven by tax evasion, tax shelters serve to hide profits and the very existence of vast fortunes, often obtained by criminal means; BE IT RESOLVED that a new clause be added to Subsection 1.7 of the Policy Book: e. Combatting tax shelters and money laundering. 1-02-13 Resolution on Attacks on the Trade Union Movement Submitted by Hamilton Mountain WHEREAS the Harper government has imposed back to work legislation on numerous unions representing Postal Workers, Air Canada Workers, and Canadian Pacific Workers and; WHEREAS the Harper government's 2012 federal budget will directly cut 19,000 federal public service jobs over the next three years and; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal New Democratic Party reaffirm its commitment to free open scope collective bargaining and will continue to oppose any federal government administrative or legislative measures to impose collective agreements on federal public sector workers and workers in the private sector. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Federal New Democratic Party continue to support the Rand Formula and will oppose any initiative or legislation that will undermine the Rand Formula. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a New Democratic Government will revoke Bill C-377 an Act to amend the Income Tax Act [Labour Organizations]. 1-03-13 Resolution on Protecting Supply Management Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher, Welland WHEREAS Supply Management is a longstanding bedrock of our rural communities and agricultural industry, ensuring liveable farm incomes, high product quality, and domestic food security. BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 1.9 (g) of the policy book be amended as follows: New Democrats believe in:

Resolutions // 2 g. maintaining supply managed dairy, eggs, and poultry, and the farm incomes they support. New Democrats will work to ensure that in any new trade agreement, our successful system of supply management is upheld.

1-04-13 Resolution on the Rand Formula Submitted by Ottawa-Centre BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada use all means to oppose any attempt by the Conservatives to end the Rand formula and protect workers and union rights. 1-05-13 Resolution on Strengthening VIA Rail Submitted by Scarborough Centre BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 1.3 of the policy book: (1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation) New Democrats believe in: a) Strengthening VIA Rail with its own legislation guaranteeing it ongoing capital and operating funding 1-06-13 Resolution on Northern Research Submitted by Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP support research that promotes economic and social development and sustainability in Northern Ontario and northern regions of Canada. 1-07-13 Resolution to Repeal Bill C-377 Submitted by UFCW Canada, UFCW Canada Local 1518, UFCW Canada Local 1000A WHEREAS The Harper government has continued its assault on workers with the passage of Bill C-377; and WHEREAS Bill C-377 violates the privacy of union members and their families; and WHEREAS Bill C-377 tramples on the constitutional rights of individuals, working Canadians and the provinces; and WHEREAS Bill C-377 will upset the labour relations balance in this country in favour of employers; and WHEREAS Bill C-377 will unnecessarily cost Canadian taxpayers millions of dollars; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That an NDP government will repeal Bill C-377. 1-08-13 Resolution on Tax Credit Fairness Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS non-refundable tax credits reward certain behaviours/activities or offset the additional costs of certain life circumstances; and WHEREAS the mechanism for calculating the value of these credits is designed to appear as if it is providing equal benefits; and

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WHEREAS low-income Canadians with little or no taxable income receive lower or no benefit from nonrefundable tax credits; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 1.7 of the policy book: [New Democrats believe in:] e) tax credit fairness, including the refunding of tax credits for disability, accessibility modifications, medical expenses, child fitness and art, public transit and political contributions, regardless of taxable income. 1-09-13 Resolution on Rejecting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NPD reject the PublicPrivate Partnership model for public infrastructure projects. 1-10-13 Resolution on charity registration numbers for Non-Profit Organizations Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will make it easier for non-profit organizations to obtain a charity registration number and streamline the process for maintaining charitable organization status, enabling non-profits to pursue their community work without political pressure, so long as their work does not contravene the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

1-11-13 Resolution on Stopping Right to Work for Less Legislation Submitted by UFCW Canada, UFCW Canada Local 1518, UFCW Canada Local 1000A WHEREAS Conservative MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister has called for the end of mandatory dues deduction for federal public services workers; and WHEREAS The Leader of the Conservative Party in Ontario has announced that if he forms government he will introduce Right to Work for Less laws in the province; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the New Democratic Party of Canada stand with organized labour in Canada against Right to Work for Less legislation, in defence of the Rand Formula, and in support of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom which guarantees the rights of workers to join a union and bargain collectively.

1-12-13 Resolution on Taxing Derivatives Submitted by Burnaby Douglas WHEREAS financial speculation served as a partial root cause of the 2008 financial meltdown AND WHEREAS global financial markets continue to be unstable, to the detriment of middle class Canadians BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call for a surcharge on the sale, swap, trade or exchange of all derivatives. 1-13-13 Resolution on a Digital Economy Part 1 Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher


WHEREAS the digital economy is a growing sector, that creates thousands of well-paid jobs;

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WHEREAS the development of digital infrastructure is fundamental to the economic development of the regions; BE IT RESOLVED that the following paragraph be added to section 1 of the Policy Funds: 1.5 Digital economy New Democrats believe in: a) making the digital sector an economic and social priority and an important element of their job creation program, and to adopt a national digital strategy for Canada; b) making access to high-speed, low-cost, universal internet their objective that means for Canadians from all regions of the country first by adopting a five year timeframe and geographic and access speed statistical objectives; c) ensuring and manage the upgrading of infrastructure, through private or public means and diverse technologies (fiber optic, wireless, satellite, etc.), and by working with the provinces and the private sector, to upgrade in line with existing infrastructure and projects; d) creating the economic conditions and undertake the industrial measures necessary to definitively reduce access costs for internet, telephone and telecommunication services, while promoting access to diverse content. 1-14-13 Resolution on a Digital Economy Part 2 Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS the digital economy is a growing sector, and creates thousands of well-paid jobs; WHEREAS the development of digital infrastructure is fundamental to the economic development of rural areas; BE IT RESOLVED that the following paragraph will be added to section 1 of the Policy Book: 1.5 Digital economy New Democrats believe in: e) the adoption of measures to ensure information and digital access and literacy, particularly for youth, seniors and low-income people, and promote community initiatives (access points, places for digital creation, etc.); f) establishing short-term objectives in terms of access to high-speed internet in First Nations communities; g) making anti-spam legislation effective and embrace their role as protectors of citizens privacy, by creating a strict legal and regulatory framework applicable to digital services (websites, applications, etc.) for the collection of information, its use and surveillance rights and abuse prevention. h) innovating, in close collaboration with cultural and technological sectors, by facilitating the expression of new platforms and methods of disseminating art works (especially musical) in order to make them more accessible and facilitate the fair remuneration of the author.

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1-15-13 Resolution on Innovation, Science and Technology Policy: Chief National Science Advisor Submitted by Burnaby Douglas BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 1 of the New Democratic Policy Book be amended by adding Section 1.14, called Innovation, Science and Technology Policy; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDPs Innovation, Science and Technology Policy include: Innovation, Science and Technology Policy: Scientific Freedom and Evidence BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP condemns the Conservative attack on science and evidence-based decision making; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP end the muzzling of government scientists; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP reinstate the position of Chief National Science Advisor in order to bolster and protect the voice of science and research in the government policy process. 1-16-13 Resolution on Directives Regarding Bank of Canada Monetary Practices Submitted by Peterborough WHEREAS Canadas national debt increased geometrically due to compounded interest owed the private sector after the Bank of Canada (nationalized in 1938) reduced the balance of debt it held to below 5% and WHEREAS Bank of Canada policies have used unemployment (increased interest rates) as a tool to manage inflation BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government will examine the Bank of Canada to ensure it follows all legislated mandates and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an NDP government will instruct the Bank of Canada to manage inflation without creating unemployment and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the use of the Consumer/Cost Price Index will be examined to ensure its appropriateness as a measure of inflation which will include the costs of services in a mixed economy and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Bank of Canada will be instructed to resume its historical practice of holding between 20% and 25% of Canadas national debt. 1-17-13 Resolution on Pay Equity Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to section 1.6 in the policy book 1.6.e. Implementing the recommendations of the 2004 Pay Equity Task Force and establish a proactive pay equity regime, enshrined in law.

1-18-13 Resolution on Industry Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher

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WHEREAS the aerospace industry employs over 66,000 people in Canada, including 40,000 in Quebec, and generates over $17 billion in economic activity; WHEREAS Montreal is the worlds third largest aerospace centre behind Seattle and Toulouse; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to work with the provinces, industry leaders, universities, and workers to give the aerospace industry the regulations, targeted investment, and specialized labour force it needs to thrive. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP commit to work with its partners to set out a strategy to keep aerospace driving Quebec and Canadas economies into the 21st century and creating quality, valueadded jobs for an economy based on knowledge and innovation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP commit to better support research and development, as well as technology demonstration programs, including for green aircraft. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP commit to open the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) to small businesses. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to use the procurement process to obtain intellectual property from major manufacturers, enabling Canadian firms to secure high-level maintenance, repair, and modernization contracts, join the global supply chain, and strengthen our industrys core capacities by clearly applying the Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) policy. 1-19-13 Resolution on Asbestos Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP support economic diversification projects for regions that formerly produced asbestos. 1-20-13 Resolution on a National Transit Strategy Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.3 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation. New Democrats believe in: Establishing a National Transit Strategy that ensures fast, reliable and accessible public transit for Canadians through long-term federal funding and the cooperation of all levels of government. 1-21-13 Resolution on Entrepreneurship Submitted by TerrebonneBlainville BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Partys Federal Council add the following to Section 1 of the Policy Book: 1.x Innovation, Job Creation and Skills Development through Entrepreneurship New Democrats believe in: - Promoting Entrepreneurship to encourage the development of new business ventures; - Fostering entrepreneurship education and mentorship programs to provide entrepreneurs with the education, tools and infrastructure they need to create, develop and innovate, thereby empowering Canadians not just to get a job, but to create jobs;

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-Ensuring that all businesses in Canada have access to a work force that has the training and experience necessary to compete in an increasingly globalized economy by developing and promoting self-sustaining skills development initiatives; - Providing Canadians with new opportunities to apply their skills within Canada thereby stopping the outflux of our best and brightest minds; - Working in collaboration with labour groups in order to provide Canadians with greater economic security through education, innovation and green initiatives; - Stimulating Canada's economic growth while creating and protecting jobs by offering incentives to Canadians who invest in new business ventures either through traditional investment vehicles or through crowd-sourcing. 1-22-13 Resolution on Resource Industries and Natural Resources Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS asbestos is globally recognized as a hazardous material by the Rotterdam Convention; and WHEREAS removal of asbestos in residential homes creates a significant financial barrier to living in a healthy environment free of hazardous materials; Therefore be it resolved that the following clause be added to Section 1.2 of the policy book: 1.2 New Democrats believe in: e. Banning the export, production and sale of all types of asbestos and asbestos related products in Canada and implementing assistance programs to help property owners test for and remove asbestos from their home and buildings. 1-23-13 Resolution on the Integrity of Government Science Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS the current Conservative government continues its headlong rush from evidence based policy making by slashing Canadian government research agencies and by muzzling the scientific experts who remain, BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government will not rest content until it has a) Returned Canadian government research efforts to 2003 levels. b) Made the results of such research freely and publicly available. c) Established freedom of speech for Canadian government scientific experts speaking in a professional capacity.

1-24-13 Resolution on Credit Card Fees Submitted by Sudbury WHEREAS Canadian merchants pay some of the highest credit card processing fees in the world; and

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WHEREAS the cost associated with processing these payments continues to hinder the competitiveness of Canadian business; and WHEREAS the cost of processing credit card transaction in Canada ultimately results in reduced profit margins for merchants and higher retail costs for consumers; BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada supports the introduction of robust regulations for electronic, credit card, and mobile payments in order to establish standards and to make the rules transparent and fair for all stakeholders, particularly small and medium sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and consumers. 1-25-13 Resolution on Workers Rights Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS government powers of intervention in labour disputes are only intended to be a last resort in the case of essential services; and WHEREAS current use of back-to-work legislation has imposed a chill on the bargaining process in many fields to the benefit of management; Therefore be it resolved that the following clause be added to Section 1.12 of the policy book: 1.12 New Democrats believe in: g. Restricting government intervention in labour disputes to the facilitation of binding arbitration and ending the use of pre-emptive back-to-work legislation. 1-26-13 Resolution on Consumers Rights Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS the public good is threatened when the independence of inspection agencies are compromised; and WHEREAS the responsibility for ensuring that all industries in Canada are properly regulated rightfully rests with the government not the private sector; Therefore be it resolved that the following clause be added to Section 1.13 of the policy book: 1.13 New Democrats believe in: k. Ending self-regulation in all industries and ensuring that government inspection agencies are robust, scientific and independent of political and market influence. 1-27-13 Resolution to Restore Food Safety Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS the large, multinational agri-food companies have received considerable provincial and federal government financial supports to expand their markets and have benefited from de-regulation; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for and seek to implement: -Government support of small and medium-sized enterprises to assist them in meeting food safety and environmental standards; -A rural strategy to protect farmland and to rebuild public transportation, water and sewage systems;

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-Government action to rebuild a professional public service, including the hiring of food production plant inspectors and to reverse the contracting out and privatization of public protection programs. 1-28-13 Resolution on Rail Travel Submitted by Malpeque WHEREAS Article 1.3b of the NDP Policy Book affirms New Democrats commitment to improving rail travel for both passengers and goods, and developing proposals for high speed systems, and WHEREAS rail service in the Maritime region is inadequate, and WHEREAS rail service is an energy-efficient means of travel, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats ensure that Halifax to Montreal daily rail service be given high priority consideration. 1-29-13 Resolution on Financial Transaction Tax (Robin Hood Tax) Submitted by BurnabyNew Westminster WHEREAS The exponential growth in financial transactions and speculation has increased economic instability and was a major cause of the recent financial and economic crisis; WHEREAS 11 Eurozone countries (including France and Germany) voted in January 2013 to implement a tax on financial transactions; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED The New Democratic Party support the introduction of a 0.05% (1/20 of 1%) tax on financial transactions targeting the high-risk, high-speed trading that dominates the markets and creates instability and excessive liquidity. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that funds from the tax be used to pay for the social costs of the economic crisis, to fight poverty, to meet public needs such as health care and to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change. 1-30-13 Resolution on Monetary Policies Submitted by BurnabyNew Westminster WHEREAS the Parliamentary Budgetary Office finds that most labour market indicators remain weaker than their estimated trend levels; AND WHEREAS the Bank of Canada has chosen to focus their resources on a 2% inflation target; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP vigorously advocates for monetary policies that promote full employment.

1-31-13 Resolution on Pension Insurance Submitted by Hamilton Mountain WHEREAS recent economic events have made it obvious that pension plans and pension assets are being threatened; and


WHEREAS with this in mind, the Federal Government should create a federal system of pension insurance financed by contributions from pension plan sponsors; and

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BE IT RESOLVED that it is the policy of the New Democratic Party that the Federal government should create a federal system of pension insurance financed by contributions from pension plan sponsors. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the policy of the New Democratic Party that part of the pension insurance system, the Federal government should create an agency to adopt pension plans abandoned in corporate bankruptcy or insolvency, so that affected workers will be assured of receiving at least a minimum pension in retirement. 1-32-13 Resolution on a Commitment to Strengthen Canadas Economy by Increasing our Research and Development Endeavour Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS the current Harper Governments attacks on science and evidence-based policy has brought condemnation from the public, the media, pollsters and commentators; and WHEREAS a high-tech/high wage economy will allow Canada to afford the social programs, pension plans, and health care system they deserve; and BE IT RESOLVED that Canadas New Democratic Party will develop clear policies for the advancement of science and technology in Canada, including increased federal investment in R&D, and communicate to the public whenever and wherever possible how the NDPs policies are based on evidence rather than ideology, so as to better differentiate us from the Conservatives. 1-33-13 Resolution on Factory Farming Part 1 Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to Section1.9 in the policy book. 1.9.j. Establishing an Expert Commission comprised of a majority of representatives from farming organizations to examine, streamline and harmonize federal provincial and municipal regulatory requirements 1-34-13 Resolution on Innovation, Science and Technology Policy: Supporting a highly-skilled scientific workforce Submitted by Burnaby Douglas WHEREAS CANADA needs a robust, balanced, and diverse highly-trained scientific workforce to remain globally competitive: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP recognize the distinct and complementary roles that universities, colleges, and polytechnics play in fuelling both demand-push and supply-pull driven research in Canadas innovation and scientific ecosystem; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP support cutting-edge programs and institutions facilitating bridging, skills training, knowledge-sharing, and relationship-building between Canadian researchers and the private-sector, such as MITACS; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP support women and minorities in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines and professions. 1-35-13 Resolution on a National Rail Strategy


Submitted by York South-Weston Be it resolved that the following clause be added to Section 1.3 of the policy book:

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(1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation) New Democrats believe in: f. Strengthening VIA Rail with its own legislation guaranteeing it ongoing capital and operating funding 1-36-13 Resolution on an Urban Strategy Submitted by Beaches-East York WHEREAS eighty per cent of Canadians live in cities; WHEREAS the success of Canada depends on the success of its cities; WHEREAS our cities have become increasingly places of social polarization, unrealized economic potential and unsustainable development; WHEREAS our cities ought to be places of inclusion, collaboration, innovation and sustainable development and practices; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP caucus develop an urban agenda with a view to the creation of resilient, inclusive, prosperous and sustainable Canadian cities. 1-37-13 Resolution on a National Cycling Strategy Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.3 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation. New Democrats believe in: Improving active transportation throughout Canada through a National Cycling Strategy and dedicating federal resources to the establishment of Canada-wide cycling infrastructure. 1-38-13 Resolution on a National Rail Strategy Submitted by York South--Weston WHEREAS the Party has no specific policy on VIA Rail in an era when VIA's future is uncertain BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Partys Federal Council solicit input to develop a comprehensive policy paper on VIA Rail and passenger transportation across Canada. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such a paper include proposals for perpetual financing of VIA's capital and operating budgets. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Federal Council prepare resolutions amending the federal policy book that reflect the positions in this paper for the next convention. 1-39-13 Resolution on Infrastructure Funding Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.3 of the policy book, clause a) be replaced by the following passage: 1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation. New Democrats believe in:

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a. Responding to the calls from communities across Canada to tackle traffic gridlock, lack of public transit and crumbling infrastructure through a federal funding program that is long-term, predictable and nonpartisan in allocating funding along the lines of the existing Gas Tax Fund. 1-40-13 Resolution on Rail Freight Services Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.3 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation. New Democrats believe in: Making rail freight services fair, reliable and affordable for farmers and rural shippers by strengthening customer rights towards rail companies and through federal action against monopoly pricing. 1-41-13 Resolution on VIA Rail Submitted by Acadie-Bathurst New Democrats believe in: f. Strengthening VIA Rail with its own legislation guaranteeing it ongoing capital and operating funding WHEREAS the Party has no specific policy on VIA Rail in an era when VIA's future is uncertain BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Partys Federal Council solicit input to develop a comprehensive policy paper on VIA Rail and passenger transportation across Canada. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such a paper include proposals for perpetual financing of VIA's capital and operating budgets. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Federal Council prepare resolutions amending the federal policy book that reflect the positions in this paper for the next convention. 1-42-13 Resolution on Agriculture and Fisheries Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS a safe and well-inspected food supply is a top priority for the lives and health of Canadian families; and WHEREAS the long term trend has been toward self-regulation and reporting in the agricultural sector; and WHEREAS self-reporting mechanisms have failed to protect Canadas food supply and the public; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 1.9 of the policy book: 1.9 New Democrats believe in: m. Properly funding the Canadian Food Inspection Agency so that it can provide robust, independent and science-based reporting that puts the health and safety of Canadians before corporate profits. 1-43-13 Resolution on Federal civil servants and evidence-based policy Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS the Government of Canada employs research professionals, to gather and analyze data, and disseminate their findings as research-based evidence; to help formulate new or reviewing and adjusting


current policy; and

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WHEREAS the Government of Canada has been publicly condemned in science journals for its muzzling of federal public scientists; BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 1.10 in the policy book be amended to read: 1.10.a. Recognizing the value of evidence-based policy making in all policy areas 1.10.b. Supporting the restoration of adequate funding to allow federal public researchers to continue to provide services that protect Canadians, their environment, and their economy; and 1.10.c. Guaranteeing the rights of federal scientists and researchers to speak openly about their work, and to use the results, methodology, or conclusions of their past, present, and future research to question Government policy (except in matters of national security and during proprietary waiting periods such as during patent applications) without fear of retribution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT subsequent clauses be renumbered accordingly. 1-44-13 Resolution on Reimbursement of subsidies received by businesses that relocate Submitted by Hochelaga WHEREAS Canada supports and should increase support for research and development; WHEREAS it would be unfair for a private business to take advantage of Canadian resources and financial support to develop its capacities, and then take this newfound capacity abroad in search of lower cost labour and other dubious conditions; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Subsection 1.2 of the Policy Book: e. In the event of the total or partial relocation of a business, it will be required to reimburse, either in part or in whole, all subsidies received. 1-45-13 Resolution on Improving Rail Travel Submitted by Hochelaga WHEREAS nearly every country with a well-developed rail network has electrified it; WHEREAS in return for an initial investment in electrification, which would benefit Canadian industry, it would be reasonable to expect that subsidized industries could lower operating costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance operational flexibility; BE IT RESOLVED that Subsection 1.3 b of the Policy Book be amended as follows: b. Improving rail travel for both passengers and goods, developing proposals for high-speed systems, and promoting rail network electrification. 1-46-13 Resolution on Transportation Submitted by Hull-Aylmer BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP is in favour of electrifying transportation, notably by phasing in a highspeed rail network beginning with the Quebec CityMontrealOttawaTorontoWindsor corridor and a

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CalgaryEdmonton route, as an essential component of a modern, green transportation policy and an economic stimulus measure, with maximum involvement of Canadian technology, workers, and companies. 1-47-13 Resolution on Protecting Workers Rights Submitted by Rosemont-La Petite Patrie WHEREAS the Conservative government has frequently threatened to table back-to-work legislation when unions are poised to exercise their right to strike, as we saw recently with Canada Post and Air Canada; WHEREAS several Conservative MPs have brought in bills or made statements aimed at weakening Canadian unions; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP defend the right of employees to negotiate collective agreements, in good faith and without premature and unjustified government intervention. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP speak out against the Conservative governments attempts to weaken the union movement, and in particular Bill C-377, which increases red tape for unions and requires them to disclose personal information. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP oppose any and all government measures designed to curtail workers rights, and particularly the rights to organize and to collective bargaining. 1-48-13 Resolution on Making RRSP Contributions to the CPP Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to give taxpayers a mechanism to make contributions up to their annual RRSP contribution limit directly to the Canada Pension Plan, enabling the CPP to securely manage contributors retirement savings at a reasonable cost. 1-49-13 Resolution on Community Credit Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP lobby the government to support the development of community credit initiatives across Canada by providing financial support for community credit organizations and contributing to their capitalization fund.

1-50-13 Resolution on Private Aerodromes Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP support the city of Neuville, Fdration qubcoise des municipalits, and Federation of Canadian Municipalities in their efforts to have the federal government amend the Aeronautics Act to ensure respect for provincial and municipal jurisdiction and adequate consultation with municipalities when planning to build private aerodromes. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NPD call on the government of Canada to amend the Aeronautics Act to require that municipalities and all other stakeholders be consulted on decisions impacting land use when siting private aerodromes, and to ensure respect for provincial and municipal jurisdiction when private aerodromes are built.


1-51-13 Resolution on Cooperative Local Investment Funds Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the following new clause be added to Subsection 1.11 of the Policy Book:

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Encouraging the creation of and providing support for cooperative local investment funds as a means of democratizing the economy and providing an alternative, community-controlled source of funding. 1-52-13 Resolution on Decentralization of Economic Power Submitted by Hull-Aylmer BE IT RESOLVED that Subsection 1.1 of the Policy Book be amended with a new clause as follows: p. Encouraging the decentralization of the economic power wielded by private monopolies and oligopolies in key economic sectors 1-53-13 Resolution on Employment Insurance Submitted by Acadie-Bathurst WHEREAS seasonal industries comprise a dynamic, essential part of Canadas identity and economy; WHEREAS Canadian workers and their employers make EI contributions and are the owners of the program; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP move to restore the integrity of Canadas EI program by amending the Employment Insurance Act to include the following measures: BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conservative government must hire adequate staff to administer Service Canada programs efficiently and substantially reduce wait times. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the government should change the Working While on Claim regulation so that EI claimants are not dissuaded from working during their benefit period. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP lobby the government to overturn the devastating changes made to the EI program which limit access and lower benefits, resulting in lower wages and restricted access and increasingly pushing vulnerable Canadians into poverty and transferring the costs to the provinces. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP lobby the government to reinstate the Extended Employment Insurance Benefits Pilot Project (5 additional weeks) to offset the black hole of financial insecurity faced by seasonal workers and the regional economies they support. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP lobby the government to restore access to the board of referees and the umpire so that all Canadians have access to a fair and equitable appeal system, as was the case prior to the devastating changes made to the Employment Insurance program. 1-54-13 Resolution on Non-refundable Tax Credits Submitted by the Young New Democrats of Quebec WHEREAS the government of Canada supports the creation of new non-refundable tax credits as a measure to encourage certain activities such as public transit use and purchasing sports equipment for children; WHEREAS such measures have been shown to be almost entirely ineffective;


BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Subsection 1.7 of the Policy Book:

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e. Eliminating discrimination against low-income earners and simplifying tax return filing by eliminating ineffective non-refundable tax credits and reinvesting the money saved in social programs. 1-55-13 Resolution on Fostering Retiree Participation in the Economy Submitted by Hochelaga WHEREAS many retirees undergo severe shock upon retiring and experiencing the marginalization that comes with retirement; WHEREAS retirees still have much to offer and can continue to work, performing different tasks at a different pace; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added Subsection 3.7 of the Policy Book: i. Fostering retiree participation in social, economic, and political life. 1-56-13 Resolution on Severance Flexibility Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following be added to Section 1.5 in the policy book: 1.5.f. Amending the Employment Insurance Act (severance) and the Income Tax Act so that employees who have lost their jobs due to plant closure can, on a one-time-only basis, retain their severance packages and be able to invest some or all of that severance money into RRSPs even if the investment is above their RRSP contribution limit and can, immediately upon termination of employment, collect the Employment Insurance to which they are entitled without any loss of severance monies. 1-57-13 Resolution on the Right to Strike Submitted by Toronto Young New Democrats WHEREAS the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike were progressive reforms which the labour movement and the CCF/NDP fought for decades to win, and represents a basic democratic right for working people. BE IT RESOLVED that in the era of unprecedented roll-backs and attacks on the labour movement, that the NDP re-affirm its historic tradition of being the political voice of working people and stand in defence of all democratic and workers rights. BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP give full support to workers resisting austerity cuts, concessions and union-busting legislation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that when workers decide to defy unjust legislation, and assert their democratic right to strike, that the NDP give full support to these workers and use its political authority to encourage solidarity action across the broader labour movement and the working class. 1-58-13 Resolution on Eliminating Tax Havens Submitted by Beaches-East York BE IT RESOLVED the following clause be added to the end of Section 1.7 of the policy manual and subsequent items reordered accordingly:

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[1.7 New Democrats believe in:] e) Using foreign and domestic policy levers to eliminate tax havens and frustrate international tax avoidance. 1-59-13 Resolution on Northeastern Ontario Rail Expansion Part 1 Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP believe in improved and expanded rail services for northern and rural Canada, particularly Northeastern Ontario BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP call on the Government of Canada to impose a moratorium on rail line discontinuance to allow all stakeholders to establish a dialogue on sustainable alternatives BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP call on the government to review potential funding sources to contribute to preserving rail lines across Canada 1-60-13 Resolution on Northeastern Ontario Rail Expansion Part 2 Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP support the investment by the federal government in improved and expanded short-line passenger rail services for northern and rural Canada BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP support the East Algoma Chiefs Mayors and Reeves Council in their efforts to explore the potentials for building a connected Northern Ontario railway system. 1-61-13 Resolution on Air Safety and Security Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.3 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation. New Democrats believe in: Improving air safety and security through federal investments in airport landing safety equipment, passenger screening personnel and addressing the shortcomings of downloading air safety responsibilities to airline companies.

1-62-13 Resolution on Rail Safety Submitted by Trinity Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.3 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation. New Democrats believe in: Improving rail safety by implementing recommendations from the Transport Safety Board and mandating proven safety technologies to save the lives of railway workers and passengers. 1-63-13 Resolution on Mobility for Jobseekers Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.5 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 1.5 Jobs and monetary policy. New Democrats believe in:

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Improving access to jobs for unemployed and low-income Canadians and residents through a federal job access program that lowers the cost of public transit in urban areas and access to individual transportation in rural areas. 1-64-13 Resolution on Air Passenger Rights Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.13 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 1.13 Our rights as consumers. New Democrats believe in: Protecting air travellers by putting in place comprehensive passenger rights and compensation for inconveniences as well as a reducing federal passenger fees. 1-65-13 Resolution on Passenger Rail Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.3 of the policy book, clause b) be replaced by the following passage: 1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation. New Democrats believe in: b. Improving passenger rail services through long-term federal funding for VIA Rail and securing the future of Canadas passenger rail network through federal legislation for VIA Rail and investing in highspeed rail systems and the establishment of an independent VIA Rail railway network. 1-66-13 Resolution on Bill C-377 Submitted by Victoria BE IT RESOLVED that section 1.12 of the NDP Policy Book be amended by adding the following text, and that the subsequent sub-sections under this heading be renumbered accordingly: b) Whereas the private members bill C-377 passed by the House of Commons in 2012 is onerous and discriminatory in creating significant and expensive reporting obligations for unions in Canada, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP commits to repeal this legislation on forming government. 1-67-13 Resolution on Factory Farming Part 2 Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS farming activities are being increasingly regulated in regards to occupational health and safety, environmental, waste disposal, food safety, animal treatment, and other regulations, which do not always recognize the challenges of operating a family farm, and BE IT RESOLVED that the following amendment be made to 1.9 .b in the policy book to read: 1.9.b. Increasing support for the agricultural sector to produce quality products, the abolition of livestock factory farms, ensuring long-term income for farmers, protecting small producers, promoting diversification, and ensuring fair prices for Canadian products internationally 1-68-13 Resolution on Utilizing Responsible Banking for Public Financing Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS Canadians paid $160-million per day in 2009 (over $57.8-billion for the year) in unnecessary interest on federal, provincial and municipal debt; and WHEREAS the unnecessary cost of interest on public debt can be prevented simply by government borrowing from its own bank, the Bank of Canada; and

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BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following be added as clause 1.8.A and 1.8.B to the policy book and that all other clauses be alphabetized accordingly: 1.8.a. In using the Bank of Canada to finance a greater portion of its debt and, more specifically, to use the Bank to finance debt for investment in public infrastructure and public services; 1.8.b. Re-instating the statutory reserve requirements in the Bank Act. 1-69-13 Resolution on Reforming the Income Tax System of Canada Submitted by Nickel Belt WHEREAS the cost of compliance with the Consolidated Income Tax Act of Canada and its regulations (more than 1.3 million words, nearly 2,500 pages of dense and complicated text, and growing in size and complexity every year) is a major burden for all Canadians, particularly small and medium sized businesses: BE IT RESOLVED that the following text replace the text in the NDP Policy paper at section 1.7: New Democrats believe in: a. A progressive tax system. b. A general and thorough reform of the Canadian income tax system to ensure that tax law serves tax collection and nothing else. c. A complete rewrite of the acts and regulations to simplify and make them transparent. d. Ensuring that tax law is no longer distorted to provide economic and social policy incentives. e. Indexing all taxation rates fully to inflation to stop hidden and automatic tax increases (bracket creep). 1-70-13 Resolution on Electromagnetic Radiation Exposure Submitted by the Disability Rights Committee WHEREAS wireless communications and technologies are expanding exponentially, and extensive exposure to electromagnetic radiation is relatively new (generally less than 10 years); and WHEREAS the long-term effects of long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation on the biology and health of the human body and the environment has not been conclusively determined; and WHEREAS electromagnetic hypersensitivity is on the increase worldwide; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 1.13 of the policy book: [New Democrats believe in:] x) requiring that Health Canadas regulations on the safety and safe exposure limits of electromagnetic radiation ensure the biological integrity and health of humans and the environment and be based on research conducted by independent and unbiased (unaffiliated with industry) scientists. 1-71-13 Resolution on Income Security Framework Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS current income supports for persons living with disabilities are broadly inadequate, and WHEREAS a disproportionate number of persons living with disabilities live in poverty relative to the population at large; and


WHEREAS the federal government should collaborate with the provinces to develop an integrated income security framework

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BE IT RESOLVED that a New Democrat government will engage in a summit with the provinces and territories to establish an integrated income security framework to address poverty amongst persons with disabilities 1-72-13 Resolution on a Minimum Annual Income Submitted by Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS many people in Canada are living in poverty; and WHEREAS there is a role for the federal government in reducing poverty by enhancing income security; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will strike a committee immediately to develop a comprehensive policy recommendation on a minimum annual income for landed immigrants, permanent residents and citizens of Canada covering all ages, life stages, abilities and family status. The committees research and deliberations will include grassroots input as well as polling data and focus group data. This committee will suggest their policy recommendation as a resolution to the next Federal convention of the NDP. 1-73-13 Resolution on Truck Sideguards Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.3 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 1.3 Physical infrastructure and transportation. New Democrats believe in: Saving the lives of pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists by making additional safety features on heavy trucks mandatory, including truck sideguards and wide-angle mirrors and sensors. 1-74-13 Resolution on a Directive on quality assurance of social responsibility and sustainability Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS the NDP, more than any other political organization in Canada, aspires toand advocates forsocial responsibility and sustainable development in its policy and practice, BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Partys Federal Council investigate possible systems of quality assurance pertaining to social responsibility and sustainability practices like the ISO 26000 Standard on Organizational Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, where constituent practices of the national party are bench-marked with documented best practices from other parts of the world to ensure NDP practices regarding social responsibility and sustainability and their continual improvement are in league with the best in the world. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Federal Council will present a report of this investigation at the next national convention. 1-75-13 Resolution on a better pension plan regulation Submitted by Hochelaga WHEREAS we have witnessed several cases of fraud resulting in the partial or complete disappearance of workers pensions; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Subsection 1.12 of the Policy Book:


g. Better pension plan regulation. 1-76-13 Resolution for Fairer Income Tax Brackets Submitted by Hochelaga

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WHEREAS creating more equitable income tax brackets is the #1 topic of interest in the United States, France, and Canada (including Quebec); WHEREAS without fair tax collection there can be no fair distribution of funds, nor support for job creation or funding to maintain social programs; BE IT RESOLVED that Subsection 1.7 a of the Policy Book be amended as follows: a. A progressive tax system that would gradually return the tax burden to where it has traditionally lain by adding brackets for very high-income earners while reducing tax rates for low- and medium-income earners.

1-77-13 Resolution on Taxing Financial Transactions Submitted by Hochelaga WHEREAS taxes of this kind already exist in a number of countries; WHEREAS failing to tax financial transactions will make Canada a tax shelter, depriving other countries the world over and ourselves of substantial tax revenues; BE IT RESOLVED that Subsection 1.5 a of the Policy Book be amended as follows: a. Creating jobs by investing in the real economy by regulating speculators and taxing stock market transactions.

1-78-13 Resolution on the Reduction of Systemic Barriers to Employment for Persons Living with disAbilities Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS people living with disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of unemployment, have disproportionately lower wages, and continue to face systemic barriers to access the labour market; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 1.12 of the policy book: [New Democrats believe in:] x) the development and implementation of initiatives to break down systemic barriers to employment for people with disabilities and to increase the recruitment, hiring, promotion and retention of people with disabilities in both the public and private sectors 1-79-13 Resolution on Ensuring Adequate Income Support and Rehabilitation for Injured Workers Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission

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WHEREAS workers who are injured or become disabled, especially those who are not unionized, often lose their income, are not eligible for income supports, must pay for their own rehabilitation and must divest themselves of their assets in order to live; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 1.12 of the policy book: [New Democrats believe in:] x) a partnership of the federal government, provinces and territories to ensure and provide for adequate income support and rehabilitation for all workers who are injured or become disabled; retraining and placement services for workers who cannot return to their previous employment; transitional support until permanent benefits are established for those who can no longer work 1-80-13 Resolution to Give Canadian Courts International Jurisdiction Over Corporate Social Responsibility Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that a law is needed to assert the jurisdiction of Canadian courts to hear human rights, environmental law, labour law, and criminal law cases treating alleged offences committed by Canadian companies and/or their directors, or by a third party subcontracted to operate on their behalf, outside of Canada. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that under this new law companies found guilty and their directors could be tried in civil or criminal proceedings before Canadian courts for acts that contravene Canadian law, even if said acts took place in a country where they were tolerated or accepted. 1-81-13 Resolution on Non-refundable Tax Credits Submitted by the Young New Democrats of Quebec WHEREAS the government of Canada supports the creation of new non-refundable tax credits as a measure to encourage certain activities such as public transit use and purchasing sports equipment for children; WHEREAS this measure, because it takes the form of a non-refundable tax credit, is inaccessible to the very low-income families who need it the most; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Subsection 1.7 of the Policy Book: e) Eliminating discrimination against low-income earners and simplifying tax return filing by eliminating ineffective non-refundable tax credits and reinvesting the money saved in social programs. 1-82-13 Resolution on Taxation Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that NPD make the issue of taxation revenue a priority in the coming years and adopt the specific objectives of abolishing tax shelters, increasing the number of tax brackets, instituting a minimum tax rate for individuals who earn over $500,000, and other related measures. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP put forward a proposal for an international tax on the purchase, sale, or transfer of the four principal types of financial assetsshares, bonds, foreign currency, and derivativespayable by banks and other major financial institutions.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Canada join the campaign the EU is leading within the G-20 to form a coalition of countries willing to collectively institute and administer such a tax. 1-83-13 Resolution to Repeal Policy 1.13(i) on Consumer Product Safety Submitted by NorthumberlandQuinte West BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.13(i) in the Policy Book be deleted. 1-84-13 Resolution on Tax Brackets Submitted by SackvilleEastern Shore WHEREAS NDP policy opposes tax havens and that billions of tax dollars are lost to Canadians every year as a result of tax havens and that tax cuts by Liberal and Federal Governments in the past decade have restricted governments ability to provide needed services to the people of Canada and have unfairly benefited those in the highest income brackets and tax collection must be effective and be seen by Canadians to be fair, we recommend the following additional policies: BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government will develop legislation to prevent the use of tax havens as vehicles for tax avoidance. BE IT RESOLVED that NDP government would introduce two new tax brackets one for incomes above $150,000 dollars and a second for incomes above $300,000 BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government would restore the corporate tax rate to 2007 levels. BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP Government will fully fund and staff the Canada Revenue Agency to ensure tax avoidance and tax evasion are minimized. 1-85-13 Resolution on Bank of Canada and Government Borrowing Submitted by Ottawa West-Nepean WHEREAS bank-loan costs of governmental indebtedness are excruciatingly unnecessary, and WHEREAS during WW II, the Rt. Hon PM Mackenzie King executed zero % interest loans from the Bank of Canada for the benefit of the Canadian public, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP strive to implement a policy of 0% interest charges on any governmental borrowings arranged with the Bank of Canada for the benefit of the Canadian public. 1-86-13 Resolution on the Role of the Bank of Canada Submitted by Saanich-Gulf Islands THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party as government take steps as quickly as possible to revive the role of the Bank of Canada for the purpose intended, in the spirit of the 1935 terms, to enable all levels of government to borrow money, essentially interest free, for the benefit of Canada and Canadians; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Canadian governments cease to borrow from private banks or other private lending agencies as soon as this Bank of Canada legislation is in place. 1-87-13 Resolution on Marketing Boards


Submitted by Fundy Royal

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WHEREAS Marketing boards work well to provide stable, predictable prices for primary producers, and WHEREAS free trade advocates are continually pressuring the Canadian Government to remove supports for marketing boards, BE IT RESOLVED that Section 1.9.g in the Policy Book be amended to read: 1.9 Agriculture and fisheries New Democrats believe in: g) working to support and strengthen supply management for commodity sectors. 1-88-13 Resolution on the Canadian Shareholders Act Submitted by Elmwood-Transcona WHEREAS the Shareholders of approximately 196,000 federally registered companies have no oversight on compensation paid to CEOs, and WHEREAS the result of this lack of oversight on compensation for CEO and Board Member salaries, stock options, and other compensation, has resulted in a 444% salary increase of Canadas top CEOs between 1995 and 2007 (Source: McLeans Magazine); and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a Canadian Shareholders Act be introduced to Parliament that includes provisions for a Specific Vote by shareholders for the approval of the salaries and other compensation paid to Directors and top executives; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Specific Vote process has accurate and verifiable compensation information, and is flexible enough to enable shareholders to approve or disapprove an individuals overall package, or some portions of the proposed package.

1-89-13 Resolution on Full Employment Submitted by Burnaby New Westminster WHEREAS the Parliamentary Budgetary Officer finds that most labour market indicators remain weaker than their estimated trend levels; and WHEREAS the Bank of Canada has chosen to focus their resources on a 2% inflation target; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP vigorously advocates for monetary policies that promote full employment.

1-90-13 Resolution on HST & First Nations Exemption Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED that The Federal NDP support a blanket exemption to the HST for all First Nations people.


1-91-13 Resolution on Social Ownership and Economic Democracy Submitted by Richmond

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WHEREAS large corporations and financial institutions are undemocratic and hierarchical, seeking profits and power over and above the interests of citizens and the environment; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP is committed to actively campaign for and implement social ownership, including but not limited to the following industries: banking, manufacturing, communications, energy, health care, insurance, medical drugs, natural resources, and mass transportation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these industries be democratically controlled and managed by their workers, by instituting direct election of plant managers and enterprise directors, with the right of recall by their electors, and integrate significant and meaningful consumer participation in the decision-making process. 1-92-13 Resolution on Taxation Submitted by Kildonan-St. Paul WHEREAS the present taxation system is badly skewed in favour of the wealthy, and; WHEREAS many years ago the Carter Commission appointed by then Prime Minister Diefenbaker, recommended a major reform of our tax system; essentially advocating that all income be taxed fairly (no special treatment for share dividends) and; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP federal government would overhaul our tax system to provide greater relief to low income earners and provide for a greater contribution from those in society that are far better able to pay back to society a fairer portion of their income.

1-93-13 Resolution on Progressive and Fair Taxation Submitted by Halifax Changes to read: 1.7 Progressive and fair taxation New Democrats believe in: a. A progressive tax system. b. A tax system that is robust enough to support expanded, effective public services and programs. c. Taxing capital gains and stock options at the same rate as salaries or wages. d. An aggressive response to tax evasion, including the use of tax havens. e. Converting deductions from taxable income to tax credits to simplify the tax system and make it more progressive. f. Making tax credits refundable to assist very low income Canadians


g. Ensuring that profitable corporations pay a fair share of taxes. h. Restoring estate taxes on estates over $1 million as an element of a progressive tax system. i. Targeting tax reductions to help low and modest income Canadians. j. Introducing a Financial Transactions (Tobin) Tax k. Eliminating Tax Free Savings Accounts as a means of tax avoidance 1-94-13 Resolution on the work week Submitted by Richmond

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WHEREAS the Canadian work week is among the longest in the industrialized world, a situation proven to cause increased stress, illness and lower productivity; and WHEREAS tens of thousands of new jobs would be created if the work week was reduced appropriately; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign to reduce the work week throughout Canada to 32 hours, without loss of pay or benefits to workers, and to outlaw mandatory overtime. 1-95-13 Resolution to Nationalize Big Oil and Gas Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS giant oil and gas corporations in Canada have reaped billions in profit, while despoiling the environment and ignoring the urgent need to invest substantially in making the shift towards a new green energy efficiency; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for nationalization of the energy industry, under workers and community control, to guarantee domestic supply and to furnish the basis to rebuild industry, and to create hundreds of thousands of jobs, especially in renewable energy and mass public transit. 1-96-13 Resolution to Nationalize the Big Banks and Insurance Companies Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS the giant banks are a central pillar of the failed world capitalist system, substituting lies and manipulation for genuine production, squandering untold wealth and plunging millions into destitution and misery; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for nationalization of the big five Canadian banks and major insurance companies (including life, home and auto insurance firms), to be operated under public democratic control, with compensation to the former owners in the form of low-interest, long-term bonds; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that democratic management be exercised by an elected council of bank workers, consumers, small business folk, family farmers and the labour movement as a whole. 1-97-13 Resolution to Nationalize the Auto Industry Submitted by Richmond

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WHEREAS the Big 3 North American auto companies have ignored consumer needs, shown reckless disregard for the environment and squandered enormous wealth, workers pension funds and community well-being; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for nationalization of the Big 3 auto companies, to be operated under workers and community control and advocate a shift towards building small, fuel-efficient, affordable and environmentally sustainable cars and other vehicles designed to meet societys transportation needs. 1-98-13 Resolution to Nationalize U.S. Steel Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS U.S. Steel locked out Local 1005 of the United Steelworkers and forced Steelworkers to accept an inferior pension plan for all new hires and to put an end to indexing of pensions for present retirees; and WHEREAS U.S. Steel reneged on commitments for production and employment levels it made when it took over the former Steel Company of Canada (Stelco) in 2007; and BE IT RESOLVED that the Hamilton Works-U.S. Steel Canada be put into public ownership, under workers and community democratic control and that the Canada Pension Plan divest itself of all U.S. Steel shares it holds, and instead be used as the vehicle for this purchase of U.S. Steel at no more than the price of $1.2 billion for which it was sold in 2007. 1-99-13 Resolution to Raise Minimum Wage Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS the current minimum wage is far too low to support a single person, let alone a family; and WHEREAS the current minimum wage unfairly punishes the young and food/beverage servers; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for and seek to legislate the elimination of distinctions in the minimum wage law based on age or occupation. Be it further resolved that the NDP actively campaign for and seek to legislate an increase in the minimum wage to $17.00 per hour and include a permanent, annual cost of living adjustment to keep pace with inflation. 1-100-13 Resolution on Food Safety Submitted by Chatham-Kent-Essex WHEREAS the race to maximize profits and cut corners has led multinational franchised food service industries to ignore customer demands about food quality and ignore local sourcing of meats and other fast food ingredients, and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Canadian Food inspection agency do unannounced and random DNA tests of all foods served as labeled to ensure Canadians are eating what they expect and demand and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the test be done on a semiannual basis with results published to ensure Canadian are eating what they pay for. 1-101-13 Resolution to Defend and Extend the Right to Strike Submitted by Richmond

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WHEREAS governments are increasingly seek to erode, restrict or eliminate workers right to strike, falsely arguing that unions and strikes pose a threat to public health and safety, while governments themselves trample human needs by de-regulating capital, privatizing public services, and facilitating growing corporate control over all facets of life; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for, and seek to legislate, the unfettered right to strike for all working people, and that the party respect the integrity and competence of unions to safeguard public health and safety, and provide for the delivery of genuinely essential services during a strike by their members. 1-102-13 Resolution on Crisis and Austerity Cuts Submitted by the Toronto Young New Democrats WHEREAS we are in the midst of a deep economic crisis, the "Great Recession", which mainstream commentators and economists are saying is comparable to, and could even be more devastating than, the Great Depression of the 1930s. BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP asserts that working people should not pay for a crisis caused by the financial and industrial elite. BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP expose the hypocrisy of the capitalist system where the rich are bailed out and receive huge bonuses while the working majority face huge cuts. BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP use its influence to help mobilize a mass movement against austerity measures, and to stand as a firm voice in defence of the needs of working people.

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Panel 2: Building a Clean and Sustainable Canada


2-01-13 Resolution on Coastal and Marine Area Protection Submitted by DartmouthCole Harbour WHEREAS, Canada has the longest coastline in the world and Canadians expect and deserve healthy oceans and marine areas for present and future generations. BE IT RESOLVED, that the following clause be added to section 2.1 of the policy book. New Democrats believe in: - Canadas commitment to protect at least 10% of coastal and marine areas by 2020 as committed to under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. 2-02-13 Resolution on Updating the Federal Water Policy Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP support updating the Federal Water Policy. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Policy must be updated in a manner respectful of provincial and municipal jurisdiction over water management. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the policys core principles should include the notions already part of the NDP policythat free universal access to clean water is a human right, and integrated water management must ensure that reserves of clean water are adequate to maintain aquatic ecosystems. 2-03-13 Resolution on a National Mining Strategy Submitted by Nickel Belt WHEREAS Canada, a major mining country, was a top 10 producer of 17 key metals and minerals in 2012; and WHEREAS New Democrats understand the significance of mining to Canadas overall economy and to our mining communities in particular; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to Section 1.2 of the policy book: New Democrats believe in E. Supporting a national mining strategy that will contribute to sustainable development, job protection, training and skills development, responsible treatment of the environment, as well as community and Aboriginal partnerships for resource sharing. 2-04-13 Resolution on Support for the Forestry Industry Submitted by BurnabyNew Westminster, Gaspsie-Iles-de-la-Madeleine WHEREAS the evolution of the market for forest products over the last decade has had an important impact on the forestry industry, including: the declining demand for newsprint; the lower number of construction projects; the dispute with the United States over the export of softwood lumber; and the rise in international competition combined with a strong Canadian dollar and high fuel costs; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP reaffirm its opposition to the softwood lumber agreements signed by the Liberals in 1996 and by the Conservatives in 2006 that are still preventing the expansion of our industry;

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP work in consultation with provinces and territories to put forward a strategy to revive Canadas forestry industry, with the objective of creating value-added jobs, developing our forests in a sustainable way, and respecting aboriginal rights; BE IT RESOLVED that this strategy include measures to diversify the secondary manufacturing of timber through programs in support of research and development; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call on the government of Canada to expand international markets to Canadian wood, especially in Asia. 2-05-13 Resolution on Improving Pipeline Safety and Environmental Protection Submitted by BurnabyNew Westminster WHEREAS the Conservatives have used numerous omnibus budget bills to weaken environmental protections in order to fast track major energy projects; WHEREAS the construction of large scale oil pipelines for export of raw bitumen amounts to the export of tens of thousands of value added processing jobs from Canada; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT New Democrats condemn the reckless gutting of environmental assessments through Conservative changes to the Fisheries Act, National Energy Board Act, Navigable Waters Protection Act, and Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT New Democrats reaffirm their commitment to thorough, evidence based reviews of proposed energy pipeline projects and that full public consultation must be open and accessible to all concerned; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT any construction or maintenance of energy pipelines should be based on the highest safety standards; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NEB should be directed to consider the impacts of proposed pipelines on the sustainability of the environment and of value-added processing of resources. 2-06-13 Resolution to Reverse changes to Fish Habitat Protection, to Navigable Waters Protection, and to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Submitted by Gaspsie-Iles-de-la-Madeleine, DartmouthCole Harbour WHEREAS, instead of strengthening habitat protection and environmental oversight, the Conservative government has: gutted the Fisheries Act and the Navigable Waters Protection Act; weakened the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; cut funding for science and research; and continues to ignore the threats of climate change to Canadas oceans; and BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats call on the Conservative Government to reverse changes to fish habitat protection, to Navigable Waters Protection, and to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government immediately implement the 75 recommendations identified in the Cohen Commission Report, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that cuts to funding for fisheries science and ecosystem management be restored 2-07-13 Resolution on Protecting our Coastlines, Lakes and Streams


Submitted by Trinity-Spadina BE IT RESOLVED that Section 2.1 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage:

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2.1 Protecting nature and our ecosystems. New Democrats believe in: Protecting our rivers, streams, lakes and coastlines by reversing the gutting of the Navigable Water Protection Act and implementing clear safeguards against oil spills and dangerous pipeline construction. 2-08-13 Resolution on Opposing Fossil Fuel Subsidies Submitted by Ottawa-Centre WHEREAS, human-induced climate change is threatening the health of eco-systems and is one of the most important social justice issues of our time, given that those who have contributed least to the problem are suffering its worst consequences; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the following clause be added to section 2.3 of the policy book: New Democrats believe in: d. Eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, tax rebates and incentives, for the exploration, extraction, production, transportation, and export of fossil fuels. 2-09-13 Resolution on Innovation, Science and Technology Policy: Supporting a balanced innovation ecosystem Submitted by Burnaby Douglas WHEREAS increased productivity in Canada depends on government support at both ends of the innovation pipeline - from basic research to commercialization. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP believes in a balanced and sustainable relationship between basic and commercially-oriented scientific research; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP target tax credits and other incentives towards research and development and skills training to promote productivity, sustainability and innovation in Canadian industry; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP commit to streamlining and simplifying Research & Development support programs to make them more accessible to small and medium businesses; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP supports public scientific infrastructure and researcherdriven and blue-sky scientific research through adequate investment. 2-10-13 Resolution on Value Added Jobs and Net Benefits from Resource Development Submitted by Churchill WHEREAS Canada has some of the most significant natural resources in the world; WHEREAS it is important to ensure the sustainable development of these resources that includes maximizing value added jobs and other benefits to Canadians; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party would establish clear criteria for netbenefit in any foreign investment.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party in government would work with Aboriginal people, the labour movement, provinces and resource companies to maximize value added jobs and spin offs from the development of Canadian natural resources. 2-11-13 Resolution on the Environment Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS a strong investment in scientific research is paramount to understanding the effect human activities have on the environment; and WHEREAS political interference in independent research harms the credibility of that research and erodes public trust; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 2.1 of the policy book: 2.1 New Democrats believe in: g. Protecting, funding and supporting scientific research related to protecting nature and our ecosystems and ensuring such research is conducted free from political interference. 2-12-13 Resolution on the decline of bee populations Submitted by Hull-Aylmer BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP demand that the Government of Canada prioritize a study examining ways to stem the decline of bee populations in Canada and implement the ensuing recommendations. 2-13-13 Resolution on an R&D Fund for Photosynthetic Algae Fuel Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP promote the use of photosynthetic algae fuel and the creation of a federal R&D fund for developing 2nd and 3rd generation biofuels including photosynthetic algae fuels. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in the spirit of international solidarity and development, research findings be shared with developing nations. 2-14-13 Resolution on Resources Submitted by Brossard-La Prairie WHEREAS nonrenewable resources like oil and natural gas have created a huge wealth gap between Canadian provinces, so much so that the countrys fragile economic and demographic balance is now under threat; BE IT RESOLVED that an act be passed to amend the federal governments current equalization formula for the provinces to include 100% of nonrenewable resources (and not just 50% as is currently the case) in revenue calculations in order to more fairly redistribute financial resources to disadvantaged provinces and thereby ensure quality public health and education services across the country. 2-15-13 Resolution on the Environment Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS For years, pharmaceutical products and personal care products (PPCPs) have been flushed into the environment via waste water and other channels; WHEREAS These products can be found in the water of most filtration plants in the country;


BE IT RESOLVED that the federal government work in concert with the provincial, municipal, and aboriginal governments in order to - Record instances of pharmaceutical products and personal care products (PPCPs) and aluminum sulfates in drinking water; - Identify risks associated with the presence of these products in drinking water; - Develop measures to guarantee access for all to high-quality drinking water; and - Commit to ensuring this strategy is funded and implemented. 2-16-13 Resolution on Opposing a Northern Gateway Pipeline Submitted by Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, Aboriginal Peoples Commission WHEREAS Enbridge has applied to build a high-capacity oil pipeline from Alberta through the B.C. interior to the Pacific coast; and

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WHEREAS the proposed pipeline is strongly opposed by most British Columbians and B.C. First Nations; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party oppose the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party oppose any new oil tanker terminal on the B.C. coast. 2-17-13 Resolution on Protecting Public Land and Water Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that Subsection 2.1(f) of the Policy Book be replaced as follows: Working with provincial and territorial governments, aboriginal peoples, civil society actors, and other stakeholders to protect at least half of all Canadian land and water by making them off-limits to industrial development. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Subsection 2.1(g) of the Policy Book read as follows: Opening new national parks and a network of protected marine areas, and ensuring that environmental integrity remain the top priority when opening and managing parks.

2-18-13 Resolution on to Phase out salmon farms Submitted by Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, Aboriginal Peoples Commission WHEREAS a recent study by marine biologists written in the Public Library of Science Journal reported that salmon farming operations have reduced wild salmon populations by up to 40 per cent in some parts of the world; and WHEREAS sea lice are a lethal threat to the survival of young Pacific wild salmon in Canada and are a common feature of farmed salmon; and

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the federal New Democratic Party press the federal government to enact legislation that will phase out open-net salmon farms in Canada; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Canada call on other countries where open-net salmon farms exist to work toward the elimination of those farms. 2-19-13 Resolution on Energy Efficient Building Practices Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP believe that national and provincial building codes should ensure all new construction comply to a LEEDS (Leading Energy Efficiency Design System) building code. 2-20-13 Resolution on Cetacean Captivity Submitted by Victoria WHEREAS international scientific research has established the sentience and self-awareness, social complexity and family bonds, and language and culture of cetaceans, BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP Policy Book, section 2.1 is amended by adding the following text: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP commit to ending cetacean captivity and cetacean captive breeding. 2-21-13 Resolution on Public Lands and Waters Submitted by Ottawa-Centre WHEREAS Climate change and habitat destruction threaten the health of our ecosystems more than ever; WHEREAS Canada has the last, best opportunity in the world to protect large, wild spaces; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that section 2.1 f) of the policy book be replaced with the following: f) Working with provincial and territorial governments, Aboriginal Peoples, civil society and other interested parties to protect at least half of Canadas public lands and waters from industrial development. g) Establishing new national parks and a network of marine protected areas, and ensuring that ecological integrity remains the first priority in the establishment and management of all parks.

2-22-13 Resolution on Value-Added Submitted by BurnabyNew Westminster WHEREAS Canada possesses valuable natural resources that can be a source of prosperity and economic success for generations to come, if managed properly; WHEREAS employment associated with value-added production is often quality and family-sustaining; and

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats support developing and adding value to those natural resources within Canada to return the greatest possible benefit to the Canadian public and the Canadian economy. 2-23-13 Resolution on Federal support for renewable energy projects Submitted by BurnabyNew Westminster WHEREAS the Conservative government has dramatically cut federal support for the development of renewable energy in Canada; WHEREAS Canada must act urgently to reduce the carbon intensity of its energy production, in order to address our international role in tackling climate change; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats encourage federal support for major renewable energy projects proposed by Provinces; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal government should establish clear funding criteria for major green energy projects, and that support be made available for qualifying projects from all provinces. 2-24-13 Resolution on Renewable Energy Part 1 Submitted by BurnabyNew Westminster BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats call on the Conservative government to re-establish programs to reduce energy demand like ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes, which on average allowed homeowners to be able to reduce their energy bills by 23%; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats oppose subsidies to oil and gas companies, and call for their elimination in line with Canadas 2009 G-20 commitment. 2-25-13 Resolution on Renewable Energy Part 2 Submitted by BurnabyNew Westminster WHEREAS increasing access to renewable energy is a vital component of any plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security in Canada; WHEREAS the renewable energy sector is an important and growing employer across the country; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democrats work to secure Canadas position as a global leader in the development of renewable energy and push the Conservative government to adopt balanced energy policies that improve Canadas energy security, respect all jurisdictions, and spark a shift to a lower-carbon economy; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats work with provincial counterparts, First Nations, renewable energy producers, environmental organizations, renewable energy experts, communities, labour and other stakeholders to develop a made in Canada policy framework that would enhance research and development, access to venture capital, and options for community ownership for renewable energy, and put Canadians, and the public interest, first. 2-26-13 Resolution to Institute a National Food Policy for Traceability and Prevention, Particularly with Regard to GMOs Submitted by the Quebec Section


BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to institute a mandatory system of traceability across the supply chain in Canada to enhance food security, and increase the budget of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to better serve the public in food inspection.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP advocate for the mandatory labeling of GMOs in all consumer food products. 2-27-13 Resolution on the Northern Gateway Pipeline Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP take a strong and clear stance calling for the immediate cancellation of the Northern Gateway Pipeline project on environmental, social, and economic grounds. 2-28-13 Resolution on the Ring of Fire Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP pursue legislation which ensures that Northern Ontario benefit from the processing and refining of the ore extracted in the Ring of Fire BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP believe the Development in the Ring of Fire must include not merely consultations but consent with First Nations throughout the region, and must result in economic and social benefit to their communities. 2-29-13 Resolution on Greening Canada Submitted by Kildonan--St. Paul WHEREAS trees are recognized as lungs of the earth, absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen and; WHEREAS there exist thousands of miles of highways where driven snow creates an extreme hazard for road travellers; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that our NDP party include in its national campaign platform, a commitment to work with the provinces to develop and carry out a comprehensive highway shelterbelt program. 2-30-13 Resolution on Reducing Carbon Emissions Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS science has established that Canadas greenhouse gas emission reduction targets are not sufficient to reduce total CO2 levels below 350ppm as recommended by Dr. James Hansen of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and endorsed by many other climate scientists, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP seek to introduce legislation to establish scientifically endorsed targets for reducing Canadas greenhouse gas emissions, and THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP seek to introduce legislation to create a plan, to be audited by the Auditor General, for meeting these targets 2-31-13 Resolution on a Federal Asbestos Registry Submitted by Blackstrap WHEREAS a registry should include verification of all inspection/maintenance records for all sites where

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asbestos is detected. If there are deteriorated asbestos fibers they must be immediately encapsulated and thereafter monitored, or removed where necessary and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada support the establishment of a mandatory federal registry of public buildings containing asbestos in Canada which includes an enforcement strategy for those who do not fully comply with the legislation. 2-32-13 Resolution on Protecting Canadas Marine Habitats Submitted by Kitchener Centre, Malpeque, North Vancouver WHEREAS Canada has 7.1 million square km of marine habitat (including the Great Lakes), which have been divided into 29 distinct marine regions by Parks Canada; WHEREAS today there are five marine regions, each with a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) and another 15 marine regions with at least one area of interest (prospective NMCA); BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP believes that: - Marine areas of interests should, unless infeasible, be established as National Marine Conservation Areas; and - Marine regions with no identified area of interest should, unless infeasible, have at least one identified area of interest. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 2.1 in the policy book: 2.1 New Democrats believe in: g) Protecting Canada's marine regions by establishing National Marine Conservation Areas in all 29 regions by 2025. 2-33-13 Resolution on HST Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP call on the government to - Drop the 5% federal sales tax on home heating; - Re-introduce the popular ecoEnergy retrofit program so Canadians can afford to make their homes more energy efficient; and - End the subsidies to the big polluters that are gouging Canadians on their home heat bill.

2-34-13 Resolution on Alternate Electric Power Generation Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP move to enact legislation and policy to ensure: 1. Improving local and community consultation requirements for all wind energy projects 2. Requiring foreign owned large industrial wind energy companies who receive federal or provincial subsidies to guarantee adequate return in jobs, lower energy prices and other community benefits

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3. Linking wind farms and other alternative energy initiatives to national and provincial energy strategies, including conservation and retrofit programs. 4. Opposing wind energy projects that can be shown to clearly damage the environment either offshore or on land 2-35-13 Resolution on the Regulatory Framework for Installing Telecommunications Towers in Urban Areas Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call for clearer and more stringent Industry Canada regulations on siting criteria for telecommunications towers that would exclude residential areas. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP encourage telecommunications companies to work together and share infrastructure to reduce the total number of towers needed. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP support municipal governments that enact by-laws that provide a structured regulatory framework for siting telecommunications towers. 2-36-13 Resolution on the Right to a Healthy Environment Submitted by Vancouver Kingsway WHEREAS Canadians deserve the right to live in a healthy environment which guarantees clean air, water, soil and biological diversity BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will work together with politicians of all persuasions to enshrine the right to a healthy environment into Canadas Charter of Rights and Freedom 2-37-13 Resolution on Updating the National Organic Standard Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call on the government of Canada to immediately assign the personnel needed to maintain the National Organic Standard, which was originally slated for revision in 2011. 2-38-13 Resolution on the Political Actions of Nonprofit Environmental Groups Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP take a position against any and all actions that would jeopardize comprehensive environmental impact assessment of major industrial projects. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP do everything in its power to counter the current governments attacks on nonprofit environmental groups. 2-39-13 Resolution to Study Shale Gas Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call on the federal government to conduct a detailed study of the chemicals used to explore for and extract shale gas in Canada, their impact on the health of Canadians, and their effect on drinking water, and to release the results to the public. 2-40-13 Resolution on Reducing Carbon Emissions Submitted by Sudbury


BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP undertake an immediate review of current climate change science and policy. 2-41-13 Resolution on Climate Change and Green Economy Submitted by Halifax

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WHEREAS Canada remains the first and only country in the world to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol; WHEREAS Canada has committed to taking action to avoid a global temperature rise of more than 2 degrees Celsius: and BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats reaffirm our commitment to fighting climate change at home and abroad, including living up to Canadas responsibilities to assist developing countries with the adaptation and mitigation of climate change; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats advocate policies in support of the transition to a greener economy, including support for energy efficiency and renewable energy, enhanced international cooperation, and a price on carbon to ensure that polluters pay for the pollution they create; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats continue to work with all Canadians to hold the Harper Conservatives to account for their inaction in the face of the climate crisis and to urge immediate, effective action. 2-42-13 Resolution on an Environmental Compensation Program for Agricultural Producers Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that clause d of Subsection 1.9, Agriculture and Fisheries, be amended to replace the term wooded buffer zones with the more inclusive term buffer strips; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following clause be added to the end of Subsection 2.1, Protecting nature and our ecosystems: Establishing an environmental program to financially compensate agricultural producers or riparian owners for buffer strips set up on bodies of water to protect the environment that go beyond the requirements of current regulations. 2-43-13 Resolution on an Alternative to Cap-and-Trade Submitted by Toronto-Danforth, the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings, Beaches-East York BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP undertake an immediate review of current climate change science and policy to determine an effective alternative to Cap-and-Trade which can be implemented quickly should efforts to establish a carbon market fail to reduce actual CO2 emissions by 2016. 2-44-13 Resolution to Ban Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) in the Great Lake Basin Submitted by Huron-Bruce WHEREAS, natural gas is a fossil fuel which contributes to global warming, acid rain and ground level ozone and which causes respiratory illnesses and childhood asthma; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the New Democratic Party of Canada support a ban on hydraulic fracturing in the Great Lakes basin. 2-45-13 Resolution on Protecting Canadas Public Lands and Waters Submitted by Saanich-Gulf Islands


Amend section 2.1f, replacing it with the following:

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f) Changed "Working with provincial and territorial governments, civil society and other interested parties, and honouring the duty to consult with aboriginal peoples to protect at least half of Canada's public lands and waters from industrial development and resource extraction. g) Establishing new national parks and a network of marine protected areas, and ensuring that ecological integrity remains the first priority in the establishment and management of all parks. 2-46-13 Resolution on Line 9 Submitted by Oshawa WHEREAS the reversal of Line 9 poses deep environmental, health and safety risks to the 99 cities and towns, and 14 indigenous communities, that Enbridges pipeline would pass through; and WHEREAS these local communities have not been consulted about this proposed pipeline; and, BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign against Line 9, or any other corporate project that threatens the health, safety, and environment of Canadians. 2-47-13 Resolution on Stopping Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Oil Pipeline Expansion Submitted by Burnaby Douglas WHEREAS Kinder Morgan Canada has announced plans to more than double the capacity of its existing pipeline from Edmonton, Alberta to a port facility in Burnaby, B.C., exposing terrestrial, aquatic, coastal and marine environments to greatly increased risk of catastrophic releases of petroleum products; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Canadas New Democrats oppose the proposed expansion of Kinder Morgans Trans Mountain pipeline to the Pacific coast. 2-48-13 Resolution on Nuclear Waste Transport and Storage Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP oppose the storage of nuclear waste in Northern Ontario. 2-49-13 Resolution to Phase out the Alberta Tar Sands Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS the Alberta Tar Sands are the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada are the single greatest obstacle to Canada meeting its global climate change responsibilities; and BE IT RESOLVED that development of the Alberta Tar Sands be halted and rapidly phased out, that public subsidies cease and that profits from the tar sands industry be conscripted to develop and implement environmentally friendly, green energy alternatives. 2-50-13 Resolution to Stop the Pipeline Submitted by Richmond, Thornhill BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP oppose energy resource pipeline construction, west to east, or in any direction, and that the party counterpose to fossil fuel extraction, shipment and use, the alternative of green energy generation such as by wind, solar, hydro and geo-thermal means.


2-51-13 Resolution on Energy and Pipelines Submitted by Toronto-Danforth BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to Section 2.4 of the policy book:

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i. Opposing the shipment of unrefined oil-sands bitumen through pipelines (new or old) over long distances, and only supporting the shipment of refined bitumen in the context of (1) the refining taking place close to the source of extraction, (2) the end product being intended for consumption within Canada, and (3) a broader strategy that includes a move towards renewable energy sources and a just transition for the workers employed in oil-sands related industries. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT subsequent clauses in Section 2.4 be reordered as necessary. 2-52-13 Resolution on Opposing Kinder Morgan Pipeline Expansion Submitted by Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca WHEREAS pipeline projects put First Nations homelands, rights, traditions and livelihoods at risk; and WHEREAS proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion would pump additional raw petroleum products through British Columbia, causing a dramatic increase in tanker traffic and increasing the chances for spills on land and in coastal waterways; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the federal New Democratic Party oppose expansion or construction of new pipeline capacity to the B.C. coast; and LET IT FURTHER BE RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party oppose any expansion of oil tanker traffic on B.C.s South Coast and the Salish Sea. 2-53-13 Resolution on the Right to a Healthy Environment Submitted by Toronto-Danforth Be it resolved that the following clause be added to Section 2.1 of the Policy Book: 2.1 New Democrats believe in: g. The need to amend Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms to enshrine an equal right of all Canadians to live in a healthy environment.

Panel 3: Investing in a Canada Where No One is Left Behind


3-01-13 Resolution on Employment Insurance Submitted by Gaspsie-Iles-de-la-Madeleine, Charlesbourg Haute-Saint-Charles WHEREAS seasonal industries are a vibrant and essential part of Canadian identity and economy; WHEREAS new categories of EI claimants and related definitions of suitable employment will depress overall wages, harm the economy of both rural and urban Canadian communities; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Conservative government must hire sufficient staff to properly administer Service Canada programs and dramatically reducing wait times;

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the government improve the Working While on Claim pilot project so that it does not create disincentives for EI recipients to work while receiving claims; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP calls on the government to reverse devastating changes it has made to Employment Insurance which restrict access and benefits, depress wages, push vulnerable Canadians into poverty and download costs to the provinces; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP calls on the government to reinstate the Extra Five Weeks pilot project to avoid the impending black hole of financial insecurity facing workers in seasonal industries and the regional economies they support. 3-02-13 Resolution on a National Strategy for Affordable Housing Submitted by DartmouthCole Harbour WHEREAS, access to safe, affordable housing is a right for all Canadians; and WHEREAS, Canada is the only G8 country to have no long-term plan for housing; BE IT RESOLVED, that the following clause be added to section 3.5 of the policy book. New Democrats believe in: - implementing a national strategy to ensure secure, adequate, accessible and affordable housing for Canadians in partnership with provinces, municipalities, Aboriginal communities, non-profit and private sector housing providers and civil society organizations, including those that represent groups in need of adequate housing. 3-03-13 Resolution on Seniors and Retirees Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS many seniors in Canada continue to live in poverty; and WHEREAS every Canadian should have a right to retire in dignity; and WHEREAS raising age eligibility limits unfairly penalizes the working poor and disabled: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 3.7.a of the policy book be amended to read: a. Maintaining the universality of Old Age Security (OAS) and increasing funding for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) with eligibility set at age 65.

3-04-13 Resolution on Ending Sexual Harassment in the RCMP Submitted by Alfred-Pellan WHEREAS employees and formers employees of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have brought to light serious allegations of sexual harassment within the RCMP; WHEREAS the allegations of sexual harassment in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police undermines public confidence in the national police force; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada continues to urge the Government of Canada to take a leadership role in ending the culture of sexual harassment in the RCMP by identifying and addressing the underlying systemic causes of gender inequality in the RCMP; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to collect specific data on the occurrences of sexual harassment in federally regulated workplaces and report these findings to Parliament. 3-05-13 Resolution on Safe Food Submitted by Blackstrap WHEREAS concerns about food safety are growing across Canada. WHEREAS numerous Canadian polls show consumers are concerned about food safety and food handling methods. WHEREAS the policies and the rules are not always enforced.

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP Opposition ensure that the federal government maintain Canadian food policies and inspection standards at the highest possible level and that policies for food safety, inspection and financial and human resources be reviewed regularly. 3-06-13 Resolution on Access to Post-Secondary Education Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP fully acknowledge Quebecs exclusive jurisdiction in education, as per the Sherbrooke Declaration. BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP reaffirm its commitment to accessible, high-quality post-secondary education. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP work in solidarity with all those calling for equitable access to post-secondary education for all Canadians, without overstepping the bounds of federal jurisdiction. 3-07-13 Resolution on Health Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS the project of universal healthcare is incomplete until all direct and ancillary healthcare services are publically funded; and WHEREAS the funding of public healthcare has shifted disproportionately to the provincial/territorial governments since public health care was established; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 3.1.a of the policy book be amended to read: a. The right of all Canadians to have universal access to comprehensive, high-quality public health care that is transferable between provinces and territories.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Section 3.1.c of the policy book be amended to read: c. Negotiating increased healthcare transfers to the provinces and territories through a mandatory consultation process to be convened on a fixed schedule. 3-08-13 Resolution in Support of a Poverty Elimination Strategy Submitted by Sudbury BE IT RESOLVED THAT Federal NDP support a poverty elimination strategy for Canada as outlined in st the C-233 (41 Parl) Jean Crowder bill An Act to Eliminate Poverty, and in the NDP-initiated 3-year


Parliamentary Committee study, Federal Poverty Reduction Plan: Working in Partnership Towards Reducing Poverty in Canada 3-09-13 Resolution on Gun Control Submitted by Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca WHEREAS effective gun control is an important tool to protect public safety; and

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WHEREAS the Harper Conservatives have repeatedly taken the advice of the gun lobby while ignoring police; and WHEREAS even Prime Minister Stephen Harper recognizes that the unbalanced Minister's Firearms Advisory Committee is in need of review; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democrats oppose Conservative efforts to weaken mental health checks in firearms licensing; and that New Democrats call for the disbanding of the Minister's Firearms Advisory Committee and its reconstitution to include police, public health and safety experts; and that New Democrats seek the input of stakeholders (including police, womens organizations, hunters, rural and Aboriginal Canadians) on how to improve gun laws to enhance public safety; and that New Democrats call on the Conservatives to respect the court injunction protecting Quebec firearms registry data and cease using taxpayer money to fight the creation of a provincial non-restricted firearms registry in Quebec. 3-10-13 Resolution on Marijuana Decriminalization Submitted by Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca WHEREAS the New Democratic Party recognizes the failure of drug prohibition policies; and WHEREAS the Party recognizes the criminal repercussions of drug prohibition policies; and WHEREAS the Party affirmed its support for the decriminalization of marijuana use among adults through a resolution in 1999; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Party reaffirm its commitment to decriminalize marijuana use among adults, as the first step towards legalization through a regulatory approach, based on reducing risk and harm, and emphasizing prevention, public education, health promotion and safety. 3-11-13 Resolution on Childcare Submitted by Ottawa-Centre, Churchill WHEREAS quality child care remains hard to find and unaffordable for a majority of families in Canada; and WHEREAS Quebec's child care system supports women's participation in the workforce and provides early childhood education while increasing government revenues; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP convene a summit of parents, child care workers, advocates, researchers and policymakers, bringing them together to discuss challenges facing working families, examine the lessons learned in Quebec and elsewhere, and create a new vision for a real child care system; and

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the outcome of this summit will be presented at the next convention and integrated into further NDP policy and platform development. 3-12-13 Resolution on a National Dementia Strategy Submitted by Nickel Belt WHEREAS three-quarters of a million Canadians suffer from dementia-related illness, a figure projected to double to 1.4 million within a generation; WHEREAS family caregivers, without resources, spend millions of unpaid hours per year looking after loved ones; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to Section 3.1 of the policy book: New Democrats believe in a national dementia strategy, as outlined in Bill C-356, to promote research, earlier diagnosis and intervention; to support caregivers; to develop workforce training programs; and to integrate primary, home and community care.

3-13-13 Resolution on Support for Mental Health Submitted by DartmouthCole Harbour WHEREAS in any given year, one in five people in Canada experiences a mental health problem or illness, with a cost to the economy of well in excess of $50 billion; and WHEREAS in 2012 the Mental Health Commission of Canada published Changing Directions, Changing Lives, a comprehensive national strategy on Mental Health. BE IT RESOLVED, that the following clause be added to section 3.1 of the policy book. New Democrats believe in: - improving mental health outcomes for all Canadians by supporting the six strategic recommendations found in the Mental Health Commission of Canadas 2012 report: Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada.

3-14-13 Resolution on the Expansion of Post Secondary Bursaries for Students with Disabilities Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS Canadians with disabilities often face a broader range of financial barriers to accessible postsecondary education; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 3.2 of the policy book: [New Democrats believe in:] x) the expansion of post-secondary bursaries for low income persons with disabilities 3-15-13 Resolution on Reproductive Health


Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West

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WHEREAS current reproductive health programs in Canada are inconsistent from province to province, often inadequately funded or exclusionary to some; BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 3.1.k. in the policy book be amended to read: 3.1.k. Establishing a comprehensive policy on reproductive health, including sexual health, contraception, pre- and post-natal care, and the guarantee of fully funded, universally accessible abortion procedures. 3-16-13 Resolution on Equal Access to Employment Insurance Benefits for Temporary Foreign Workers Submitted by UFCW Canada, UFCW Canada Local 1518, UFCW Canada Local 1000A WHEREAS An estimated 800,000 temporary foreign workers in Canada pay full premiums with employers into the Employment Insurance (EI) program but are not eligible for the primary benefit when laid off and return home due to residency regulations implemented by the federal government; and WHEREAS Temporary foreign workers were eligible for the secondary benefits under the EI program for Parental and Maternal benefit; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the NDP call on the Harper Government to repeal this regulation and restore access to these secondary benefits for all foreign workers; and THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That an NDP Government would repeal the residency requirement and allow full universal access to EI benefits to all those who contribute into the system. 3-17-13 Resolution on an Asbestos Abatement Program Submitted by Blackstrap WHEREAS there are millions of feet of asbestos insulation and materials that are presently in place and rapidly deteriorating. They present a greater hazard today than when they were initially installed. This asbestos has deteriorated over time and now we have a public health crisis that desperately needs attention. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada support and/or introduce legislation to establish a program that provides Canadians with information about solutions for replacing asbestos with safer substitutes and developing economic and technological mechanisms to stimulate its replacement; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada support and/or introduce strategies and legislation that seeks to improve early diagnosis, treatment, social and medical rehabilitation of asbestos-related diseases and to establish registries of people with past and/or current exposures to asbestos. 3-18-13 Resolution on Strengthening Witness Protection Submitted by Trinity-Spadina Be it resolved that Section 3.8 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage: 3.8 Justice and crime prevention. New Democrats believe in: Fighting crime and strengthening witness protection by establishing a truly national witness protection program with proper federal funding and resource that makes it safe for individuals to testify.


3-19-13 Resolution on Community Safety Submitted by Gatineau

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WHEREAS Parliament passed Omnibus Bill C-10 on criminal justice under the gag order, without meaningful consultation with the provinces; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP continue to fight for a justice system that respects the rights and freedoms of Canadians, the opinions of various justice and public safety actors and experts, and the independence of the judiciary; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an NDP government would work to build a justice system characterized by balance, stability, integrity, accessibility, and adequate funding, and do so in collaboration with citizens groups, victims rights associations, other stakeholders, and justice and public safety experts as well as the governments of the provinces and territories, out of concern for public safety and respect for our federal system. 3-20-13 Resolution on Inter-Generational Fairness Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP espouse the principle of inter-generational fairness as defined at the 1992 Rio Summit: The right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitably meet developmental and environmental needs of present and future generations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP take the principal of inter-generational fairness into account when making political decisions. 3-21-13 Resolution on Consultation on Expansion of Canada Health Act Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS community-based health services such as physiotherapy and vision care are crucial to maintaining the health of Canadians, particularly those with complex health conditions; and WHEREAS these services are only covered under the Canada Health Act if they are provided via hospitals, of which many have cutback services; BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government consult with the provinces and territories to deliberate the expansion of the Canada Health Act to include some community-based health services. 3-22-13 Resolution on Assaults on Bus drivers and Taxi drivers Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West BE IT RESOLVED that the following be added to Section 3.9 in the policy book 3.9.k. Changing the Criminal Code of Canada so that those who assault transit workers and taxi drivers while these workers are on the job as the operators of public vehicles for the purpose of providing public transportation, will be charged and penalized in the same manner in regard to charges and penalties as those guilty of an assault on a police officer, fire fighter or ambulance attendant or driver. 3-23-13 Resolution to Maintain the Classification of Prohibited Weapons in its Entirety


Submitted by the Quebec Section

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NPD call on the government of Canada to immediately reclassify nonrestricted military-style semi-automatic rifles as prohibited weapons, as many of Canadas police forces and coroners are requesting, with a view to taking these weapons off the market and ensuring they remain traceable to and in the possession of their owners at all times, despite the abolition of the longgun registry. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NPD call on the Government of Canada to ensure that the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles be updated at least once yearly to include new weapons on the market or those that have been superficially altered to avoid a restrictive classification.

3-24-13 Resolution Against the Criminalization of Marijuana Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP oppose the Conservative governments proposed changes to the medical marijuana program. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP call on the federal government to transfer the power to issue permits to produce and distribute medical marijuana to the provinces and territories to help government corporations and medical cooperatives take control of the process.

3-25-13 Resolution on Grandfathering of Personal Use Production Licenses for Medical Marijuana Submitted by Huron-Bruce WHEREAS 9,816 Personal Use Production Licenses were issued between Jan 2012 and Dec 2012 WHEREAS this represents a doubling of the licenses issued with the knowledge that the program was to be changed Be IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada petition the government to grandfather Personal Use Production Licenses for those who have met the standards prescribed in the regulations, or to provide proper compensation due to construction costs to the holder for the loss of that license. 3-26-13 Resolution on Re-establishing the Law Reform Commission of Canada Submitted by Gatineau WHEREAS the rule of law is the cornerstone of any functioning, free democratic society; WHEREAS the Law Reform Commission of Canada admirably fulfilled this mandate from 1971 until 1993 and again from 1997 until 2006, with analyses, reports, support for the courts, and enlightened recommendations which led to concrete and positive legislative changes; BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government would reinstate the Law Reform Commission of Canada to ensure the uniform application, integrity, and proper function of the laws of Canada. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an NDP government would work jointly and respectfully with the Law Reform Commission of Canada, which would be made up of leading Canadian legal experts appointed through an independent, non-partisan process under the authority of Parliament.


3-27-13 Resolution on EI Parental Benefits Submitted by Beaches-East York

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BE IT RESOLVED the following clause be added to Section 3.6 of the policy book, after clause c, and that subsequent items be reordered accordingly: [3.6 New Democrats believe in:] d: Extending employment insurance maternity and parental benefits to accommodate children born or adopted in immediate succession.

3-28-13 Resolution on Local Processing of Employment Insurance Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP call on the government to maintain Employment Insurance processing at local Service Canada centers across Canada. 3-29-13 Resolution on Mandatory Labeling for Gluten Submitted by Hochelaga WHEREAS gluten, genetically modified or not, is a protein present in grains, bread, pasta, and a great number of other prepared foods; WHEREAS gluten is harmful to the health of a large number of Canadians and costly to the government, notably in terms of healthcare costs; BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government would enact legislation requiring labeling to indicate the presence of gluten, in any shape or form, in food products sold in Canada. 3-30-13 Resolution on the Canadian Sex Trade Submitted by Oshawa WHEREAS Canadian law has long reflected the contradictory position of recognizing a persons right to choose to engage in the sex trade while also outlawing any means of practicing this trade; and WHEREAS a persons right to choose includes the right to employ their body in any way they so choose; BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP affirm its commitment to amending sections 210-213 of the Criminal Code so as to provide a safe and legal environment for sex workers to practice their trade. 3-31-13 Resolution on Restoring Fairness to EI Submitted by Churchill WHEREAS successive Liberal and Conservative Governments have cut EI eligibility and benefits to the point that many Canadians contribute to the EI program but can't collect benefits; WHEREAS the Harper government has targeted seasonal workers with cuts; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party renew its support for an EI program that provides EI benefits that unemployed workers deserve. THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a New Democratic Party Government reverse the Harper cuts to Employment Insurance for seasonal workers.


3-32-13 Resolution on Employment Insurance Submitted by CharlesboughHaute-Saint-Charles

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WHEREAS seasonal industries comprise a dynamic, essential part of Canadas identity and economy; WHEREAS Canadian workers and their employers make EI contributions and are the owners of the program; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP undertake to work with the provinces, industry leaders, universities, and workers to give the aerospace industry the regulations, targeted investment, and specialized labour force it needs to thrive. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to work to keep aerospace driving Quebec and Canadas economies by creating quality, value-added jobs for an economy based on knowledge and innovation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to better support research and development, as well as technology demonstration programs, including for green aircraft. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to open the Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) to small businesses. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP undertake to strengthen our industrys core capacities by clearly applying the Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) policy. 3-33-13 Resolution on Employment Insurance Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS Employment Insurance is fundamentally meant to provide relief for those facing unemployment; and WHEREAS the current EI system places unfair obstacles that deny many access even though they are required to contribute; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 3.36e of the policy book be amended to read: e. Restoring the integrity of the EI program by amending the Employment Insurance Act with the following concrete measure: -Eliminate the two-week waiting period; -Bring the eligibility threshold back to a minimum of 360 working hours, regardless of the unemployment rate in the applicants area; -Refund EI contributions to those whose terms of employment prevent them from qualifying for EI benefits; -Increase the benefit rate to 60% and calculate benefits based on the best 12 weeks in the reference period; and -Improve the quality and monitoring of training and reorientation programs 3-34-13 Resolution on Old Age Security Submitted by Halifax 3.7 Seniors and retirees Add: (i) Returning the eligibility age for OAS and GIS to 65 years

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3-35-13 Resolution to Respect the Right of Canadian Seniors to Retire in Dignity and Security Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS New Democrats believe all Canadians have the right to retire in dignity, and that younger generations of Canadians should enjoy the same security of retirement as older generations, and BE IT RESOLVED THAT section 3 .7.a. be added to the policy book: 3.7.a. Reversing the changes to Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and return the age of eligibility for these programs to age 65. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT all other items in this section be alphabetized accordingly. 3-36-13 Resolution on the Renewal of the Health Accords for 2014 Submitted by Saint-Hubert-Saint-Bruno WHEREAS the Health Accords aimed at enabling important reforms of the healthcare system included in the Romanow Report that were struck in 2003 and 2004 will end in 2014; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party denounces the Conservative governments unilateral decision to reduce health transfers to the provinces and territories, increasing their tax burden and stunting opportunities for collaboration and reform of the system; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party continue to support a universal, accessible, high quality public healthcare system; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democrats continue to demand that the federal government enter into talks with the provinces and territories to renew health agreements; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party demand that the next health accords include important reforms necessary for better access to prescription drugs, home care and long term care, health professionals including family doctors, as well as important measures to help Canadians live healthy lives.

3-37-13 Resolution on Health Part 1 Submitted by York South-Weston WHEREAS NDP Leader Tommy Douglas was Canadas father of Medicare, WHEREAS the Canada Health Act establishes 5 principles of Medicare BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP restate its firm support for the 5 principles of Medicare, That Medicine in Canada be Universal, Accessible, Affordable, Portable and Publicly provided. 3-38-13 Resolution on Federal-Provincial Dialogue Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP use every means in its power to facilitate dialogue between the provinces and the federal government on healthcare funding.

3-39-13 Resolution on the Impact of Economic, Social, and Environmental Factors on Individual


Health Care Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be added to Subsection 3.1(r) of the Policy Book:

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Acknowledging that economic, social, and environmental factors impact individual, public, and community health and must be considered as social determinants of health; and Taking economic, social, and environmental factors into account when drafting economic, social, and environmental policy.

3-40-13 Resolution on Improving Canadian Mental Health Standards Submitted by Victoria WHEREAS New Democrats support investing in a Canada where no one is left behind, and believe in providing leadership and coordination in health care services for seniors; WHEREAS Kirbys recommendations 2, 3, 4 and 5 address privacy laws, disclosure of information, advance directives and designation of decision makers; r) Expediting implementation of the Kirby Reports (2006) recommendations two, three, four and five, in order to ensure clear communication between health professionals, and individuals and families and, to create a consistent framework regarding the health decision making process for Canadians suffering from mental illness, their families, and caregivers. 3-41-13 Resolution that Canada Cannot Afford Not to Have Universal Healthcare Submitted by Ottawa West-Nepean WHEREAS Canadas world renowned health care system, evolved and owned by the people of Canada, is a top concern to all Canadians Whereas the current federal/provincial /territorial Health Accord ends in 2014, but the Government of Canada has so far refused to meet to discuss its replacement, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That All Canadians should urgently demand strong leadership and concerted work at every level of government to immediately implement the following findings of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology in its report of April 2012 (Time for Transformative Change. A Review of the 2004 Health Accord): Develop National Pharmacare Universal Access (plus rigorous drug assessment) Implement Strategy for Continuing Care Improve access to health care in the North Ensure equitable access to programs and initiatives for improving aboriginal health Ensure compliance with the Canada Health Act and provide more accountability to Canadians with respect to the implementation of the Act 3-42-13 Resolution on a National Housing Strategy Submitted by Burnaby Douglas WHEREAS Canada remains one of the few industrialized nations without a national housing plan, leading to more widespread homelessness in Canada


AND WHEREAS Canada has the financial resources to ensure a basic standard of living for all Canadians, including a safe and secure housing arrangement BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 3.5 of the NDP Policy Book:

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Establishing a national housing strategy that supports the creation of additional affordable housing stock in Canada. 3-43-13 Resolution on Housing Submitted by York South-Weston WHEREAS it should be a basic right to have housing that is affordable, clean, well maintained, warm, dry and free from pests, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will pursue a policy of developing a national housing strategy, designed to ensure that every Canadian has access to proper housing. 3-44-13 Resolution on Housing Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS access to affordable, quality housing is a basic human right; and WHEREAS the responsibility for ensuring access and availability rests with all levels of government; and WHEREAS the CMHC was originally created to provide funding for social housing projects and continues to generate billions of dollars a year; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 3.5.a of the policy book be amended to read: a. Supporting social and cooperative housing, in cooperation with all levels of government and leveraging the revenues generated from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 3.5 of the policy book: 3.5 New Democrats believe in e. Working with the provinces and territories to establish a National Housing Strategy 3-45-13 Resolution on Affordable, Stable, Safe and Accessible Housing Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS Canadians deserve affordable, stable, safe and accessible housing, regardless of income; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 3.5 of the policy book: [New Democrats believe in:] x) that a national housing strategy should endeavour to provide affordable, stable, safe and accessible housing to those who cannot afford to rent or own properties at market value. 3-46-13 Resolution on Ensuring Food Safety Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher

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WHEREAS Canada recently experienced its largest beef recall in history, a troubling indication that the government has not learned from the tragic listeriosis outbreak that claimed 22 lives in 2008; WHEREAS the increased consolidation of the food industry in Canada requires better oversight in order to prevent similar far-reaching crises; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party continue to call on the Conservative government to address the mismanagement of food safety systems, starting with an audit to assess the impacts of large scale centralization of meat packing and processing on food safety, and ensure the resources of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are adequate to protect the public; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party support the creation a national database on food borne illnesses. 3-47-13 Resolution on Federal Funding for University Research Submitted by Hull-Aylmer BE IT RESOLVED THAT a new clause be added to Subsection 3.2 of the Policy Book: Ensuring that federal funding for university research is allocated primarily on a basis of public and/or scientific interest rather than commercialization potential or the interests of private business. 3-48-13 Resolution on the Health Care Accord Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that, when renewing the 2014 Health Care Accord, a provision be included to fund eye and hearing tests for kindergarten and Grade Two students as a measure to counteract learning difficulties.

3-49-13 Resolution on Not Holding People with Mental Disorders Criminally Responsible Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call on the government to amend Section 2 of the Criminal Code of Canada to specify which mental disorders may be invoked under Section 16 of Code. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a judgment finding a defendant not criminally responsible, which can currently be delivered by a jury of citizens who have no legal training, could henceforth only be handed down by judges, who are impartial representatives of the law.

3-50-13 Resolution on Cannabis Legalization Submitted by St-Laurent, Cartierville, Vancouver East WHEREAS the federal NDP at its convention in 2001 accepted and agreed to promote the Harm Reduction Model for drug addiction and abuse, by taking the responsibility for this problem away from the Attorney General/Solicitor General's offices and directing the presently allocated resources and personnel, to the Ministry of Health; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP advocate for the elimination of fines and criminal penalties for the personal cultivation and possession of cannabis by adults, and for the establishment of a regulatory framework for production and distribution of cannabis to adults, for both medical and personal use.


3-51-13 Resolution on the Elimination of Genetic Discrimination Submitted by Vancouver East, North Vancouver

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WHEREAS there is no federal or provincial legislation to protect persons with or at risk of developing genetic diseases; and WHEREAS there exists discrimination against persons who are at risk of developing, predicted, or have been identified, to develop genetic illnesses; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada calls on the federal government to implement anti-genetic discrimination protections and establish a standing body to enforce protection(s), document genetic discrimination cases and assess effectiveness of enacted protection(s); and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada calls on the federal government to also devise a public communication/education campaign to promote anti-genetic discrimination fears and aiding uptake of genetic testing and research among Canadians. 3-52-13 Resolution on Guaranteed Annual Income Submitted by Fundy Royal WHEREAS experiments with systems for Guaranteed Annual Income have shown positive results in terms of health and happiness, and economic stimulation, and WHEREAS many low income Canadians are now forced to wait until the age of 65 (or 67) before they can afford to live with a minimal level of dignity, and BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 3.4 of the Policy Book: 3.4 Fighting Poverty New Democrats believe in: e) supporting the implementation of a Guaranteed Annual Income system. 3-53-13 Resolution to Provide Canadians with a Real Plan for Retirement Income Security Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS an increasing number of Canadians lack the adequate amount of savings to maintain their standard of living into retirement and that Pooled Registered Pension Plans (PRPPs), rather than retirement security, promise only more of the same high-fees and stock-market roller coaster rides; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clauses of section 3.7 be amended to read: 3.7.a. Maintaining the universality of Old Age Security (OAS) and increasing funding for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to a sufficient level to lift every senior in Canada out of poverty immediately. 3.7.d. Working with the provinces and territories to bring about increases to the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan benefit, with the eventual goal to double the benefits they receive; 3.7.e. Working with the provinces to build-in the flexibility for Canadians and their employer to make voluntary contributions to individual public pension accounts;

Resolutions // 56 3.7.f. Amending federal bankruptcy legislation to move pensioners and long-term disability recipients to the front of the line of creditors when their employers enter court protection or declare bankruptcy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to section 3.7 in the policy and that subsequent items be alphabetized accordingly: 3.7.c. Working with the provinces and territories to improve coordination of programs for low income seniors so that they do not see benefits clawed back. 3-54-13 Resolution on Restoration of Fair and Equal Access to Employment Insurance Benefits Submitted by UFCW Canada, UFCW Canada Local 1518, UFCW Canada Local 1000A WHEREAS the federal government has taken $57 billion from the Employment Insurance fund since 1990 for general revenue; and WHEREAS the federal government does not pay into the Employment Insurance program; that solely workers and employers contribute; and WHEREAS The Harper government made drastic changes to EI regulations in its omnibus budget Bill C38; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the NDP call on the Harper government to repeal these unfair changes; and THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED That an NDP government restore a just and universal EI program that ensures that all those contributing have fair and equal access to all the benefits.

3-55-13 Resolution on ending sexual harassment in the RCMP Submitted by Esquilmalt-Juan de Fuca WHEREAS employees and former employees of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have brought to light serious allegations of sexual harassment within the RCMP; and WHEREAS the allegations of sexual harassment in the RCMP undermine public confidence in the national police force; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada continue to urge the Government of Canada to take a leadership role in ending the culture of sexual harassment in the RCMP by identifying and addressing the underlying systemic causes of gender inequality in the RCMP; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to collect specific data on the occurrences of sexual harassment in federally regulated workplaces and report these findings to Parliament. 3-56-13 Resolution on Gun Control Submitted by Gatineau WHEREAS effective gun control is a critical public safety measure for Canada;

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call for the dissolution of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee in its current form. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP support the formation of a new and balanced Canadian Advisory Committee comprising police officers, public safety and public health experts, hunters, and aboriginal and rural Canadians. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP demand that the Conservative government respect the court injunction protecting the data in the Quebec gun registry, and stop wasting taxpayer money by fighting against the creation of a registry of non-restricted weapons in Quebec. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats oppose the Conservative governments efforts to weaken mental health evaluations required to obtain a gun license. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an NDP government would consult with stakeholders, police forces, womens groups, hunters, and aboriginal and rural Canadians on ways to improve firearm legislation to enhance public safety while permitting the safe and legal possession of firearms where appropriate. 3-57-13 Resolution on Support of Poverty Elimination Strategy Submitted by Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT Federal NDP support a poverty elimination strategy for Canada as outlined in th the C-545 (40 Parl) Tony Martin bill An Act to Eliminate Poverty, and in the NDP-initiated 3-year Parliamentary Committee study, Federal Poverty Reduction Plan: Working in Partnership Towards Reducing Poverty in Canada 3-58-13 Resolution to Restore EI Benefits Submitted by Chatham-Kent-Essex WHEREAS many thousand seasonal and temporary workers have come to Canada employed in many industries including mining, aerospace, food service and agriculture and, WHEREAS seasonal and temporary foreign workers have no legal status in Canada, while doing the same work as many Canadian workers, and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the government of Canada restore and improve compassionate and parental leave benefits for seasonal and temporary off shore workers AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Cheap labor policy of this current government be discontinued with a step to ensure that seasonal and temporary foreign workers receive the same rights benefits and responsibilities as all Canadian workers including and not restricted to a path to citizenship. 3-59-13 Resolution on Social Housing through Municipal Funding Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings, Sudbury BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP support the improvement in social housing through targeted federal funding directly to municipalities. 3-60-13 Resolution on Pardons/Record Suspensions Submitted by Halifax 3.8 Justice and Crime Prevention Add:


(j) Eliminating the cost of a pardon/record suspension application fee. 3-61-13 Resolution on Social Housing Submitted by the Quebec Section

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP continue to remind Canadians that housing is fundamental right for all, and undertake to protect this right and enshrine it as a justiciable right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP call on the federal government to maintain investment in social housing at current levels, and additionally to maintain and increase funding for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS). BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a registry of the social housing units available in Canada be created, and a mechanism for controlling transactions on social housing units funded by the CMHC be instituted. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an NDP government would adopt a law requiring that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) work in conjunction with other involved stakeholders to develop a national housing strategy. 3-62-13 Resolution on Health Part 2 Submitted by York South-Weston WHEREAS NDP Leader Tommy Douglas was Canadas father of Medicare, WHEREAS Tommys vision of Medicare included in Phase one Pharmacare and Dental Care BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP work with provincial governments to provide the funding and mechanisms to ensure that everything medically necessary be provided to all Canadians as part of the Medicare system, including pharmaceuticals, routine diagnostic and preventative procedures, and medically necessary dental services, including routine examinations. 3-63-13 Resolution on Expanding the Canada Health Act Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS many Canadians benefit from a variety of health care services not offered by physicians or in hospitals; WHEREAS some services may reduce the likelihood of hospital admissions, thereby reducing costs to the system; and WHEREAS services not provided by physicians or in hospitals are not covered under the Canada Health Act; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 3.1 of the policy book: [New Democrats believe in:] x) working to expand the Canada Health Act to include some health services not provided by physicians or in hospitals 3-64-13 Resolution on Health Part 3 Submitted by York South-Weston


WHEREAS NDP Leader Tommy Douglas was Canadas father of Medicare,

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WHEREAS Tommys vision of Medicare included a Phase Two which was the overhaul of the service delivery model in Canada THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP work with the Provinces to establish a mechanism whereby all medical professionals can work together to make medical service delivery more efficient, and to provide for cost saving mechanisms such as home care for seniors and preventative systems for all. 3-65-13 Resolution on Enforcement, Policing, and Safer Communities Submitted by Winnipeg Centre WHEREAS the criminalization of marijuana possession punitively targets the end-user and restricts the ability of government to regulate the safety of marijuana usage; and WHEREAS the underground, black market economy surrounding marijuana is largely controlled by organized crime; Therefore be it resolved that Section 3.9.i of the policy book be amended to read: i. Limited legalization of marijuana possession and growth for personal use with the goal of removing its production and distribution from the control of organized crime. 3-66-13 Resolution on Policing and safer communities Submitted by Churchill WHEREAS Many aboriginal communities do not have full time RCMP station in their communities; and WHEREAS many of these communities are isolated and hours by flight or road for the RCMP to reach them THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP opposition calls on the government to adequately train and fund band councilors in First Nation communities more hour and half drive from the nearest full time RCMP detachment 3-67-13 Resolution on Ensuring the Canada Pension Plan Fulfills Retirees Needs Submitted by Kitchener Centre, Malpeque, North Vancouver, Blackstrap WHEREAS every retiree will require a minimum income to afford cost-of-living expenses; WHEREAS the Canada Pension Plan does not meet the cost-of-living needs faced by the average retiree; and WHEREAS the Canada Pension Plan provides a high return on investment with the best return-toexpense ratio of any pension plan in Canada; therefore BE IT RESOLVED that Section 3.7.d. in the policy book be amended to read: 3.7 New Democrats believe in: d) Working with the provinces and territories to bring about increases to the Canada/Quebec Pension Plan benefit, such that the minimum benefit fully covers cost-of-living expenses for the average retiree. 3-68-13 Resolution on Alternative, effective crime prevention program for Canada


Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings

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BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP articulate a clear alternative vision of effective crime prevention to the Canadian public, in accord with existing NDP policy, which respects the dignity of victims and criminals alike, respects the discretion of the courts, and focuses on rehabilitation, restorative justice and community programming whenever possible, with incarceration as a last resort. 3-69-13 Resolution on Funding Groups for the Defense of the Rights of Unemployed Canadians Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call on the government to provide groups that defend the rights of unemployed Canadians with adequate funding to give workers who lose their jobs a full and complete defense. 3-70-13 Resolution on Ending the Prohibition of Marijuana Submitted by Etobicoke-Lakeshore WHEREAS the ongoing prohibition of marijuana is estimated to cost Canadian taxpayers upwards of four hundred million dollars annually in enforcement and incarceration expenses; WHEREAS prohibition of marijuana has empowered organized crime to profit from production and circulation of the substance; BE IT RESOLVED that clause 3.9.i be replaced with the following text: Legalizing, regulating and appropriately taxing the manufacture, distribution, sale, and consumption of marijuana for adults of legal age who are not engaged in activities deemed unsuitable for intoxicated persons. 3-71-13 Resolution on Legalizing Marijuana Submitted by Fundy Royal WHEREAS the use of Marijuana is not more dangerous than Alcohol or Tobacco to a persons health, and these substances are legal and available to Canadians, and BE IT RESOLVED that Section 3.8.i in the Policy Book be amended to read: 3.8 Justice and crime prevention New Democrats believe in: i) legalizing Marijuana with the goal of removing its production and distribution from the control of organized crime. 3-72-13 Resolution on Legalizing Marijuana Possession Submitted by Halifax 3.9 Enforcement, policing, and safer communities Change: (i) Replace the word Decriminalizing with Legalizing 3-73-13 Resolution on Marijuana Legalization Submitted by Victoria WHEREAS the official position of the NDP on marijuana is decriminalization, And whereas decriminalization only removes criminal punishment for recreational pot use; and


WHEREAS decriminalization does not bring in federal revenue, BE IT RESOLVED that the current wording of section 3.9 i) NDP Policy Book, be replaced with the following text:

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP adopt the policy of the full legalization, regulation and taxation of marijuana, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Canada establish a system of taxation and regulation of marijuana, adopting similar policies of regulation as alcohol and cigarettes. 3-74-13 Resolution on Cannabis Legalization Submitted by Malpeque WHEREAS Article 3.1h of the NDP Policy Book affirms New Democrats commitment to adopting harm reduction approaches to substance abuse and permitting the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and WHEREAS Article 3.9i of the NDP Policy Book affirms New Democrats support for decriminalization of marijuana possession with the goal of removal of its production and distribution from the control of organized crime, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that cannabis and all products derived thereof shall be legalized.

3-75-13 Resolution on the End of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Submitted by Etobicoke-Lakeshore WHEREAS the criminal justice system is, and must be, founded on the basis of punishment fitting the crime; WHEREAS mandatory minimum sentencing is widely recognized as unfair, unjust, and ineffective as a deterrent; BE IT RESOLVED that the party express a firm commitment to ending the unjust practice of requiring mandatory minimum sentences; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the party commit to ensuring that in those instances when rehabilitation and reintegration require punishment, it be meted out in a manner appropriate to each individual case as determined by the presiding judge. 3-76-13 Resolution to make CPP Benefits a decent, living income for retirees Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS sufficient savings to ensure an adequate pension through an RRSP is beyond the capacity of most Canadians; and WHEREAS the Canada Pension Plan involves the least risk and has the lowest administration cost of any pension plan; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for: an immediate doubling of the combined Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement minimum benefit, an increase of 15% to the Canada Pension Plan benefit, phased in over five years and supported by an adequate increase in Employer and

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Employee Premiums; creation of a Federal Pension Insurance Board to ensure that a majority of the Board members are working class people selected by unions and progressive grassroots community organizations, and reform of the Canada Pension Plan Investment regulations leading to divestment from companies that are involved in the arms industry, that pollute the planet, or that are involved in unfair labour practices. 3-77-13 Resolution on Guaranteed Annual Income Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP support the establishment of an annual guaranteed living allowance that provides for basic needs for life and dignity. 3-78-13 Resolution on the Elimination of Tuition and Student Debt Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS the cost of post-secondary tuition has skyrocketed in recent years; and WHEREAS many students are now graduating from post-secondary institutions with student-debt of over $50,000.00; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign to ensure that federal funding for education impose requirements on the provinces to immediately freeze tuition, and through annual reductions, eliminate tuition completely within five years; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for a more equitable and progressive taxation system that would allow such increased funding of education to take place. 3-79-13 Resolution on Education Submitted by Kidonan-St. Paul WHEREAS: as a society, we already cover 80% or more of the cost of University education, and; WHEREAS: students now graduate deep in debt, and; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That an NDP federal government will fund higher education for all, including both university and technical schools; and provide that so long as the graduate remains in Canada for a minimum of 5 years of continued employment after graduation, tuition will be free. If a graduate moves to another country, they will pay back their tuition funding on a pro rata basis. 3-80-13 Resolution to Support Campaigns to Cancel Student Debt and Fees Submitted by Richmond, Thornhill WHEREAS the Federal NDP should take a principled stand on this issue, which is one of fair access and social justice, which transcends the issue of jurisdiction; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for cancellation of student debt and post-secondary education fees, and vigorously support student campaigns and strikes to rapidly reduce and abolish fees, following the lead of the massive student strike in Quebec in 2012. 3-81-13 Resolution on a Directive for Studies into Free Education Models Submitted by Peterborough

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BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal New Democratic Party conduct research into free education system models throughout the world as well as solicit ideas from individuals, groups, corporations, unions and educational institutions both nationally and internationally. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Federal Party will catalogue their findings, evaluate for feasibility and present their findings at the next convention. 3-82-13 Resolution on Free Universal Education Submitted by the Toronto Young New Democrats WHEREAS access to quality post-secondary education for working-class youth has severely declined in the past decade, WHEREAS youth from working class backgrounds are frequently crippled with massive student debt (averaging $37,000 for a 4 year degree), and/or have to work part-time or full-time jobs to pay for the cost of education, and/or are barred for monetary reasons from pursuing a higher education altogether, BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP supports the mass movement of Quebec students against tuition hikes and cuts to education funding, BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP supports the call by Quebec students for free quality post-secondary education, and supports the efforts of student unions across Canada to organize against tuition hikes through demonstrations, strikes and occupations. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP should include free fully-funded free and accessible postsecondary education (university, college, trade school) as part of the official party platform and make it a key component of our electoral platform 3-83-13 Resolution on Protecting the Environment while Helping People Struggling to Pay their Bills Submitted by CarletonMississippi WHEREAS, human-induced climate change is threatening the health of eco-systems, causing the mass extinction of species, leading to more droughts and famines worldwide; AND WHEREAS, climate change is one of the most important social justice issues of our time, given that those who have contributed least to the problem are suffering its worst consequences; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the NDP immediately change its policy platform to support people rather than subsidize the use of fossil fuels; BE IT ALSO RESOLVED the NDP remove from its policy platform any reference to taking the provincial of federal portions of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) off of people's home heating bills; BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the NDP remove from its policy platform any reference to taking the HST off of gasoline for vehicular travel; BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the NDP instead work to increase the financial assistance offered by provincial and federal Governments to those living in poverty, to help those individuals pay for the rising cost of gasoline and home heating bills. 3-84-13 Resolution on supporting individual pension transfers to the Canada Pension Plan Submitted by Davenport

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WHEREAS an individual may have participated in a registered pension plan but by reason of ceasing to be employed or the pension plan being wound up, he or she can no longer be an active member of that plan; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Partys Federal Council study an appropriate mechanism for facilitating the transfer of the value of an individuals registered pension plan to the Canada Pension Plan and to report to the next policy convention on the result of that study. 3-85-13 Resolution on Minimum Annual Income Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS many people in Canada are living in poverty, and WHEREAS there is a role for the federal government in reducing poverty by enhancing income security; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will strike a committee immediately to develop a comprehensive policy recommendation on a minimum annual income for Canadians covering all ages, life stages, abilities and family status. The committees research and deliberations will include grassroots input as well as polling data and focus group data. This committee will submit their policy recommendation as a resolution to the next Federal convention of the NDP.

3-86-13 Resolution to Build Social Housing Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS homelessness is unacceptable; and WHEREAS many people are living in marginal housing and are on the verge of becoming homeless; and WHEREAS homelessness has increased in the last ten years and homeless people are dying on the streets; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP in government will take initiatives, with the cooperation of the municipalities and the provincial governments, to create universally affordable and accessible cooperative and social housing through a new public sector construction industry; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP demand a moratorium on evictions, mortgage foreclosures and utility cut-offs due to unemployment; and federal government allocate two per cent of federal expenditures for cooperative and social housing renovation, maintenance and construction. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign for the demand that the Share the Work, Shorten the Work Week. 3-87-13 Resolution on Social Service Appeals Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP believe that community-based appeals boards are best able to fairly adjudicate decisions and that the NDP oppose efforts to create a single centrally managed Social Services Appeals board as implemented by the Conservative government. 3-88-13 Resolution on the Sale of Live Animals Submitted by the Quebec Section

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BE IT RESOLVED that the sale of live animals at pet shops be prohibited, and that these establishments be limited to selling accessories. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a national strategy for the prevention of cruelty to animals be developed.

3-89-13 Resolution on the Decommercialization of the Tobacco Industry in Canada Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS Tobacco is the leading cause of disease, disability and premature death (by an average of 10- 15 years) in most countries of the world including Canada; and WHEREAS the only way to significantly reduce smoking in Canada, and eventually wind down this unhealthy industry, is to de-commercialize the Canadian tobacco industry. BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal New Democratic Party de-commercialize the Canadian tobacco industry by legislation and: -Install new boards and executive teams with a mandate dictated by government health care initiatives; -Move revenue from any de-commercialized tobacco companies into targeted health care initiatives.

3-90-13 Resolution on Nutritional Labeling on Alcoholic Beverages Submitted by Elmwood-Transcona WHEREAS The NDP will call on the federal government to implement regulations requiring nutritional labels on all beverages containing alcohol sold in Canada. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that according to Health Canada: Healthy eating can help you improve your health and reduce your risk of many chronic diseases. Food labels found on most pre-packaged food and drinks give important information to help you make healthy choices; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that beverages with an alcohol content of more than 0.5% are currently exempt from the Canadian Food Inspection Agencys nutritional labeling requirements; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that providing nutritional information, such as calories, carbohydrates, protein and fat content, as well as alcohol by volume, will provide consumers the necessary information to make informed choices. 3-91-13 Resolution on Legalizing Marijuana Submitted by Oshawa WHEREAS simply decriminalizing marijuana would still leave possession as an offence punishable by a fine, and would leave all the other harms associated with prohibition intact; BE IT RESOLVED that the federal NDP actively campaign for the elimination of all fines and criminal penalties for personal cultivation and possession of cannabis, for an amnesty for all persons convicted of same, and for the establishment of a taxed and regulated framework for production and distribution of cannabis to adults.

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Panel 4: Redefining Canadas Place in the World


4-01-13 Omnibus 1 - Veterans As Compiled by the Resolutions Committee Submitted by Sackville-Eastern Shore, LondonFanshawe, London West Part 1 Veterans Care BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be amended to Section 4.6 of the policy book by adding the following: New Democrats believe in: T. Improving, reviewing, and updating the New Veterans Charter including the lump-sum payment for injured veterans. U. Applying the principle of One Veteran, One Standard to all federal government programs and services for veterans. Eliminate the current program approach that unfairly establishes classes of veterans and family members and offers benefits based on where or when the veteran served and the type of service. Part 2 Fairness for CF and RCMP veterans and their families BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be amended to Section 4.6 of the policy book by adding the following: V. Responding to the concerns of veterans exposed to nuclear weapon trials and those who assisted in the Chalk River clean-up, known as Canadas Atomic Veterans. W. Respond to concerns about unequal standards of care for injured reservists. Part 3 Support for CF and RCMP Veterans and their families BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be amended to Section 4.6 of the policy book by adding the following: X. Better support for those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) for currently serving CF and RCMP members, veterans, and their families. Y. Review outstanding grievances of CF and RCMP veterans who have been exposed to occupational hazards like asbestos, depleted uranium, defoliant spraying, and others, to see where departmental benefits and services can be applied. No veteran should fall through the cracks. Z. Support research on unique challenges and health needs of military and RCMP veterans and their families and develop strategies to meet their health needs. Part 4 Replacement of Policy on Economic Security for CF and RCMP Veterans THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 4.6 of the policy book be deleted: i. Ensuring economic security for Canadian Forces veterans and families, including all spouses, by extending the Veterans Independence Program and enhancing survivors pensions. and replaced by: i. Ensuring economic security for Canadian Forces and RCMP veterans and their families by extending the Veterans Independence Program, enhancing survivors pensions, and supporting homeless or at risk veterans. Part 5 Replacement of Policy on Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 4.6. in the policy book be deleted: k. Ending the unjust cuts to the Service Income Security Insurance Plan for medically released members of the Canadian Forces and former RCMP members. and replaced by: k. Ending the unjust offset of Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) disability pensions for medically released members of the RCMP, similar to the end of the unjust offset of Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) that affected injured Canadian Forces veterans.

Part 6 Replacement of Policy on Veterans Transition into Civilian Life

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 4.6 of the policy book be deleted: l. Supporting initiatives to help veterans transition into the civilian workforce, such as Helmets-toHardhats program to help veterans transition to construction and shipbuilding trades. and replaced by: l. Supporting initiatives to help veterans transition into the civilian workforce including programs that help veterans transition to construction and shipbuilding trades. Part 7 Replacement of Policy on Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Section 4.6 of the policy book be deleted S. Eliminating the Veterans Review and Appeal Board and/or reforming the Board by appointing its members from the military, RCMP, and medical personnel, in order to ensure that veterans appeals are fairly reviewed by their peers and replaced by: S. Replacing the Veterans Review and Appeal Board with a medical evidence-based peer reviewed process for disability benefit applications in consultation with veterans and veterans organizations. Part 8 Recognition of Aboriginal Veterans BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be amended to Section 6.4 of the policy book by adding the following: New Democrats believe in: j. Enhance recognition of the contribution of Aboriginal veterans. Part 9 Apology to Gay and Lesbian Veterans BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be amended to Section 6.2 of the policy book by adding the following: New Democrats believe in: i) Respond to the concerns of gay and lesbian veterans who were forced out the military with an eye to removing the dishounourable discharge from their records. Part 10 Enhancement of Veterans Rights BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be amended to Section 6.5 of the policy book by adding the following: New Democrats believe in: (d) Enhancement of Veterans rights so that principles of fair treatment will guide legislation, programs, and services that provide on-going support of CF and RCMP veterans and their families (e) Ensuring veterans programs and services are kept current, quickly respond to identified gaps in veterans care, and continually update programs to ensure needs of veterans and their families are met. (f) Expanding the role of Veterans Ombudsman to provide independent analysis and reports to Parliament. (g) Adopt an Identity Card for CF and RCMP veterans and their families to better facilitate contact and communication with veterans and create efficiencies in the delivery of programs. Part 11 Greater Recognition of Women Veterans BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be amended to Section 6.1 of the policy book by adding the following: New Democrats believe in: k) Greater recognition of the significant contributions of women while serving in Canada military or RCMP whether they served during war, here at home, or on peacekeeping missions and that measures are in place to continually safeguard equality of all serving members. Part 12 - Veterans BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clauses be added to Section 4.6 in the policy book, with the first clause replacing clause "s" and all subsequent clauses being alphabetized accordingly. New Democrats believe in:

Resolutions // 68 Replacing the Veterans Review and Appeal Board with a medical evidence-based peer reviewed process for disability benefit applications in consultation with veterans and veterans organizations. Improving, reviewing, and updating the New Veterans Charter including the lump-sum payment for injured veterans. Applying the principle of One Veteran, One Standard to all federal government programs and services for veterans. Eliminate the current program approach that unfairly establishes classes of veterans and family members and offers benefits based on where or when the veteran served and the type of service. Ending the unjust offset of long-term disability pension benefits for medically released members of the RCMP. (Disability pension payments from Veterans Affairs are offset when members receive long-term disability benefits through the Great West Life Assurance Company Group Policy for disabilities or injuries that occurred while on duty). Better compensation, recognition, and call for public inquiry for veterans exposed to nuclear weapon trails and those who assisted in the Chalk River clean-up, known as Canadas Atomic Veterans. Better support for those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Operational Stress Injuries (OSI) for currently serving CF and RCMP members and veterans. Expanding the role of Veterans Ombudsman to provide independent analysis and reports to Parliament. Ensuring veterans programs and services are kept current, quickly respond to identified gaps in veterans care, and continually update programs to ensure needs of veterans and their families are met.

4-02-13 Resolution on Foreign Investment Review and Target Submitted by UFCW Canada, UFCW Canada Local 1518, UFCW Canada Local 1000A WHEREAS Target purchased the lease agreement for up to 220 Zellers Stores in Canada; and WHEREAS over 10,000 Zellers employees have been terminated; and WHEREAS Target will only offer former Zellers employees an interview with no guarantee of a job or recognition of their years of service; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That an NDP government will lower the threshold for a full review under the Investment Canada Act; and THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED When determining the net benefit test for the sale of a company, that the impact on the employees and their working conditions must be considered.

4-03-13 Resolution on Recognizing Jaswant Singh Khaira as a Human Rights Defender


Submitted by Bramalea-Gore Malton

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WHEREAS Jaswant Singh Khalras investigation of thousands of cases of missing, murdered and disappeared Sikhs in the Punjab earned him recognition from Amnesty International as a defender of human rights; WHEREAS Jaswant Singh Khalra visited Canada and presented his findings to Canadians and Members of Parliament immediately before his forced disappearance in 1995; BE IT RESOLVED THAT New Democrats recognize Jaswant Singh Khalra as an important defender of human rights and in his memory, recommit to the pursuit of justice and transparency characterized by our shared values of truth, justice and respect of human rights 4-04-13 Resolution to Increase Canadian International Development Submitted by Blackstrap WHEREAS recent governments of Canada have proposed allocating 7/10 of one per cent of their national budget towards foreign assistance and development via the Canadian International Development Agency but have never met that promise. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Canadian international development assistance be increased to 7/10s of one per cent per year and that the role of Canadian co-operatives in developing countries be increased. 4-05-13 Resolution on International Trade Submitted by Submitted by: Kitchener Waterloo, Davenport, South Shore-St. Margarets, CEP (the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union), New Westminster-Coquitlam WHEREAS the people of Canada's ability to regulate and support local economic development has been undermined numerous times under World Trade Organization tribunals and NAFTA investor-state arbitration regimes BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be added to Section 4.5 of the policy book: g. preserving the rights of municipal governments and provincial entities such as Hydro Quebec and Manitoba Hydro to include local content and other local economic development requirements as part of their procurement policy h. not negotiating investor-state dispute resolutions mechanisms into trade agreements, consistent with the policy of the Labour government and party of Australia.

4-06-13 Resolution on the F-35s Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS the Conservatives misled Canadians on the true cost of the F-35s and mismanaged this file from the beginning; WHEREAS our armed forces must be well equipped with the human resources and materials necessary to carry out their operations; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party will continue to demand that the procurement process for replacing our CF-18s be open and transparent so that Canada can obtain the best equipment for our military, at the best price for taxpayers, in a way that maximizes economic spinoffs; and


BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party commits to reviewing the proposed purchase of the F-35s as part of a new White Paper on Defence. 4-07-13 Resolution on the Implementation of UNDRIP Bill Submitted by the Aboriginal Peoples Commission WHEREAS the New Democratic Party has consistently shown its support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

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WHEREAS on April 8th, 2008, the House of Commons passed a motion brought forward by NDP MP Irene Mathyssen, confirming Parliaments support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples WHEREAS on January 28th, 2013, NDP MP Romeo Saganash introduced Bill C-469, An Act to ensure that the laws of Canada are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples NOW THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada press the Government of Canada to support Bill C-469 and implement the measures contained within. 4-08-13 Resolution on Rights and Democracy Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP oppose to the closure of Rights and Democracy. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP continue to speak out against the current governments breaches of established practice, including tasking a government department with work normally assigned to a non-governmental organization, resulting in very low levels of transparency.

4-09-13 Resolution on the Middle East Submitted by Ottawa-Centre WHEREAS New Democrats are deeply concerned about the continued conflict in the Middle East and its impact on civilian lives; WHEREAS New Democrats believe that peace is possible and it is vital to long-term stability and prosperity in the region; BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats call on the Canadian government to play a balanced and constructive role by calling for an end to settlement activities, condemning rocket attacks targeting Israeli civilians, continuing financial support for Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, and calling for an end to Gazas blockade according to UNSCR1860; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats reaffirm our belief in working with partners for peace in Israel and Palestine, respecting UN resolutions and international law, supporting peaceful co-existence in viable, independent states with negotiated and agreed-upon borders, an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, and an end to violence against civilians.

4-10-13 Resolution on a Centre for Peacebuiling and Human Security Submitted by Ottawa-Centre WHEREAS Conservative foreign policy has abandoned the Canadian consensus on peace building;


WHEREAS the international community is no longer looking to Canada to facilitate the resolution of conflicts and global issues; BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats call on the Government of Canada to bolster our diplomatic capacity to mediate and resolve conflicts;

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats call for the creation of a Centre for Peacebuilding and Human Security with a dedicated pool of experts to deliver practical and interdisciplinary responses to human security threats including conflict, famine, humanitarian disasters, large-scale human rights violations, and environmental degradation. 4-11-13 Resolution to Increase Support for the United Nations Submitted by Blackstrap WHEREAS Canada used to be the leading contributor in the world to UN peacekeeping and gained a lot of influence and respect on the world stage. WHEREAS Canada is now fifty ninth in the world in UN peacekeeping and world problems are now greater demanding a stronger United Nations. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Canada restore its leadership role as a peace maker in the world, that Canada substantially increase its support for and its funding of the United Nations and that the progressive and marginalized public servants in Canadian foreign affairs be reinstated. 4-12-13 Resolution on UN Women Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS the World Health Organization statistics report nearly 42 million women facing unintended pregnancies have abortions; and WHEREAS unsafe abortion is responsible for 1/8 maternal deaths; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to section 4.2 in the policy book: 4.2.i. Supporting the work of the UN Womens Agency to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women, and to accelerate progress on meeting the needs of women worldwide. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to section 4.2 in the policy book and that all subsequent clauses be alphabetized accordingly: 4.2.e. Supporting funding through CIDA and other initiatives for global maternal mortality reduction initiatives that includes funds for contraception and for the provision of safe abortion, as well as trained providers for contraception, abortion and pregnancy/childbirth care.

4-13-13 Resolution on Temporary Foreign Workers Submitted by TorontoDanforth BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to Section 4.3 of the policy book:

Resolutions // 72 i. Working with foreign embassies of sending countries to ensure temporary foreign workers coming to Canada are informed of their rights; working with the provinces to institute a licensing system for foreign recruiters (as is done in Manitoba) and a registration system for employers of temporary foreign workers; and providing access to federal hearings for temporary foreign workers who face deportation.

4-14-13 Resolution on Human Rights in Sri Lanka Submitted by Scarborough-Rouge River WHEREAS the NDP has consistently supported the Tamil communitys call for justice, fairness, and human rights while being a strong voice for peace on the global stage; and WHEREAS Noting while Tamil homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship remain destroyed by the war in our home land, the Government of Sri Lanka is building symbols of Sinhala hegemony in the occupied lands to destroy any evidence of Tamil existence, BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats again reiterate the call on the United Nations to immediately establish an independent, international and impartial mechanism to ensure truth, accountability, and justice in Sri Lanka; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats call on the government of Canada to state unconditionally, and without reservation that it will not be participating in the 2013 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Sri Lanka; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats call the United Nations to recognize the Tamils right to Self-Determination; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that United Nations to conduct a referendum among the Tamils originally from North and East of Sri Lanka to decide their political future. 4-15-13 Resolution on Protecting Immigrants from Domestic Abuse Submitted by Beaches-East York BE IT RESOLVED the following clause be added to Section 4.4 of the policy book, after clause i, and that subsequent items be reordered accordingly: [4.4 New Democrats believe in] j) Protecting family class immigrants who flee forced marriage or domestic abuse from the threat of deportation. 4-16-13 Resolution on Trade Submitted by Vancouver Kingsway WHEREAS the Conservatives extreme, ideological approach to trade policy has been an abject failure, taking Canada from a $26 billion surplus to a $50 billion deficit, reducing our value-added exports by $30 billion and increasing Canadas manufacturing trade deficit six-fold, to over $90 billion; BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 4.5 of the policy book be amended as follows: 4.5 Trade New Democrats believe in: a. An open, progressive approach to trade one that is based on promoting Canadas interests and building a fair global economy; b. Expanding Canadas trade opportunities;


c. d. e. f. g.

Resolutions // 73 Increasing value-added exports; Improving human rights, labour and environmental protections in trade agreements; Ensuring government accountability and transparency in trade negotiations; Preserving public policy flexibility, democratic decision-making and the rule of law; Promoting multilateral negotiations to establish a global, rules-based trade system targeted at sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

4-17-13 Resolution on the Canadian extractive industry and international development Submitted by Laurier-Sainte-Marie, Argenteuil Papineau Mirabel WHEREAS the Canadian International Development Agency is undergoing a troubling shift away from its mandate of poverty reduction and towards public-private partnerships; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada calls on the government of Canada to develop a clear, consistent vision for Canadian international development underpinned by: Poverty reduction and other conditions set out in the Official Development Assistance Accountability Act; Objectives set out in the Paris Declaration, Accra Agenda for Action and Busan Partnership for aid effectiveness including transparency, accountability and partner country ownership; Ensuring that gender equality, environmental sustainability and good governance play a key role in Canadas development strategy; Restoring predictability of Canadian aid to ensure that partners have the confidence and ability to plan and budget; Broad consultation of both domestic and international stakeholders; and Taking advantage of Canadian development expertise to deliver aid effectively.

4-18-13 Resolution on Windmills Near Stanstead Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call on the government of Canada to open talks with the U.S. government to give residents of Stanstead a voice in the project study, and for the Canada and U.S. governments to come to an agreement to better regulate projects that affect residents in border areas. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that municipalities and RCMs be included in the consultation process. 4-19-13 Resolution on Challenging Harmful Agriculture and Trade with Developing Countries Submitted by Richmond-Arthabaska, Kitchener Centre, Malpeque, North Vancouver, Blackstrap, Saanich-Gulf Islands WHEREAS the domestic agricultural subsidies by the American government are producing massive quantities of maize (corn) and soybean; BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 4.5 in the policy book after item 4.5.c., and subsequent items reordered accordingly: 4.5. New Democrats believe in: d) Challenging agricultural trade dumping to developing countries bilaterally, and through the appropriate trade organizations, when bilateral challenges fail.

4-20-13 Resolution on the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) Submitted by Toronto-Danforth

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WHEREAS the latest proposed so-called 'free trade' deals, like their predecessors, would privatize and de-regulate the economy, worsen labour conditions, empower corporations to sue and obtain compensation from Canadian governments that 'interfere' in their ability to maximize profits, and would place further obstacles in the path of social ownership and public spending; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP oppose the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). 4-21-13 Resolution on Unfair Trade Practices Submitted by Beaches-East York BE IT RESOLVED the following clause be added to Section 4.5 of the policy book, after clause b, and that subsequent items be reordered accordingly: [4.5 New Democrats believe in] c) Classifying wage suppression, union suppression and lax environmental regulation as prohibited "unfair trade practices in international trade agreements. 4-22-13 Resolution on Protecting Canadians from Forced Marriage Submitted by Beaches-East York BE IT RESOLVED the following clause be added to Section 4.6 of the policy book, after clause i, and that subsequent items be reordered accordingly: [4.6 New Democrats believe in:] j. Using Canadas embassies, consulates and the Canadian Border Services Agency to assist Canadian citizens and permanent residents who identify as victims of forced marriage. 4-23-13 Resolution on Solidarity with Cuba Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS the United States government continues to enforce its war-like economic blockade of Cuba, causing increased suffering to the population; and WHEREAS Cubas socialized economy, extensive social equity achievements and quality social services ensure that human needs are put first, in stark contrast to rapacious global capitalism; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP express its solidarity with Cuba, encourage party members to visit the island, demand the immediate release of the anti-terrorist Cuban Five framed and imprisoned I n the U.S., demand an end to the U.S. blockade, and end to the U.S. occupation of Guantanamo, and end to U.S.backed efforts to destabilize and sabotage Cubas socialist gains and national sovereignty.

4-24-13 Resolution to Campaign against CETA, TPPA, and FIPA Submitted by Richmond, Toronto-Danforth, Oshawa, Thornhill WHEREAS the latest proposed so-called 'free trade' deals, like their predecessors, would privatize and de-regulate the economy, worsen labour conditions, empower corporations to sue and obtain compensation from Canadian governments that 'interfere' in their ability to maximize profits, and would place further obstacles in the path of social ownership and public spending;


BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign against the Canada-European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), and the Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). 4-25-13 Resolution on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Submitted by Vancouver East

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BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party opposes the proposed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (C.E.T.A.) between Canada and the European Union; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party adopt a policy on investor to state dispute settlement in trade agreements that is similar to the policy of the Labour government of Australia, which is to say that an N.D.P. government would not include investor to state arbitrations within any Canadian trade agreements. 4-26-13 Resolution on a Global Community for the Environment Submitted by Peterborough WHEREAS the international community seems paralyzed to move forward on the environment given current international institutions, committees and protocols WHEREAS democratic and accountable solutions involving people, activists, governments, institutions are critical to real change. BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada work with international partners to establish a "Global Community for the Environment" with a bi-cameral assembly (people), a council (governments) and a judiciary (to settle disputes) as an optimal approach to a global problem. 4-27-13 Resolution on Canadas Foreign Policy Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP use every forum at its disposal to speak out against the current Conservative governments foreign policy priorities and call for a public debate aimed at charting a new course for Canadian foreign policy and a new national defense strategy that both favour diplomatic measures over military action. 4-28-13 Resolution on Establishing a Department of Peace Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS the Department of National Defence is by nature and necessity a combat-oriented organization best suited for armed defence of Canada, emergency response to domestic and international disasters and peacekeeping missions abroad; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 4.1. in the policy book be amended to read: 4.1.a. The creation of a full-ministerial Department of Peace for domestic and international nonviolent conflict resolution, peace education and the promotion of peace initiatives. BE IT RESOLVED THAT all subsequent items in 4.1 be re-lettered accordingly. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT subsequent sections be renumbered accordingly. 4-29-13 Resolution on Foreign Takeovers (Investment Canada Act)


Submitted by Nickel Belt WHEREAS New Democrats welcome foreign investment;

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WHEREAS the NDP believes foreign takeovers should be evaluated through a balanced and transparent process based on clear criteria and public consultations; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada condemns the Conservative approval of the Nexen takeover by a Chinese state-owned enterprise, and their failure to protect Canadian jobs and natural resources through their continuing mismanagement of foreign takeovers; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP will continue to demand a full review and clarification of the Investment Canada Act through an open process that includes public consultation and leads to clear criteria for investors that ensures foreign investment truly does result in a net benefit for Canada. 4-30-13 Resolution on Canadas foreign and defence policies Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS Canada's defence efforts should be directed to common security operations under United Nations auspices, WHEREAS Liberal and Conservative Governments sparked a massive increase in military spending, and an NDP Government must seek savings to direct towards improving the health and well-being of Canadians and people around the world, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the party shall conduct a public review of Canada's foreign and defence policies in order to better reflect Canadian values and priorities and advance a vision of sustainable security. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT such a review shall be based on expert testimony, debate within the party and public consultations across the country, and shall be completed within the next 20 months in order to offer Canadians a positive alternative before the next federal election. 4-31-13 Resolution to Defend Venezuela and Bolivia Submitted by Richmond WHEREAS the government led by Hugo Chavez has acted to expand democracy and public services, to improve access to health care, education and land for poor farmers, and to raise general employment, living standards and income levels for the majority of Venezuelans; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign to prevent or halt economic, political, and military intervention by the United States and its allies against the people and governments of Venezuela and Bolivia, and call on the government of Canada to oppose any U.S. and allied foreign intervention which undermines the sovereignty of those countries, and further demand that Canada facilitate increased solidarity, improve bilateral relations, and positively recognize the efforts of the Venezuelan and Bolivian peoples to exercise their self-determination. 4-32-13 Resolution on Haiti Submitted by Thornhill WHEREAS Haiti is the Western hemispheres first Black republic, achieving its independence in 1807 following the only successful slave rebellion in the Americas; AND WHEREAS this foreign aggression and interference have caused great poverty and suffering to the Haitian people, and worsened the effects of various natural disasters that have afflicted the country; NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the NDP will actively campaign to


(1) reverse the Conservative governments recent suspension of foreign aid to Haiti; (2) develop a new model for foreign assistance to Haiti, which will give the Haitian government and people much greater say in how assistance funds should be spent;

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(3) rebuild the institutions of the Haitian state, in order to reduce the nations dependence on foreign aid and international non-governmental organizations; (4) resist neo-liberal economic solutions being imposed on Haiti; and (5) promote within Canada a greater understanding of, and respect for, Haitian history and culture 4-33-13 Resolution on No Blood for Canadian Mining Interests in Mali Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS the illegal government of Mali installed by a coup dtat in March 2012 has oppressed the Tuareg people, and has tortured POWs according to reports in the National Post, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP actively campaign for no further involvement of Canada in the intervention in Mali. 4-34-13 Resolution for Hands off Syria! Submitted by Richmond BC WHEREAS the mass uprising of the people of Syria is a part of the wave of popular democratic revolt sweeping the Arab world, but the opposition to the Assad regime has many different components, including pro-imperialist forces; and WHEREAS Washington, Ottawa, London and their NATO allies seek to control Syrias future; BE IT RESOLVED that the federal NDP actively campaign against any U.S., Canada or NATO intervention in Syria, demand the withdrawal of Canadian war ships from Mediterranean waters and air space, and demand an end to Canadian firms selling/exporting military equipment, munitions and supplies to the region. 4-35-13 Resolution to Support UN call for sanctions against Israel Submitted by Halifax WHEREAS current Party policy calls for respecting UN resolutions and international law; and WHEREAS the UN Human Rights Council fact-finding missions report of Jan. 31, 2013 found that Israel must, in compliance with article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, cease all settlement activities without preconditions; and BE IT RESOLVED that the Party support by voice and action the Jan. 31, 2013 UN Human Rights Councils call for sanctions against Israel. 4-36-13 Resolution to Oppose the Sale of Resource Firms for Democratic and Environmental Reasons Submitted by Richmond BC

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign against the sale of natural resource firms to Chinese and other foreign investors, not on the basis of Canadian nationalist arguments, but on democratic and environmental grounds, and actively campaign for public ownership under workers and community control of Canadas resource extraction, development and marketing industries. 4-37-13 Resolution on a Department for Peace Submitted by South Shore-St. Margarets WHEREAS New Democrats recognize the tremendous range of potentials peace can offer to humanity, WHEREAS New Democrats recognize that a well-structured and empowered Federal Department for Peace would be a major contributor to human dignity, social harmony, and to the cause of culture/economic prosperity on national and global scales, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following clauses be added to Section 4.1 of the policy book: 4.6. New Democrats believe in: g. the urgent need to establish a Federal Department for Peace with the following mission and mandates: To research, invite, oversee, facilitate, orchestrate, promote, and coordinate (directly and in cooperation with various community entities and in consultation with other governmental departments), a broad spectrum of non-violent, non-militant means and activities directed at and/or otherwise relevant to peace making, peace keeping, and peace building, in Canadian society , and globally at international, national, and local levels. h. deeming all activities critically relevant to peace and initiated or conducted by any other governmental entity to be subject to directives issued by the Federal Government Department for Peace and/or to consultation and cooperation with the D.F.P. 4-38-13 Resolution to break the Siege of Gaza Submitted by Richmond BC WHEREAS the eight-day bombardment of Gaza by Israel, uncritically supported by the Harper government in Ottawa, again demonstrates the brutality of the Zionist state and Canadian complicity with the oppression of the Palestinian people; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively support efforts to break and lift the siege of Gaza, and actively promote the international campaign to impose boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel until it dismantles the apartheid wall, allows refugees to return home and ends its occupation of Palestinian lands.

4-39-13 Resolution to Restore Relations with Iran Submitted by Richmond BC, Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS Iran does not have nuclear weapons; and WHEREAS the USA and Israel pose a much greater nuclear weapons threat to the Middle East and to humanity; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP actively campaign to restore full diplomatic relations between Ottawa and Tehran. 4-40-13 Resolution on a Motion on Canadian Diplomatic Relations with Iran


Submitted by the Quebec Section

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NPD call on the government of Canada to renew diplomatic relations with Iran and to work together with the international community to keep the peace with Iran. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP lobby the government of Canada to renew dialogue with Iran aimed at achieving concrete results in such areas as human rights and non-proliferation.

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Panel 5: Governing in an Inclusive and Fair Canada


5-01-13 Resolution on Aboriginal Education Submitted by the LongueuilPierre Boucher WHEREAS despite the unanimous adoption of the NDP motion Shannens Dream by all political parties in the House of Commons, the situation of schools on reserves is still alarming; and WHEREAS Aboriginals also have the highest school dropout rates in Canada; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party will continue to work towards the realization of Shannens Dream with First Nations leaders to guarantee First Nations children access to the same standard of education as other Canadian children. 5-02-13 Resolution on Electoral Reform Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS the current federal electoral system contains major shortcomings generating a significant democratic deficit; WHEREAS the decline in voter turnout in federal elections in the last twenty years in Canada is worrying; WHEREAS any electoral reform process must include the study of all relevant experience with an electoral system that includes both proportional representation and MPs directly elected in ridings; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal New Democratic Party reaffirm its desire to reform Canadas electoral system by way of a system that combines proportional representation and direct election of Members of Parliament from constituencies, that is to say, through a version of mixed member proportional (MMP) representation that is adapted to Canada. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP reaffirms its longstanding electoral commitment to such reform and its firmly held belief that Canadian voters must approve such reform. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT the federal NDPs Critic and Deputy Critic for Democratic and Parliamentary Reform should consult widely in communities across Canada before the next federal election. 5-03-13 Resolution on Innovation, Science and Technology Policy: National Science Strategy Submitted by Burnaby Douglas WHEREAS science requires sustained, consistent and predictable investment, and failing to do so undermines long-term innovative potential; WHEREAS science includes all major scientific fields of inquiry, including engineering, the social sciences and humanities; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP consult widely with scientists, researchers, businesses, postsecondary institutions, provincial, territorial, and First Nations leaders to reverse the damage done by Conservative policies and cuts, and move Canada to the forefront of the global knowledge economy by developing a Made in Canada National Science Strategy; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP move to match the percentage of GDP invested by the public and private sectors in research and development (GERD) as found in other global leading countries such as the United States 5-04-13 Resolution on Aboriginal Housing


Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS the lack of housing in Aboriginal communities, especially in remote regions, is a major problem which could lead to other urgent situations like Attawapiskat; and WHEREAS Canada is the only G8 country that does not yet have a national housing strategy; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party continues to push for the adoption of Bill C-400 which provides for the creation of a national housing strategy;

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party will continue consultations with Aboriginal communities to ensure that this strategy best meets their specific needs. 5-05-13 Resolution on Idle No More Submitted by the Aboriginal Peoples Commission WHEREAS years of inaction and broken promises from successive liberal and conservative government has led to severe social injustice and shocking poverty in too many communities WHEREAS as a consequence we are witnessing an historic and growing grassroots movement joining Indigenous peoples and other Canadians in a long overdue conversation BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party continues to work towards building a new relationship on a nation-to nation basis with First Nations, Inuit and Mtis peoples BE IT ALSO RESOLVED that the NDP engages with grassroots Aboriginal activists who are calling on the government of Canada to repeal legislation like omnibus bill C-38 and C-45 that diminishes environmental protections of land and water and affect Aboriginal and Indigenous rights and title 5-06-13 Resolution on Canada a World Leader in Scientific Collaboration Submitted by Burnaby Douglas WHEREAS the Conservative governments muzzling of government scientists has tarnished Canadas reputation as a scientific leader on the world stage; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP believes Canada must be a world leader in international scientific collaboration and scientific diplomacy. 5-07-13 Resolution on Fraudulent Calls During Election Period Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS the right to vote is a fundamental democratic right protected by the Constitution of Canada; WHEREAS the use of fraudulent automated calls during an election is not only criminal but also totally unacceptable in a democratic State like Canada and severely damages Canadians trust in the electoral system and parliamentary institutions; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party supports Bill C-453, An Act to Amend the Canada Elections Act (Preventing and Prosecuting Fraudulent Voice Messages During Election Periods). 5-08-13 Resolution to Strengthen Bilingualism at the Supreme Court of Canada Submitted by the Quebec Section

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BE IT RESOLVED that the following new paragraph be added to Subsection 5.4 of the NDP Policy Book: f) Requiring that all judges appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada speak and understand both of Canadas official languages.

5-09-13 Resolution for Gender Parity on Crown Corporations Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to section 5.3 in the policy book: 5.3.g. Establishing requirements for gender parity on the Boards of Directors of Crown Corporations. 5-10-13 Resolution for an Ombudsman General of Canada Submitted by Brossard-La Prairie WHEREAS the federal government currently has some ten ombudsman positions (e.g., Canada Post Ombudsman, CBC Ombudsman, Radio-Canada Ombudsman, National Defence and Canadian Forces Ombudsman, Taxpayers Ombudsman, etc.) in various ministries and state-owned corporations across the country; WHEREAS the powers and budget for each ombudsman are attributed in such an arbitrary fashion as to call into question the very credibility of this system; WHEREAS one of the most-respected experts on the matter, the late Donald C. Rowat, published an article in the Canadian Parliamentary Review in winter 199596 proposing the creation of a federal ombudsman; BE IT RESOLVED that a single position of Ombudsman General of Canada be created that would bring together all the various ombudsmen working for the federal government in order to rid the position of pointless duplication and provide Canadians effective, comprehensive protection against potential abuse and/or negligence perpetrated by the federal government. 5-11-13 Resolution on Freedom of Information and Evidence-Based Policy Making Submitted by Kitchener Centre, Blackstrap, Richmond-Arthabaska, Malpeque, North Vancouver, Saanich-Gulf Islands BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to the beginning of Section 5.8 in the policy book, and subsequent items reordered accordingly: 5.8. New Democrats believe in: a) Policy making that is justified with sound and demonstrated evidence; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 5.8 in the policy book: 5.8. New Democrats believe in: f) Guaranteeing federal scientists and researchers the right to speak openly about their work, and to use the results of their research to question government policy, except in matters of national security and during proprietary waiting periods such as during patent applications, without fear of retribution. 5-12-13 Resolution on Funding for On-Reserve Foster Care Submitted by the Aboriginal Peoples Commission, Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca

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WHEREAS Aboriginal children under age 15 are the fastest-growing population group in Canada and should receive the same standard of care as children in the general Canadian population; and WHEREAS funding for on-reserve foster care has not changed since 1988, in consequence of which on-reserve child welfare agencies cannot pay competitive salaries to retain social workers, who can earn more at other agencies; and BE IT RESOLVED that the federal New Democratic Party press the Government of Canada to properly and adequately fund the on-reserve foster child system for Aboriginal children. 5-13-13 Resolution on Co-operatives Economic, Social and Democratic Values Submitted by Blackstrap WHEREAS there are substantial economies of scale and member benefits when people work together, become members of a co-operative, understand and apply the co-op principles, and support a cooperative. WHEREAS a thorough grounding for members in co-operative information relating to co-operative philosophy, education, policies and management increases the long-term success of a co-operative. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP Opposition press the federal government to implement the ideas in the report called Status of Co-operatives in Canada including: establish a federal co-operative secretariat, expand Canadas co-operative thrust in other countries, learn from Canadas co-op history, identify the economic, social and educational needs of Canadians, promote the co-operative business model, modernize legislation, increase funding and assistance for co-operatives, consult with the provinces/territories and consolidate the responsibility for co-operatives in one department. 5-14-13 Resolution on Transparency in Government Submitted by Outremont This resolution would amend the current Policy Book (Subsection 5.8). WHEREAS Canadians are entitled to a government that keeps them informed of its activities and acts in a transparent manner; BE IT RESOLVED that a new clause be added to Subsection 5.8: a. Making government activities more transparent by applying open government principles. 5-15-13 Resolution on Charter Compliance and the Democratic Rule of Law Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS section 4.1(1) of the Department of Justice Act requires that the Minister of Justice examine all government bills and regulations in order to ascertain whether any of their provisions are inconsistent with the purposes and provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that the Minister shall report any such inconsistency to the House of Commons at the first convenient opportunity; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal New Democratic Party demand that the government immediately make public the governments policies on and procedures for assessing the consistency of laws and regulations with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms under s.4.1(1) of the Department of Justice Act. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a federal New Democratic Party government shall request that the House of Commons direct the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights to conduct a thorough


study of the practice under s.4.1(1) of the Department of Justice Act since the enactment of that provision.

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5-16-13 Resolution on Continuing to Stress the Importance of Public Funding to Federal Political Parties Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP advocate on behalf of public funding for political parties and gather public support with a petition distributed online on the NDP website and, on paper, to all district associations, MPs, and affirmative action commissions.

5-17-13 Resolution on Democratic Senate Reforms Submitted by LongueuilPierre Boucher, Richmond-Arthabaska, Scarborough Centre, MarkhamUnionville, Louis- Hbert, SaskatoonHumboldt, Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette, Blackstrap, EdmontonLeduc Whereas in the NDP Policy book of Vancouver 2011, Section 5.2 states: "New Democrats believe in : a. Reforming Canadas electoral system through mixed member proportional representation." b. Ensuring electoral reform is based on a transparent process with wide citizen involvement." And in this same document, Section 5.3 states: "New Democrats believe in: a. Abolishing the unelected and unnecessary Senate."; Be it resolved that the NDP shall create a temporary committee (or a temporary commission) which will last until the end of the following biennial national convention, which will study and consult the members of the party and the population on the possible democratic reforms that could be applied to the Canadian Senate. 5-18-13 Resolution on Democratic Engagement Submitted by Toronto--Danforth WHEREAS the Conservative Party of Canadas assaults on democracy have generated and deepened disillusionment of many Canadians with the political process and institutions; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal New Democratic Party caucus should creatively engage Canadians with a view to identifying and/or designing effective approaches to participatory and collaborative democracy that take into account evolving social practices and technological platforms. 5-19-13 Resolution on Assisting Aboriginal Youth Submitted by Kildonan--St. Paul WHEREAS far too many aboriginal young people who seed greater economic and social benefits by leaving reserves, face a different and challenging lifestyle in urban cities. Too often without saleable skills, they are tricked and often coerced into gangs and prostitution; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That an NDP federal government would establish a comprehensive program to assist young aboriginal men and women to find suitable housing and access to higher education or technical school opportunities. 5-20-13 Resolution on a Municipal Reform Commission Submitted by Kitchener Centre, Malpeque, North Vancouver WHEREAS Canadian cities require over $100-billion in infrastructure expenses over the next 20 years;


WHEREAS Canadas largest cities currently have budgets that rival certain provincial budgets, necessitating partnership from the federal government; therefore

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP Federal Council conduct a commission to research and recommend proposals for long-term and stable municipal funding; BE IT RESOLVED that this commission seek input and involvement from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the CLC (North Vancouver); and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this commission report its results to the NDP, including EDAs, no later than six months before the next convention. 5-21-13 Resolution on the Arctic Council Submitted by Western Arctic WHEREAS Canada takes over chairmanship of the Arctic Council from May 2013 to 2015; and WHEREAS the Government of Canada is prioritizing promoting natural resource development during its chairmanship; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada urges the Government of Canada to abandon its plans to use the Arctic Council as a promotional vehicle for natural resource development in Canadas Arctic and instead use its two year chairmanship of this international body to achieve progress on the following policy areas: -Secure environmentally sound and timely development of resources and finalize the oil spill preparedness and response agreement between the Arctic states; -Eliminating arctic haze and black carbon while addressing other longer-term climate change challenges; -Begin work towards the management of Arctic Ocean high seas fisheries; and -Support the representation of Arctic indigenous peoples by securing financially the role and participation of the Permanent Participants

5-23-13 Resolution on Canadas Democratic Principles Submitted by Blackstrap WHEREAS Canadas democratic governance has been eroded by the Harper government -- using secrecy, preventing consultation by the Opposition, not providing accountability, not showing transparency and not allowing time in the House of Commons and in Committees to study and discuss new legislation and legislation has been rammed through the House with no regard to democratic procedures. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP Opposition ensure that the current federal government respects Canadas democratic principles including open transparency, accountability, no secrecy and freedom for the NDP Opposition to have time to review and consult. 5-24-13 Resolution on Innovation, Science and Technology Policy: Commitment to Science Submitted by Burnaby--Douglas

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WHEREAS scientific innovations stem from breakthroughs by basic scientific research and that concrete supports must be made available to researchers in the basic sciences in order for these advancements to be made; WHEREAS basic scientific research driven by the curiosity of scientists and the spirit of free scientific inquiry research is of high value to applied, industry-driven research; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP condemns the Conservative attack on science and the dismantling of Canadian basic scientific research capacity; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP supports the ongoing contributions of researchers in the basic sciences and respects the integrity of the peer-review process and public dissemination of results; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP commits to substantial, stable, and long-term funding for basic scientific research. 5-25-13 Resolution on Innovation, Science and Technology Policy: Reversing Science and Research & Development Cuts Submitted by Burnaby--Douglas WHEREAS confused Conservative policies and reckless cuts to science, innovation, and support for private-sector research and development undermine the remarkable potential and talent of Canadian scientists, businesses and innovators; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP reaffirm its commitment to restore the Long-form census; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP reverse the trend of Conservative cuts to research programs at Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Library and Archives Canada, National Research Council Canada, Statistics Canada, Social Sciences, Humanities Research Council and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. 5-26-13 Resolution on an Agency to Promote Co-Operatives Submitted by South ShoreSt. Margarets WHEREAS ventures conducted by multiple participants with roots firmly in the local soil will be an improvement in security of investments and environmental accountability when compared to past practices of public capital expended on multinational corporations which tend to move on to larger profits elsewhere, disregarding the best interests of local communities; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Section 1.1 of the policy book in accord with the partys orientation as alluded to in the preamble to the N.D.P. constitution effective, June, 2011: p. Establishing a federal agency dedicated exclusively to inviting and bringing people of complementary interests, ideas and potentials, together to promote, coordinate and facilitate, technically and financially, in co-operation with various local stake holders, for careful formation of viable local co-operatives and for the development of local and trans-Canadian co-operative network systems, where local activities by the agency may be subject to invitation by and cooperation with interested provinces. 5-27-13 Resolution on Transparency and Accountability for Canadas Ports Submitted by Trinity-Spadina Be it resolved that Section 5.3 of the policy book be amended by adding the following passage:


5.3 Renewing our institutions. New Democrats believe in:

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Strengthening oversight over our ports and portlands by divesting federal port authorities to the municipal level where possible and by implementing an arms-length appointment process for port authorities to prevent cronyism and favouritism. 5-28-13 Resolution on Open Government Submitted by Terrebonne-Blainville WHEREAS new information technologies enable citizens to interact more directly with government and participate more directly in government decision-making; BE IT RESOLVED that Subsection 5.8 of the Policy Book be amended as follows: New Democrats believe in: f. Promoting an open government strategy with the objective of encouraging public participation, facilitating communication between government and citizens, and making information accessible to citizens while tracking which information is most sought after by the public with a view to gradually making this government information accessible to the public in a user-friendly, modifiable form. 5-29-13 Resolution on Partisan Government Advertising Submitted by Beaches-East York BE IT RESOLVED the following clause be added to Section 5.8 of the policy book, after clause e, and that subsequent items be reordered accordingly: [5.8 New Democrats believe in] : f) prohibiting the use of government advertising for partisan purposes. 5-30-13 Resolution on Aboriginal Rights Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher, LaurierSaint-Marie, Argenteuil Papineau Mirabel WHEREAS the Idle No More movement aims notably to increase the autonomy of aboriginal peoples; WHEREAS ancestral and treaty rights are enshrined in Section 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP be mandated to study, in consultation with aboriginal peoples, the issue of ancestral and treaty rights to specify the constitutional scope of such rights and determine whether trading rights fall under a progressive definition of aboriginal ancestral rights.

5-31-13 Resolution on the Daniels Decision Submitted by the Aboriginal Peoples Commission

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WHEREAS the Mtis people of Canada have rights entrenched in Section 35 of the Constitution of 1982 and for decades Mtis peoples across Canada have had to consistently go to the courts to have these rights recognized, defined and acted upon WHEREAS the case of Harry Daniels et al v. Canada has been before the courts since 1999, while successive Liberal and Conservative governments have continued to fight this case in the courts LET IT BE RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada press the Government of Canada to abandon its appeal of the Daniels Decision and to move towards the implementation of this decision 5-32-13 Resolution on Judicial Appeals of Court Decisions in Favour of Aboriginal Rights Submitted by the Aboriginal Peoples Commission WHEREAS the Aboriginal peoples of Canada have rights entrenched in Section 35 of the Constitution of 1982 WHEREAS for decades Aboriginal peoples in Canada have had to consistently go to the courts to have these rights recognized and acted upon WHEREAS it has been estimated that the Government of Canada spends over $300 million per year to appeal against Aboriginal Rights cases only to lose in the majority of cases and delay the inevitable BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada press the Government of Canada to end the practice of appealing court cases decided in favour of Aboriginal Rights and move to the implementation of said decisions BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED that a New Democratic Party government will instruct the Department of Justice to cease all such appeals of these court decisions and start the discussion and negotiations necessary to implement said court decisions. 5-33-13 Resolution on Bill C-419 Bilingual Officers or Parliament Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP support all legislation designed to guarantee that all officers of Parliament, notably including the Auditor General, Chief Electoral Officer, and Official Languages Commissioner, be able to understand and speak Canadas two official languages without the aid of an interpreter.

5-34-13 Resolution on Renewing Canadian Democracy Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that a new clause be added to Subsection 5.2, Renewing Canadian Institutions: New Democrats believe in: Fostering the development of scientific research, including the human and social sciences, and ensuring that every bill tabled in the House of Commons and every government decision be justified by and consistent with the body of scientific knowledge. 5-35-13 Resolution on a Public Inquest on the Events of the G-20 and G-8 Summits Submitted by Hochelaga


WHEREAS Jack Layton publicly demanded an inquest on more than one occasion, including on Maisonneuve en direct, a radio show on Radio-Canada, on April 14, 2011;

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BE IT RESOLVED that the following clause be added to Subsection 3.9 of the Policy Book: k. Conducting a public inquest on the disastrous events that occurred during the G-20 and G-8 summits in Toronto to identify who gave orders to the police, ensure that those who suffered unduly are compensated, and avoid similar incidents in the future. 5-36-13 Resolution on Canadian Constitutional Amendments to Enable and Enhance Co-operative Federalism Submitted by NorthumberlandQuinte West WHEREAS New Democrats believe in co-operative federalism that respects provincial constitutional jurisdictions; and WHEREAS New Democrats believe in workable and pragmatic institutional arrangements; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats believe in amending Section 94 of the Constitution Act, 1867 by authorizing a sunset clause for legislation passed under that Section; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats believe in including Quebec in Section 94s arrangements by adding terms which work with Quebecs Civil Law tradition. 5-37-13 Resolution on Making Proportional Representation a Reality Submitted by NorthumberlandQuinte West BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal New Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to reforming Canadas electoral system through a mixed member proportional representation system for Canada. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal NDP will make electoral reform and proportional representation a priority issue within Parliament and in communities across Canada. BE IT RESOLVED THAT this will be a fundamental plank of the next NDP election platform. If an NDP government is elected it will have a strong mandate to make this needed reform a reality within the first year of its mandate. 5-38-13 Resolution on the First Peoples and Canada Relationship Submitted by Victoria WHEREAS the First Peoples of Canada are facing challenges on par with those found in the so-called "Third World" WHEREAS economic and social nets of the First Peoples of Canada are insufficient to provide first people with the support they need and deserve; WHEREAS Canada's First Peoples are the fastest growing population in Canada, and require more resources in all socio-economic aspects; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP Policy Book, section 6.4 is amended by adding the following text: j) Canada as a nation that enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the world Canada has the duty to ensure that all citizens within its borders have the right to such high standards, and that its reputation and global image should reflect this truth;

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THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that: Canada should work with the First People to dismantle the so called "Indian Act," and replace it with a 21st century document that follows the declaration of Aboriginal Rights outlined by the UN; THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Canada should devote sufficient resources to help all First Peoples, to empower and liberate them. 5-39-13 Resolution to Develop Canadian and International Mechanisms to Address Environmental Problems with a Longer Time Horizon than Four Years Submitted by Peterborough WHEREAS humanity is facing the greatest challenges ever to its survivala combination of climate change, depletion of non-renewable resources, lack of clean water and global economic disparity. WHEREAS the 4-year term of government is too short to address problems with a longer time frame. BE IT RESOLVED that the federal NDP work towards the creation of an all-party committee of the House, whose mandate is to consider problems with a longer horizon than the 4-year term of office of the ruling party, with the goal of developing appropriate legislation to be presented to Parliament. 5-40-13 Resolution on Promoting Proportional Representation Submitted by Davenport BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal New Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to reforming Canadas electoral system through a mixed member proportional representation system for Canada; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the federal NDP will make electoral reform and proportional representation a priority issue within Parliament and in communities across Canada; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT this will be a fundamental plank of the next NDP election platform. An NDP government will get elected with a strong mandate to make this needed reform a reality. 5-41-13 Resolution on Aboriginal Sovereignty Submitted by Davenport BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP affirm its support for the struggle of indigenous communities for autonomy, for a decisive role in all decisions that affect their ecological welfare and for dramatically shortening the waiting time for the resolution of land claims. 5-42-13 Resolution on Mixed-Member Proportional Representation Electoral System Reform Submitted by BurnabyDouglas BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The federal New Democratic Party re-affirm its commitment to reforming Canadas electoral system through a mixed member proportional representation system for Canada. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: the federal NDP will make electoral reform and proportional representation a priority issue BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT: this will be a fundamental plank of the next NDP election platform. An NDP government will get elected with a strong mandate to make this needed reform a reality. 5-43-13 Resolution on Compulsory Voting in Canada Submitted by Elmwood-Transcona

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WHEREAS the duty to vote is required to maintain our democratic system and the benefits that go with it, and WHEREAS countries like Australia, and 29 other countries, including Belgium and Austria, successfully employ Compulsory Voting in a congenial system that employs weekend voting, simple registration procedures, and the creation of a centralized, professional bureaucracy concerned with all aspects of election administration, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the New Democratic Party endorse Compulsory Voting as a democratic Best Practice with view to having an NDP Government passing national legislation making it law. 5-44-13 Resolution on Partisan Government Advertising Submitted by Vancouver East WHEREAS The Christy Clark regime is freely spending what appears to be millions of dollars of taxpayer spending on electioneering propaganda in a desperate attempt to stave off defeat; WHEREAS the Harper regime is following the same modus operandi, having spent tons of public money on propaganda throughout its existence, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will seek some sort of legal determination concerning the legality of such propaganda expenditures from public funds and that, once the NDP is the governing party, it pledges not to make such expenditures and pledges to enact a law recognizing that said expenditures are illegal. 5-45-13 Resolution on Term Limits for Returning Officers Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP will lobby for, and in government will enact an amendment to the federal Elections Act limiting local Returning Officers to no more than 2 terms. 5-46-13 Resolution on Prorogation Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP oppose the unilateral prorogation of Parliament or Legislatures in Canada without consent of elected members. 5-47-13 Resolution on Prorogation Submitted by Sudbury BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP oppose the unilateral prorogation of Parliament in Canada without the consent of a 2/3 majority of elected members.

5-48-13 Resolution on the Federal Government and Departmental Advertising Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS significant monies are being spent by the federal government in advertising; and WHEREAS those monies would be better spent on services to the people of Canada; and

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WHEREAS both Liberal and Conservative parties have repeatedly looted the federal treasury to fund ads doing nothing but promoting their own party achievements while in government; BE IT RESOLVED THAT an NDP government would require all advertising requests by the government or any department of the government would be submitted to a standing committee of the House of Commons at the proposal, budgeting and contracting stages; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the proposal submitted would be required to contain a clear statement of how the advertising is providing information of specific benefit to the public in terms of awareness of and ability to access services, programs or employment opportunities. 5-49-13 Resolution on Idle No More Submitted by Toronto--Danforth WHEREAS those grassroots First Nations or Aboriginal peoples are not being fully represented by the four national aboriginal organizations and federal, provincial and municipal governments, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP, a federal ally of the First Nations, support the Idle No More cause of seeking legitimate representation for the grassroots First Nations or Aboriginal peoples, and THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the NDP, including through their riding associations, engage in public dialogue with members of Idle No More to raise awareness of Aboriginal history, including the Indian Act, and THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the federal NDP caucus push for the implementation of the 13 Declaration of commitments dated January 23, 2013. 5-50-13 Resolution on Constitutional Review Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West WHEREAS New Zealand has held periodic constitutional reviews: 2004, 2010 with a constitution ratified in 1986. WHEREAS Canada has last held talks in 1992, with a constitution ratified in 1982. BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to section 5.3 in the policy book: 5.3.f. Initiating a process of Constitutional Review every 6-8 years, through town hall meetings held by Members of Parliament, examining elements of Canadian democracy and governance including, but not limited to, the following: 1. electoral reform in the House of Commons 2. future of the Senate: abolish, elected, provincial appointments or status quo 3. powers of Governor-in-Council (Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister), 4. role of direct democracy 5. monarchy or republic 6. increasing voter participation 7. provincial, territorial, linguistic, First Nation, Inuit and Metis, women and other affirmative action groups representation in Parliament. Through this process, the findings of this review will be presented in a report to be tabled before Parliament. 5-51-13 Resolution on Mixed Member Proportional Representation Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West


BE IT RESOLVED THAT section 5.2.a. in the policy book be amended to read:

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5.2.a. Reforming Canada's electoral system through Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) representation as recommended by the Law Commission of Canada in its 2004 report, Voting Counts: Electoral Reform for Canada. 5-52-13 Resolution on Revision to Electoral Reform Policy Submitted by Kitchener Centre, Malpeque, North Vancouver, Blackstrap WHEREAS Canada desperately needs electoral reform to better represent the interests of its citizens and to improve the functioning of Parliament; and WHEREAS there are several excellent ways to achieve proportional representation other than Mixed Member Proportional; BE IT RESOLVED that Section 5.2.a. in the policy book be amended to read: a) Reforming Canadas electoral system to represent voters proportionally to their votes. 5-53-13 Resolution to Support Idle No More Submitted by the Council of Electoral District Associations of the Province of Alberta BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of Federal Ridings recommend to the Federal NDP that it strongly support the position of Idle No More. 5-54-13 Resolution on Transparent Democratic Process Submitted by Hull-Aylmer WHEREAS New Democrats believe in a fair, accountable and democratic parliamentary process that Canadians deserve; WHEREAS New Democrats believe that the Canadian parliamentary process does not provide the adequate checks and balances in order to permit opposition parties to hold majority governments to account BE IT RESOLVED THAT: These policies be added as a new section 5.3 to the Policy Book of the New Democratic Party with all subsequent section renumbered accordingly 1) Legislation a) All omnibus bills shall be limited in scope 2) Committees a) All legislation should go to the appropriate committees b) Moving committee proceedings in camera shall require the consent of two thirds majority of committee members 3) House of Commons a) An NDP government shall respect the Parliamentary tradition that bills be debated for as long as it takes for every Member to speak once, or until debate collapses i.) The use of a time allocation motion shall be permitted for no more than one piece of legislation per sitting


5-55-13 Resolution on a Parliamentary Republic of Canada Submitted by Chicoutimi-Le Fjord

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WHEREAS the NDP aims to create a more equitable and democratic society, with equal rights for all Canadians and a government held accountable to the democratic process; WHEREAS Canadas current head of state can only be a protestant descended from Sophia of Hanover, and a member of the Church of England; We hereby move: That an NDP government would pursue the objective of establishing a parliamentary republic upon the death of the current sovereign. That an NDP government would form a Commission to recommend a method for choosing a head of state for Canada based on consultation with Canadian experts and citizens. 5-56-13 Resolution on Methodology of Quebec Sovereignty Voting Submitted by Malpeque WHEREAS Thomas Mulcair recently stated that 50% plus one is sufficient to determine the outcome of a Quebec sovereignty vote, and WHEREAS this is comparable to deciding the fate of a nation on the basis of a single coin toss, and WHEREAS there are clear statistical rules for determining what constitutes a significant difference from a random result, and WHEREAS a vote that differs significantly from a tie must have a plurality of 2 standard deviations above or below a tied outcome, and WHEREAS to differ significantly from a tie would have required a plurality of 1,000 votes based on turnout in the last provincial election, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will accept rules of basic mathematics to determine future policy on any vote on Quebec sovereignty. 5-57-13 Resolution on Eliminating Tax Havens Submitted by Halifax BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government will develop legislation to prevent the use of tax havens as vehicles for tax avoidance. BE IT RESOLVED that NDP government would introduce two new tax brackets one for incomes above $150,000 dollars and a second for incomes above $300,000 BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government would restore the corporate tax rate to 2007 levels. BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP Government will fully fund and staff the Canada Revenue Agency to ensure tax avoidance and tax evasion are minimized. 5-58-13 Resolution on Fair and Democratic Trade Submitted by Richmond

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WHEREAS the so-called free trade agreements of the FTA, NAFTA, GATS, FTAA and the WTO are undemocratic and driven by the corporations and banks to maximize private profits and make the worldwide movement of money easier; and BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP is committed to actively campaign for abrogation and withdrawal of Canada from NAFTA, FTAA, FTA, GATS and the WTO; and Be it further resolved that the NDP is committed to developing and promoting a democratic and participatory system of trade that supports and protects the rights, freedoms and interests of working people, trade unions, women, aboriginal people, farmers and peasants, seniors and the poor, dispossessed and marginalized peoples. 5-59-13 Resolution on Provincial and Federal Political Non-Refundable Tax Write-Off Submitted by Chatham-Kent-Essex WHEREAS the non-refundable Tax Credit is unfair to the Low Income Canadian Voters, because they cannot deduct it from the Federal Tax, because Low Income earners do not pay Federal Taxes. WHEREAS High Income Voters can deduct up to 75 per cent of their donation at tax time and this is patently unfair. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that all Political (Provincial and Federal) Donations up to $1000.00 will be rebated at the rate of 50 per cent and that all political donations must be declared on all tax returns. Abuse of this privilege would be against the LAW with penalties to be determined by a Federal court. 5-60-13 Resolution on Protecting Privacy Submitted by TorontoDanforth WHEREAS Canadian citizens have a right to expect that their privacy will be respected in all circumstances; and WHEREAS political parties collect and receive detailed personal information about Canadian citizens; BE IT RESOLVED that Section 5.8.c in the policy book be amended to read: c. Increase the power of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada to protect identity and personal data by giving the Commissioner order making powers and by extending the jurisdiction of the Commissioner to include political parties. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Partys Federal Council create a Privacy Policy to protect the privacy of personal information contained in any information system created or used by the New Democratic Party; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Federal Council will implement this policy, including publication of the policy on the NDP web site, within a year of the passing of this resolution. 5-60-13 Resolution to Support the Idle No More movement Submitted by Toronto Young New Democrats WHEREAS indigenous peoples in Canada have faced centuries of colonialism, oppression and discrimination from the Canadian government, WHEREAS First Nations human and treaty rights have been ignored throughout Canadian History. BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP stands in solidarity with the Idle No More movement.

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP makes defending native treaty rights and the environment a priority. BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP work towards building the unity of native and non-native workers in the struggle for equality, good employment and adequate services. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP uses its voice in parliament to support the Idle No More movement, raise awareness about Bill C-45 and the historical injustices faced by First Nations people.

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Panel 6: Strengthening Human Rights and the Canadian Identity


6-01-13 Resolution on a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women Submitted by Churchill, the Aboriginal Peoples Commission WHEREAS over six hundred Aboriginal women have gone missing or been murdered in Canada; WHEREAS the Government of Canada has cancelled funding to Sisters in Spirit research into missing and murdered Aboriginal women; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to immediately launch, in consultation with Aboriginal women and their representatives, a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada reaffirm its commitment to ending violence against First Nations, Inuit and Mtis women by committing to action, including addressing root causes and systemic inequalities. 6-02-13 Resolution on Healthcare for Refugees Submitted by Newton-North Delta WHEREAS Conservative cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program excluded many refugees and asylum claimants from temporary health benefits; WHEREAS the Conservative cuts are demonstrably impacting on refugees with legitimate health concerns, including vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, cancer patients and the elderly; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada condemns the Conservative cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program and the impact that it has had on the health of those seeking refugee protection in Canada. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada will work to restore temporary health benefits to all refugees making asylum claims in Canada. 6-03-13 Resolution on the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added section 6.1 in the policy book: 6.1.k. Re-establishing the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women to advise the Government of Canada on, and promote womens equality rights 6-04-13 Resolution on Official Languages Submitted by Acadie-Bathurst WHEREAS French and English are Canadas two official languages; WHEREAS the Government of Canada is required to foster the progression towards the equal status of French and English in Canada; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party reaffirms its commitment to: a) protect and promote both official languages and the linguistic rights of Canadians; b) the development and enhancement of official language minority communities;

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party calls on the Harper government to keep open the Quebec Maritime Rescue Centre, the only bilingual centre of its kind in Canada, to ensure the safety of francophones at sea; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party supports Bill C-208 from the MP for Acadie-Bathurst Yvon Godin and Bill C-419 from the MP for Louis-Saint-Laurent Alexandrine Latendresse regarding language skills for Supreme Court judges and Officers of Parliament, respectively. 6-05-13 Resolution on Northern Food Security Submitted by the Aboriginal Peoples Commission WHEREAS northern communities are facing increasingly higher food prices WHEREAS Canada is the only developed country to have received a visit from the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party is calling for immediate action to ensure the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur are implemented as quickly as possible, including the adoption of a Canada-wide food strategy BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party will continue consultations with northern communities to ensure this strategy responds to their specific needs so that northern communities finally have access to quality and nutritious foods at a reasonable price 6-06-13 Resolution on Pay to Pay Submitted by Davenport WHEREAS many telephone, internet, television and banking companies have introduced a new fee for customers who continue to receive a printed statement of their monthly bill; and WHEREAS these charges effectively force consumers to pay an additional fee just so they can pay their bills; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada calls on the federal government to prohibit federally regulated businesses and industries, appropriate to their jurisdiction, from charging consumers for receiving monthly bills or statements in the mail. 6-07-13 Omnibus 2 Childrens Rights As Compiled by the Resolutions Committee Submitted by Outremont, LondonFanshawe, London West Part 1 WHEREAS the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989 and recognizes the right of all children in the world, without discrimination, to such protection and care as is necessary to their well-being, as well as the opportunity to be heard on any matter that concerns them; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP expressly recognize the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by adding a new Subsection 6.1 entitled Childrens Rights specifying that, with regard to the application of such rights in Canada, the following points are of primary importance: New Democrats believe in: a. Upholding the rights of children set out in the UN Convention and in particular the right to life, development, and non-discrimination, and respecting the priority accorded to the childs best

Resolutions // 99 interest, and to childrens right to be heard in all matters affecting them; and ensuring such rights are upheld consistently and uniformly across Canada and, eventually, expressly incorporated into Canadian law;

Part 2 WHEREAS the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989 and recognizes the right of all children in the world, without discrimination, to such protection and care as is necessary to their well-being, as well as the opportunity to be heard on any matter that concerns them; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP expressly recognize the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by adding a new Subsection 6.1 entitled Childrens Rights specifying that, with regard to the application of such rights in Canada, the following points are of primary importance: New Democrats believe in: a. Instituting a National Childrens Advocate, appointed by Parliament, to promote and protect the rights of children under federal jurisdiction including aboriginal children, immigrant and refugee children, and children in the youth criminal justice system, to work alongside children and youth advocates of the various provinces and territories; b. Restoring and further developing a system for gathering and compiling specific information on child welfare so the government can effectively and comprehensively evaluate childrens situations and any shortfalls in in upholding childrens rights; Part 3 WHEREAS the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted in 1989 and recognizes the right of all children in the world, without discrimination, to such protection and care as is necessary to their well-being, as well as the opportunity to be heard on any matter that concerns them; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP expressly recognize the International Convention on the Rights of the Child by adding a new Subsection 6.1 entitled Childrens Rights specifying that, with regard to the application of such rights in Canada, the following points are of primary importance: New Democrats believe in: a. Having the government of Canada immediately produce, as part of its work with the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and in collaboration with the provinces and territories as well as concerned non-profit organizations representing civil society and children, detailed and transparent reports on the status of childrens rights in Canada, and share the Committees findings and recommendations with Parliament and with the Canadian public with a view to better meeting its obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, all to better honour Canadas obligations under the UN Convention. Part 4 WHEREAS the Rights of the Child are clearly defined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and has been ratified by Canada; and WHEREAS 1 out of 6 children in Canada live in poverty; BE IT RESOLVED THAT Childrens Rights be specifically identified in the NDP Policy Book by adding 6.2 Childrens Rights to the policy book with the following sections: New Democrats believe in: 6.2 a. The Rights of the Child as expressed in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ratified by Canada December 13, 1991

Resolutions // 100 6.2 b. Governing to provide an economically and ecologically sustainable and peaceful future for generations to come

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all subsequent sections be renumbered accordingly. 6-08-13 Resolution on the Eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is intended to provide some relief for costs associated with disability; WHEREAS those persons eligible for the DTC are also eligible for the Registered Disability Savings Plan as well as other disability-related tax credits; WHEREAS the DTC uses assessment tools and criteria that tend to exclude people with certain types of disabilities, such episodic and chronic conditions, mental illness and intellectual disabilities; BE IT RESOLVED that a New Democratic government consult with the broader disability community, the provinces and territories, and other stakeholders to revise the assessment tools and criteria used to determine eligibility for the Disability Tax Credit to expand access to the DTC to people with disabilities such as episodic and chronic conditions, mental illness and intellectual disabilities. 6-09-13 Resolution on Heritage and Culture Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS the Harper government is imposing a partisan vision of heritage and culture; WHEREAS the Harper government is distorting the mandate of the most visited museum in Canada, the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, which provides visitors with a window on the world and its diversity; BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party commits: 1) Not to use history, culture and heritage for political purposes; 2) To support and celebrate our rich cultural heritage according to the principles of diversity, equality, accessibility and support of creativity. 6-10-13 Resolution Protecting the Independence of the CBC/SRC Submitted by Vancouver Kingsway, Charlottetown, Richmond-Arthabaska, Perth-Wellington, Burnaby New Westminster, Ottawa-Centre, Saint-Lambert BE IT RESOLVED that Section 6.8 Our public broadcasters role in the policy book be amended to read: a) Protecting the independence of the CBC/SRC by increasing public funding to at least half of the average invested in public broadcasting by other OECD countries, committing to provide that level of funding for a five-year period in order to reduce CBC/SRCs dependency on advertising. b) Expanding and improving the CBC/SRCs regional news services, local programming, and internet presence. c) Ensuring a transparent, non-partisan process for the nomination and appointment of members of the CBC Board of Directors and giving that Board of Directors authority to hire, oversee and, if necessary, terminate the President and CEO of the CBC/SRC. d) Strengthening the independence of the CBC/SRC ombudsman.

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6-11-13 Resolution on Precautionary Cessation of Work for Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP membership support the bill brought in by Rosemont-Petite Patrie MP Alexandre Boulerice designed to extend the right to precautionary cessation of work to all Canadian working women, in accordance with their provinces labour standards, because this bill would eliminate the discrepancy in treatment of women in fields regulated by the Canada Labour Code and those in fields that come under the Qubec Labour Code. 6-12-13 Resolution on the Rights of People with Disabilities Submitted by LondonFanshawe, London West, the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS Canada has signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disAbilities but not yet adopted all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for its implementation; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT section 6.3.f. in the policy book be amended to read: 6.3.f. Establishing legislative, administrative and other measures necessary to protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities as recognized in the present UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the following clause be added to section 6.3 in the policy book: 6.3.j. Ending Canadas reservation on Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 6-13-13 Resolution on a pan Canadian training and skills development strategy Submitted by Hamilton Mountain WHEREAS Canada is in need of real leadership on skills development because a skilled and trained Canadian workforce is key to future competitiveness, sustained economic recovery and growth, and the long-term prosperity of Canadians; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP partner with provincial and territorial governments, First-Nations, Inuit and Mtis, labour, industry, and educational institutions, to identify long-term solutions to mismatches between available skilled workers and labour shortages in different communities and sectors across the country; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP commit to strengthening investments in skills development, skills upgrading and skills re-training; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP reaffirm its commitment to ensuring that post-secondary education is affordable, and pledge to work with all levels of government and private sector to expand apprenticeship opportunities; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the NDP pledges to provide First Nations with fair and sufficient financing for K-12, post-secondary education and training. 6-14-13 Resolution on Digital Locks Submitted by Beaches-East York BE IT RESOLVED the following clause be added to Section 6.8 of the policy book, after clause g:

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[6.8 New Democrats believe in:)] h) Allowing Canadians to break Digital locks on legitimately-purchased digital-locked media for the purpose of fair dealing. 6-15-13 Resolution on the CRTC Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS that in its 2011 election platform, the NDP committed to reforming the CRTC to ensure that the organization better reflects the linguistic and cultural reality of Quebec and francophone communities. WHEREAS that Quebec has its own unique culture, which is primarily expressed in French, through various art forms and cultural industries; BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party is committed to reviewing the Broadcasting Act, the Telecommunications Act and the Canadian Radiotelevision and Telecommunications Commission Act so that the CRTC has the obligation to take into account the different francophone and anglophone realities in the country, especially those of the Quebec market, when elaborating its policies and regulations. 6-16-13 Resolution on Supporting Pay-to-Pay Campaign Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS Pay-to-Pay fees unfairly penalize seniors, those who do not have regular access to the internet or do not feel comfortable performing such transactions online, and Canadian families already struggling to pay their bills; and WHEREAS Customers who do use online billing options are not reimbursed for the savings they provide; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada calls on the federal government to prohibit federally regulated businesses and industries, appropriate to their jurisdiction, from charging consumers for receiving monthly bills or statements in the mail. 6-17-13 Resolution on the Canadian Blood Services Ban Submitted by Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca WHEREAS the federal New Democratic Party opposes all forms of discrimination based on sexual orientation and past sexual history; and WHEREAS the Party recognizes the importance of donating blood to save lives and improve the quality of life of others; and BE IT RESOLVED that the Party oppose the ban by the Canadian Blood Services on blood donations by men within five years of having sex with other men and support the introduction of behaviour-based acceptance of blood donors, regardless of their sexual orientation and past sexual history.

6-18-13 Resolution on CBC/Radio-Canada Part 1 Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation/Socit Radio-Canada finds itself increasingly hard pressed to fulfill its mission and maintain adequate budget levels after years of being starved by Conservative and Liberal governments;

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BE IT RESOLVED that a New Democratic Party government would amend the Broadcasting Act, to redefine the mandate, funding, and governance of CBC/Radio-Canada according to the following principles: 1) Parliament will guarantee stable multiyear funding to CBC/Radio-Canada by way of a compulsory licence fee included in subscriptions to any service that allows people to receive Canadian radio and television productions, including cable television, satellite television, mobile telephony, and Internet services. 2) Section 3 (1) l) of the Broadcasting Act will be amended as follows: The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, as the national public broadcaster, must provide radio, television, and new media services incorporating a wide range of programming that informs, enlightens, entertains, and works to boost Canadian English- and French-language culture and an appreciation of the different ways of life in every part of the country 6-19-13 Resolution on CBC/Radio-Canada Part 2 Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS CBC/Radio-Canada appointments and governance currently lack transparency; 3) The CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada will be chosen by the CBC/Radio-Canada board and be accountable to it. 4) Members of the CBC/Radio-Canada board will be appointed, using a method inspired by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation model, publicly and transparently from a list of candidates chosen on merit by an independent panel for their contribution to public broadcasting. 6-20-13 Resolution on Pensions Restore the Age of Eligibility for OAS to 65 Submitted by Hamilton Mountain WHEREAS New Democrats believe all Canadians have the right to retire in dignity, and that younger generations of Canadians should enjoy the same security of retirement as older generations BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP condemn Conservative attempts to balance the budget on the backs of seniors through cuts to their Old Age Security benefits; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats pledge to restore the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to age 65. 6-21-13 Resolution on Maintaining the Right to Choose Submitted by Davenport WHEREAS many members of the current Conservative government, through private members bills seeking fetal personhood and RCMP investigations against health care providers, are working to erode the rights of women to access safe, legal abortions; and BE IT RESOLVED that the federal NDP caucus continue to oppose any and all attempts to criminalize abortion in Canada; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an elected NDP government commit to working with the provincial health care systems to expand access and eliminate barriers to any and all women seeking to exercise their right to choose.


6-22-11 Resolution on Persons with Disabilities Submitted by York South-Weston WHEREAS Canada is a signatory to the UN declaration of the rights of persons with disabilities,

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will work to ensure that persons with disabilities have the rights enshrined in that declaration, and will establish a mechanism whereby all governments in Canada must work to ensure that all persons in Canada can expect to have equal access to healthcare, housing, jobs, food, goods and services, and so forth, and that the standards of living for persons with disabilities will increase. 6-23-13 Resolution on Citizenship and Immigration Submitted by York South-Weston BE IT RESOLVED that a New Democratic government would take the necessary steps to implement a case-processing service standard of 15 months from the initial date of submission for all citizenship and immigration files. 6-24-13 Resolution on Postal Banking Submitted by Ottawa West-Nepean WHEREAS Canada Post Corporation is a publicly owned utility that is currently being underutilized, WHEREAS the future of the Post Office depends on the expansion of services, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will work with labour, community groups and other interested parties to develop a plan to implement postal banking and other service expansion at Canada Post. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this plan will be a component of the NDP platform in the 2015 election. 6-25-13 Resolution on Supreme Court of Canada Judicial Nominee Bilingualism Submitted by NorthumberlandQuinte West THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that New Democrats believe in the principle that all future candidates for the Supreme Court of Canada have adequate ability in their second official language; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats seek to enable this principle through second language training for all federally appointed judges in each province. 6-26-13 Resolution on Rights in the Digital Age Submitted by the Young New Democrats of Quebec WHEREAS protecting digital rights is necessary to develop a sustainable economy in the 21st century; BE IT RESOLVED that a new subsection (6.10) be added to the Policy Book: 6.10 Rights in the digital age New Democrats believe in: (a) Ensuring all Canadians have affordable high-speed Internet access. (b) Updating the notion of copyright for the 21st century, while protecting creators.


(c) Preventing malicious prosecutions for copyright infringement.

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(d) Putting an end to the legal protection for digital locks, to enable Canadians to transfer their digital content from one medium to another. (e) Protecting the right to privacy and free expression on the Internet. (f) Reforming the patent system with such measures as patent lifespan that varies by sector and measures to limit malicious prosecutions. (g) Making government more transparent by adopting open government principles. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Subsection 6.7 g be struck from the Policy Book. 6-27-13 Resolution on Temporary Foreign Workers Submitted by Newton-North Delta WHEREAS under the Conservative government admissions of Temporary Foreign Workers to Canada now outpace admissions of economic immigrants as permanent residents; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NDP pledges to fix the Temporary Foreign Workers Program to bring longterm economic sustainability to our communities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that central to this fix will be investing in and supporting workers in Canada to develop the skills needed to match them to the present and future needs of employers and by protecting Temporary Foreign Workers from abuse and rights violations. 6-28-13 Resolution on the French Language Submitted by Gaspsie-Iles-de-la-Madeleine WHEREAS that in Quebec, employees under federal jurisdiction do not have their right to work in French protected; WHEREAS that New Democrat MP Robert Aubin tabled Bill C-315 An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (French language); BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party reaffirms its support for Bill C-315 from the MP for Trois-Rivires, RobertAubin, An Act to amend the Canada Labour Code (French language) aimed at protecting the language rights of Quebec workers in companies under federal jurisdiction; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party condemns the Harper governments inaction regarding the constitution of a committee to study the status of French as the language of work in companies under federal jurisdiction located in Quebec. 6-29-13 Resolution on Attacks on Immigrants; Cuts and Citizenship Submitted by the Toronto Young New Democrats WHEREAS there has been a concerted effort by the Conservative government to cut services and enact immigration reform that further marginalizes migrants who come to Canada, BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP oppose the cuts to the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP will stand for universal free healthcare, pharmacare, dental and optical, regardless of citizenship status,


BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP reject all forms of discrimination on the basis of citizenship,

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP assist in building a united labour movement, that stands for workers regardless of ethnicity and citizenship status, and therefore to support and encourage the efforts of trade unions to organize migrant workers. 6-30-13 Resolution on Refugees Submitted by KitchenerWaterloo WHEREAS New Democrats are committed to protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees (Montreal Convention Policy Book, section 4.4); and WHEREAS the Minister, in December 2012, designated 27 countries as safe; and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that: 1) A New Democratic Party government will repeal Bill C-31, the Protecting Canadas Immigration and Refugee System Act; and 2) While the Act remains in force, New Democrats will advocate for the rights of refugee claimants, including claimants from DCO safe countries, and of those Canadians who provide sanctuary to them. 6-31-13 Resolution on Upholding Sex Workers Rights to Life, Liberty, Security, and Equality Submitted by Vancouver East WHEREAS Canadian values include respect for human and labour rights of all persons, including the right to life, liberty, security, equality and freedom of expression and association as set out in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; WHEREAS Canadian courts, the Parliamentary Subcommittee on Solicitation Laws and the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry concluded that criminalization of sex workers increases the violence perpetrated against them and decreases their access to police and other legal and social protections. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT we, the NDP, support the repeal of sections 210, 211, 212(1), 212(3), and 213 of the Criminal Code of Canada in order to improve the health, safety, equality and social citizenship of sex workers. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT we, the NDP, do not support the enactment of legislation that prohibits the purchase or sale of sexual services or sex workers ability to work with others. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT while the prostitution laws remain in force, we, the NDP, call on all Canadian police departments to immediately halt enforcement of ss. 211, 212(1), 212(3), and 213 and, instead, ensure sex workers have equal access to police protection and the justice system when they are the victims of crime. 6-32-13 Resolution on Worker Rights Submitted by Churchill WHEREAS many workers under Federal jurisdiction lack the same rights when it comes to safety as workers under provincial jurisdiction in many of the provinces WHEREAS workers have the right to go to work and return from work that is safe and healthy

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THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP opposition calls on the federal Government to implement the best practice concerning the safety of their employees in the provinces where they work. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED they call on the government to grant these safety practices to employees in other provinces under federal jurisdiction 6-33-13 Resolution on Public Safety Submitted by Churchill WHEREAS proportionally more aboriginal woman are missing and murdered compared to the rest of woman in society WHEREAS the aboriginal leadership has been calling for a national enquiring into Murdered and missing woman THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call on the Government of Canada to call for an enquiry into Murdered and missing woman BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the enquiry be mandated to look at the underpaying factors for such a proportionally higher percentage of aboriginal women being murdered BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that once the report is released the government starts implements the recommendation right away of the reports findings 6-34-13 Resolution on Retirement Safety Submitted by Oshawa WHEREAS workers are most deeply and negatively impacted by corporate closures and bankruptcies; and WHEREAS workers are currently treated as a low priority under Canadian bankruptcy law; and BE IT RESOLVED that the federal NDP recommit to change the legislative structure so as to situate workers as a first priority in corporate bankruptcies; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NDP continue to advocate for enhanced public pensions which guarantee all Canadians the right to retire with dignity.

6-35-13 Resolution on Solidarity with Idle No More Submitted by Churchill WHEREAS the New Democratic Party has a strong tradition of supporting justice for First Nations, Mtis and Inuit Peoples; WHEREAS the grassroots Idle No More Movement and First Nations, Mtis and Inuit leaders have called for change; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party express its solidarity with Idle No More and Aboriginal leaders in their fight for fairness for Aboriginal people.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a New Democratic Party government would work with First Nations, Mtis and Inuit governments and peoples to achieve social and economic justice for all Aboriginal peoples and all Canadians. 6-36-13 Resolution on the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with disAbilities Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS Canada has signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with disAbilities but not yet adopted all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for its implementation; and WHEREAS the 2011 NDP Election Platform, called for the removal of the reservation on Article 12 of the Convention, BE IT RESOLVED that section 6.3 of the policy book be amended to read: 6.3.f. Establishing legislative, administrative and other measures necessary to protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities as recognized in the present UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following clause be added to section 6.3 of the policy book: 6.3.g. Ending Canadas reservation on Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all subsequent sections be renumbered accordingly. 6-37-13 Resolution on Optional Protocol of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Submitted by the Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS Canada has signed and ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities albeit with a reservation on Article 12, and WHEREAS Canada has yet to sign & ratify the Optional Protocol, BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP calls on the Government of Canada to sign and ratify the implementation of the Optional Protocol of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

6-38-13 Resolution on Elimination of Genetic Discrimination Submitted by Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS there exists discrimination against persons who are at risk of developing, predicted, or have been identified, to develop genetic illnesses; and WHEREAS the Canadian Coalition for Genetic Fairness has requested the Government of Canada to explore all policy options to develop and implement an effective strategy to eliminate genetic discrimination; BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada calls on the federal government to implement anti-genetic discrimination protections and establish a standing body to enforce protection(s), document genetic discrimination cases and assess effectiveness of enacted protection(s); and

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada calls on the federal government to also devise a public communication/education campaign to promote anti-genetic discrimination fears and aiding uptake of genetic testing and research among Canadians. 6-39-13 Resolution on Mixed Member Proportional Representation Submitted by Saanich-Gulf Islands THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP strive to form a majority government in the next federal general election and commit to reforming Canada's electoral system through mixed member proportional representation within the duration of its first mandate; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that before the next federal general election, the NDP announce that in the event of a minority government, it is determined to cooperate with other parties equally committed to reforming Canada's electoral system in order to ensure that the subsequent federal general election is held under a system of mixed member proportional representation. 6-40-13 Resolution on Presumptive Joint Custody as the basis for changes in the Divorce Act Submitted by Huron-Bruce WHEREAS the 1998 Commons Senate Joint Committee on Child Custody and Access stressed that any changes to the Divorce Act should affirm that both parents are responsible for the care of their children after separation and divorce WHEREAS the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child, Article 3 states that in "all actions concerning children the best interests of the child shall be a primary consideration." and Article 9 states that "parties shall ensure that a child shall not be separated from his or her parents against their will, except when competent authorities subject to judicial review determine, in accordance with applicable law and procedures, that such separation is for the best interests of the child." BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party of Canada adopt a policy that legislated changes are required in the federal Divorce Act and that these changes should include a presumption of legal joint custody and legal shared parental responsibility, except in cases where it can be proven to not be in the best interests of the child.

6-41-13 Resolution on Katimavik Submitted by TerrebonneBlainville, LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS the Conservative government cut all funding for the Katimavik program in its last budget; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP urge the federal government to find new funding options in order to restore the Katimavik program. 6-42-13 Resolution on the RCMPs Interactions with the LGBTT Community Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the government of Canada commission a report assessing the RCMPs interactions with LGBTT individuals and the prevalence of lesbophobia, biphobia, transphobia,


heterosexism, and cissexism in the RCMP.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in the light of the reports findings, the government of Canada be required to facilitate and fund mandatory measures, to be carried out jointly with the LGBTT community, to purge the RCMP of all oppressive attitudes toward LGBTT individuals and improve the RCMPs interactions with LGBTT individuals in matters such as same-sex or trans-sex conjugal violence. 6-43-13 Resolution on Food Pricing in Remote Communities Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP demand that the government introduce legislation setting maximum prices for staples and fresh foods so that prices paid by northern residents do not exceed the retail price in southern communities by over 20%. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a national forum be organized to identify problems of food pricing, safety, and availability in the north and in remote communities. The forum would include representatives from aboriginal communities, government, the food distribution industry, and health and food safety agencies. 6-44-13 Resolution on Transgendered Inmates Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call for a comprehensive study and a report on the conditions of transgendered inmates in Canada covering their needs and the dangers of victimization, and for the necessary measures to be taken to ensure transgendered inmates enjoy the rights and protections they deserve: - Respect for their gender and human dignity - The right to be themselves and express their gender while incarcerated, including access to genderappropriate accommodation; - Protection from discrimination and violence based on their gender identity at the hands of other inmates and correctional staff; - An environment that safeguards their physical safety and emotional wellbeing; - Full access to healthcare and psychological services, including services related to gender transitioning; - Full access to government services related to legally changing official gender status; and - All other needs identified.

6-45-13 Resolution on Television Converters Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NPD lobby the government to set up a fund to compensate low-income Canadian households for expenses stemming from the transition from analog to digital broadcasting.

6-46-13 Resolution on Gender Parity in Crown Corporations Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the NPD support a law instituting parity between men and women on the boards of all Canadian crown corporations, according to a clearly defined timeline.


6-47-13 Resolution on Radio-Canadas Independence Submitted by the Quebec Section

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BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP call on the government of Canada to require that the CRTC uphold strict Canadian content standards with all private and public broadcasters. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that independent producers be entitled to receive royalties for programming they produced, except for cases where the broadcaster has paid the independent producer for broadcast rights. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the board of directors of the Canada Media Fund include independent representatives appointed from all sectors of the public and private media in Canada. 6-48-13 Resolution on Northern Ontario Curling Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP engage with the Canadian Curling Association to ensure that any future changes being considered to the teams qualifying for the Brier do not include dropping Northern Ontario as a separate rink. 6-49-13 Resolution on Arts/Culture and Heritage Submitted by LongueuilPierre-Boucher WHEREAS Canada has various cultural agencies to foster the creation and presentation of arts at home and abroad, ensure the development of dynamic and competitive cultural industries, preserve our heritage, and promote Canadians access and commitment to arts and culture; BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party oppose the budget cuts imposed by the Harper government on CBC/Radio-Canada, Telefilm Canada, Library and Archives Canada, the National Film Board of Canada, and the Department of Canadian Heritage. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party call on the Harper government to put an end to its repeated attacks designed to weaken Canadas public broadcaster, CBC/Radio-Canada.

6-50-13 Resolution on Gender Parity on the Boards of Parent State-Owned Companies Submitted by CharlesbourgHaute-Sainte-Charles WHEREAS women in Canada remain underrepresented in company boardrooms; WHEREAS more and more studies show that mixed-gender boards are more effective, perform better, draw on larger talent pools, react better to markets, and make better decisions; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP support the introduction of an act requiring, according to a strict schedule, equal representation of women and men on the boards of parent Crown corporations by setting a minimum proportion of board members of each sex. 6-51-13 Resolution on Right to Privacy Submitted by Terrebonne--Blainville

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WHEREAS technology plays an increasingly large role in how personal information is shared, circulated, and managed; BE IT RESOLVED that Subsection 6.9 of the Policy Book be amended as follows: New Democrats believe in: h. Safeguarding the right to privacy of individuals whenever personal information is gathered, used, or disclosed by a private organization or gathered, stored, or destroyed by a government body. 6-52-13 Resolution on Youth Submitted by TerrebonneBlainville WHEREAS youth unemployment recently reached 15.2%, the highest level in decades, and student debt has also reached record levels higher than in most other industrialized countries; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP begin a national conversation for young people and students around issues such as the fact that education should not equate debt, the belief that people in every region of Canada should have access to education, and finding solutions to youth unemployment, ensuring that young people have access to quality jobs and acceptable working conditions, and preserving Canadas cultural, heritage, and natural riches for future generations. 6-53-13 Resolution on Respect for the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Democratic Rule of Law Submitted by Gatineau WHEREAS Section 4.1(1) of the Department of Justice Act requires that the Minister examine every draft regulation and bill to ensure its provisions are consistent with the purposes and provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and to report any irregularity to the House of Commons at the first opportunity; BE IT RESOLVED that an NDP government would immediately make public all government policies and guidelines related to examining new legislation to ensure consistency with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as per Section 4.1 of the Department of Justice Act. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a federal NDP government would ask the House of Commons to entitle the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights to undertake a comprehensive study of the application of Section 4.1(1) of the Department of Justice Act, from the moment this provision came into force, and report back to the House of Commons, which will then make the necessary changes to ensure that the rule of law prevails in Canada. 6-54-13 Resolution on Temporary Foreign Workers Submitted by Rosemont-La Petite Patrie WHEREAS under the Conservative government we have seen the number of temporary foreign workers admitted to Canada overtake the number of economic category immigrants accepted as permanent residents; WHEREAS the Temporary Foreign Worker Program should be managed in a way that both helps businesses find the workers they need and ensures Canadian workers have the job opportunities they deserve;

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WHEREAS the Temporary Foreign Worker program should not be used as a means to secure cheap labour from workers who do not enjoy the same rights and protection as their Canadian counterparts; WHEREAS the Conservative government has systematically mismanaged the Temporary Foreign Workers Program, raising concerns that the rights of temporary foreign workers are regularly flouted and that Canadian workers are not always given priority when filling jobs; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the NPD will fight to: -Reform the Foreign Temporary Workers Program to safeguard the long-term economic viability of our communities and protect temporary foreign workers against any and all abuses or violations of their basic rights; and -Invest in developing the skills Canadian workers must acquire to meet the current and future needs of employers. 6-55-13 Resolution on the Right to Die with Dignity Submitted by Hamilton Mountain WHEREAS there is mounting evidence that shows the majority of Canadians support physician-assisted suicide and; WHEREAS the British Columbia Supreme Court in June 2012 ruled that the Criminal Code provisions that prohibit doctors from helping their patients commit suicide are unconstitutional and; WHEREAS a Quebec committee of legal experts recommended in its report, released in January 2013, that Quebec's constitutional jurisdiction over health care gives it the latitude to bypass the current Criminal Code ban on assisted-suicide, provided the option is offered within a well-defined medical framework. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal New Democratic Party develop a policy to permit physician-assisted suicide for consenting adults whom are terminally ill.

6-56-13 Resolution to Repeal Section 159 of the Criminal Code of Canada Submitted by Toronto-Danforth WHEREAS section 159 of the Criminal Code of Canada is an outdated provision that unconstitutionally discriminates against members of the LGBTQ community; WHEREAS Courts of Appeal in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia (OCA 1995, QCA 1998, BCCA 2003) found section 159 unconstitutional and discriminatory under section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in terms of sexual orientation; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party believes in the need to repeal section 159 of the Criminal Code and therefore supports Bill C-448, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Consent). 6-57-13 Resolution on Internet Access and Freedom of Expression Submitted by Outremont

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WHEREAS our intellectual property legislation was designed for the 19th and 20th centuries, and must now adapt the realities of the digital age; BE IT RESOLVED that Subsection 6.7 g in the Policy Book be replaced with the following new clause: g) Reviewing copyright concepts to bring them into the 21st century while protecting the rights of small creators. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that two new clauses be added to Subsection 6.9: h) Ensuring fast, affordable Internet access nationwide. i) Protecting the right to privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet.

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Panel 7: Building on Our Momentum


7-01-13 Resolution to Amend the Constitution Submitted by Federal Council WHEREAS the NDP has different rules governing nominations in each province; and WHEREAS using different rules in each province creates inconsistency and confusion; BE IT RESOLVED that Article XV of the constitution be struck and replaced by: Article XV: Rules governing the nomination of candidates 1. The Federal Council shall create rules and procedures for the nomination of the federal candidates. 2. The Federal Council shall review these rules after each general election. 7-02-13 Resolution on the Preamble Submitted by The Constitution Committee Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. New Democrats are Canadians who believe we can be a better one -- a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build sustainable prosperity, and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the worlds environment. New Democrats work together to these ends for the sake of our fellow citizens and in the interests of all of humanity. New Democrats are proud of our political and activist heritage, and our long record of visionary, practical, and successful governments. That heritage and that record have distinguished and inspired our party since the creation of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation in 1933, and the founding of the New Democratic Party in 1961. New Democrats seek a future which brings together the best of the insights and objectives of Canadians who, within the social democratic and democratic socialist traditions, have worked through farmer, labour, co-operative, feminist, human rights and environmental movements to build a more just, equal, and sustainable Canada within a global community dedicated to the same goals. New Democrats celebrate Canadas diversity and the deep histories, traditions and aspirations of all of its peoples. New Democrats believe in freedom and democracy, and in a positive role for democratically elected and accountable Parliaments, legislatures and the governments responsible to them. New Democrats affirm a role for government in helping to create the conditions for sustainable prosperity. We believe in a rules based economy, nationally and globally, in which governments have the power to address the limitations of the market in addressing the common good, by having the power to act in the public interest, for social and economic justice, and for the integrity of the environment. New Democrats belong to the family of other progressive democratic political parties that govern successfully in many countries around the world. In co-operation with like minded political parties and governments, New Democrats are committed to working together for peace, international co-operation, and the common good of all the common good being our fundamental purpose as a movement and as a party. 7-03-13 Resolution on a Constitutional Amendment


Submitted by the Council of Electoral District Associations for the Province of Alberta

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WHEREAS the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are so different in their history, economy and politics that it is a detriment to the party to not have representation from all three Provinces on the executive, and WHEREAS the NDP, wanting to form government, will need to grow and win seats in the west, the party will need to understand the differences of each Province, and BE IT RESOLVED that Article VII Section 3(a) of the constitution be amended by striking the word ten and replacing it with the word eleven, further amended by striking the words shall be, the Prairie Provinces and Each region, and further amended by adding the sentence The regions defined as: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba shall each receive one representative. Gender parity will be respected within each of these regions. after the word woman. Bellow you will see the Section as is and with the changes. Article VII. Executive 3. (a) ten regional representatives. For the purpose of representation on Executive and Council, the regions shall be defined as; British Columbia, the Prairie Provinces, Ontario, Qubec and the Atlantic provinces. Each region shall be entitled to two representatives, at least one of whom will be a woman. Each region shall elect these representatives at a Caucus of delegates from the said region, and submit them to Convention for ratification; Article VII. Executive 3. (a) eleven regional representatives. For the purpose of representation on Executive and Council, the regions defined as: British Columbia, Ontario, Qubec and the Atlantic provinces shall be entitled to two representatives, at least one of whom will be a woman. The regions defined as: Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba shall each receive one representative. Gender parity will be respected within each of these regions. Each region shall elect these representatives at a Caucus of delegates from the said region, and submit them to Convention for ratification 7-04-13 Resolution on Senior Committees Submitted by Elmwood-Transcona WHEREAS it is often difficult for various individuals to stay abreast of the work of Party Senior Committees at the National level; and WHEREAS better two way communications would keep all the Partys membership aware of regional Senior Committees concerns; BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal Caucus connect directly with all NDP Senior Committees in the country and develop a dialogue with them regarding issues and concerns of Seniors in Canada.

7-05-13 Resolution on a Committee Name Change Submitted by Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS the Persons Living with disAbilities Committee adopted a name change in 2011 to reflect a more person oriented committee; WHEREAS the name of the committee is not consistent throughout the Constitution; BE IT RESOLVED that Article VII, Section 3(d) of the Constitution be amended by striking Disability Rights Committee, and replacing this phrase with Persons Living with disAbilities Committee;

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Article VIII, Section 1(h)(ii) of the Constitution be amended by striking People Living with Disabilities Committee, and replacing this phrase with Persons Living with disAbilities Committee; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the phrase Persons Living with disAbilities Committee replace Disability Rights Committee or People Living with Disabilities Committee throughout the document. 7-06-13 Resolution on the Aboriginal Policy Book Submitted by Aboriginal Peoples Commission WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada throughout its history has passed a great deal of progressive policies regarding the rights and future of Aboriginal Peoples of Canada WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Alberta developed a strong Aboriginal Policy handbook which related party policy to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples BE IT RESOLVED THAT the New Democratic Party of Canada, working in partnership with the NDP Aboriginal Commission, is instructed to create an Aboriginal Policy handbook, using the document that passed by the Alberta NDP as a template. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the work to complete this handbook be completed before the end of May 2014. 7-07-13 Resolution on Co-operation between levels of the party Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP commit to cooperation among all levels of the New Democratic Party to achieve shared aims in Northern Ontario, across Ontario and the nation. That agreements between diverse groups of the party be negotiated without prejudice in good faith and positive spirit, and that those agreements be respected as integral to achieving our shared aims. 7-08-13 Resolution on Standing Committees/Commissions Clarification Submitted by Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS the parameters and differences between committees and commissions is unclear in the Constitution; WHEREAS there are no guidelines or mechanisms for linguistic integration nor guidelines for Party support of committees/commissions; WHEREAS committee/commission representation on the Federal Executive as established in the Constitution does not reflect or support the party leadership model of co-chairs; BE IT RESOLVED that the Federal NDP strike an ad hoc committee to clarify and define the parameters and differences between committees and commissions, to update representation on Executive and Council, to establish guidelines for communications with and support from the Party, to propose models for linguistic integration and support, and to propose funding alternatives for committee business, linguistic support and accessibility. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this committee will include representatives from and conduct consultations with current standing committees/commissions, will regularly report to the Executive and Federal Council and will suggest the appropriate constitutional amendments prior to the next Convention.


7-09-13 Resolution on the Implementing Gender Parity in Federal Delegations Submitted by the Quebec Section BE IT RESOLVED that the following be added to Article 6 (a)(iv) of the party Constitution:

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All delegations with an even number of members must be made up of at least half women. Oddnumbered delegations must be made up of at least half women, minus one. This article does not apply to any delegation that can demonstrate the impossibility of attaining such parity. 7-10-13 Resolution on Changing the National Directors Title Submitted by Papineau WHEREAS the Canadian people includes the nation of Quebec and the First Nations; BE IT RESOLVED that all articles relating to federal NDP statutes be amended to change the title of national director back to federal secretary.

7-11-13 Resolution on the Accessibility of Party Functions Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP shall develop and share strategies and mechanisms to make NDP meetings and celebrations accessible to members on low income. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP set minimum targets for the participation of members on low income. 7-12-13 Resolution on the Accessibility of NDP and Associated Officers Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP develop and follow a policy that all offices associated with the party be totally accessible to all and that prior to entering into a contract, an accessibility audit similar to that of the CAW or OPSEU be done and the building meet the established criteria. 7-13-13 Resolution on the Northern Ontario Platform and Message Box Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP develop and maintain a Northern Ontario Regional Message Box, and that these messages are consistent and cohesive wherever possible. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT there be a dedicated Northern Ontario platform developed by the Federal NDP and released within the election period of a general election. In advance of each election, Northern Council be consulted by the appropriate party EPC on the aspects to be included in a Northern Ontario Platform, and that the Northern Council Executive co-ordinate this consultation in the context of a general meeting whenever possible. 7-14-13 Resolution asking membership/convention to consider following up on a directive from a previous convention Submitted by the Council of Electoral District Associations for the Province of Alberta WHEREAS the omnibus constitutional amendment at the Quebec City convention was referred back to the Constitutional committee with clear instructions to give Alberta continuous representation on the NDP national executive, and

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BE IT RESOLVED that the constitutional committee and the executive should follow the will and vote of the National convention in Qubec city to back a constitutional amendment giving Alberta permanent representation on the National Executive. 7-15-13 Resolution on Volunteer Equity Submitted by Oshawa WHEREAS there has been confusion expressed and/or exhibited by some federal staff over whether being nice to volunteers is a job requirement during recent election campaigns; and WHEREAS unpaid volunteers are neither protected by collective agreements nor compensated for their labour; and BE IT RESOLVED that the federal NDP adopt a Code of Conduct over the equitable and humane treatment of campaign volunteers; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Code of Conduct be drafted by a committee of volunteers wherein those from equity-seeking groups comprise a supermajority; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Code of Conduct provide an equitable and meaningful grievance procedure for volunteers along with disciplinary measures for any staff who breach the Code. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Code of Conduct be in effect by the next federal campaign. 7-16-13 Resolution on Inclusion in NDP Activities Submitted by Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS the funding regulations for political parties and the revenue raising regulations for political conventions has changed dramatically resulting in a re-assessment and realignment of priorities and practices; WHEREAS people living on low incomes are increasingly excluded from mainstream political participation as their incomes continue to shrink in real and relative dollars; BE IT RESOLVED that the federal NDP reaffirms its commitment to create the conditions necessary to include New Democrats living on low-incomes in party activities on an equitable basis with other New Democrats. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Party will strike an ad hoc committee to review and revise the principles and guidelines for the setting of delegate fees and the Affirmative Action Travel Pool, and to investigate and develop alternatives for addressing the participation gap. The committee will present its recommendations to Federal Council at least eight months prior to the next convention for implementation at the next convention. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that at least one-third of this committee be New Democrats with lived experience of poverty. 7-17-13 Resolution on Provision of Information in Accessible Formats Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP make all its printed material available in an accessible format when requested by anyone not able to read standard paper copy. These formats include but are not limited to: Braille, Large Print, and electronic text (excluding Portable Document Format "PDF"). The format should be determined by the person requiring the material.

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Federal NDP ensure that all of its web sites are fully compliant with the current Web Accessibility standards and therefore fully usable by people with disabilities. 7-18-13 Resolution on the NDP Website Submitted by LaSalle-mard WHEREAS presentation of the fundamental values of a political party on a website is now an essential tool for a political party to recruit new members, donations and support; BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP website present from now on the issues, values and objectives of the NDP using a few key points presented in a simple and dynamic manner. 7-19-13 Resolution on a Northern Ontario Organizer Submitted by the Council of Northern Ontario Federal Ridings, Sudbury BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Federal NDP work with other levels of the party to immediately pool resources to hire a dedicated Northern Ontario organizer, to assist with riding development and preparation for upcoming Federal election 7-20-13 Resolution on Interculturalism Submitted by Young New Democrats of Quebec WHEREAS interculturalism may be defined as an integration model founded on intensive and harmonious exchanges between cultures that promotes a common identity without seeking to do away with differences; WHEREAS interculturalism is in keeping with the fundamental values of the NPD. BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The NDP add the following section to the preamble of its Constitution: The New Democratic Party believes in an intercultural integration model based on harmonious exchanges between cultures and promoting greater solidarity between newcomers and members of the host culture. The party replace the word multiculturalism with interculturalism in the Sherbrooke Declaration and all other documents setting out official party positions. 7-21-13 Resolution on a Progressive Union Submitted by Vancouver Kingsway WHEREAS it is imperative for election reform to proceed as soon as possible and WHEREAS the progressive vote will be split at least 3 ways (NDP, Green and Liberals) which gives the Conservatives a mathematical and financial advantage BE IT RESOLVED that the NDP co-operate with other progressive parties in the next election to defeat the Conservatives and introduce election reform as the first and only mandate of a progressive union. 7-22-13 Resolution on No Co-operation with any Political Party Submitted by Thornhill

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WHEREAS decades of funding cuts by the federal Conservatives and Liberals has led to a deterioration in social and community infrastructures at a time when we most urgently need policies, programs and funding that builds strong and safe communities, BE IT RESOLVED that no co-operation take place between New Democrats and their riding associations and other political parties and their riding associations in Canada in any way, shape or form BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that New Democrats as Canada's Official Opposition and Government-inWaiting will, with increased determination and more votes, win the next federal elections without the support of the Liberals and Conservatives, if the people of Canada will it. 7-23-13 Resolution on Election Strategy Submitted by Kildonan-St. Paul WHEREAS the majority of Canadian voters do not support the existing Tory government, but through the splitting of the progressive electorate between the NDP, Liberals and Greens, the Tories win the most seats in Parliament, and; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that our NDP national party executives establish a working relationship with both the Liberal and Green parties to deal with the progressive vote-splitting problem. One solution being that where any one of these opposition parties obtained 30% or more of the ballots cast in a riding, a joint nomination meeting of the three parties would select the candidate of that party that had obtained 30% or more of the votes cast in the last election (May 2011), the nominated candidate would then be formally endorsed by the two other parties. 7-24-13 Resolution on ensuring internal NDP elections follow democratic principles Submitted by London--Fanshawe WHEREAS the New Democratic Party of Canada constitution and the constitutions of the provincial sections are vague about the process for conducting elections within the party itself, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the executive of the federal NDP develop rules for all elections within the party (federal executive, federal council, provincial executives and councils, EDA executives, CFRs) that are fair, transparent, democratic processes as expected in general elections including, but not limited to: a) allowing candidate representatives to scrutineer, and challenge, registrations, distribution of ballots and counting of ballots; b) providing candidates with the list of members eligible to vote in the upcoming election in a specified timely fashion; c) receiving from candidates challenges and corrections to the list described in b); d) spending limits, financial reporting, donor qualifications and disclosure limits. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the executive of the federal NDP will bring these rules to federal council within one year for approval with a goal to inclusion in the constitution and approval at the next federal convention.

7-25-13 Resolution on Democratic Financing Submitted by Thornhill

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WHEREAS the traditional sources of finance for the New Democratic Party, namely donations from individuals and trade unions, are fully in accord with the constitutional aims and purposes of the party WHEREAS this method of financing ensures that the party has no obligations to any vested corporate interest but rather responds to the needs of ordinary people who make up the NDP and shape its policies, BE IT RESOLVED that the New Democratic Party continue to actively support all provincial NDP organizations and the principle of a minimum standard of accepting donations only from businesses with 500 or fewer employees, who are non-multinational corporations, who maintain good employment and environmental practises, who are not on the boycott lists of the Canadian Labour Congress and the applicable provincial labour congress, whose primary products are not destructive weapons or their delivery systems, and with no ties or commitments from the party to the donor. 7-26-13 Resolution on the Equity Committee/Commission Executive Representation Submitted by Disability Rights Commission WHEREAS under 3(d) of the constitution, the chairs of equity committees/commissions are "all elected by the respective Caucus at Convention and ratified by Convention"; WHEREAS all committees/commissions have two co-chairs, but Executive representation is limited to one chair; WHEREAS co-chairs work closely, are equal, and should be able to sit as proxies for meetings where one cannot attend; BE IT RESOLVED that proxies for equity committee Co-Chairs be permitted to ensure full representation at Executive meetings. 7-27-13 Resolution on a Requirement that the Treasurer of the Federal NDP be Bilingual Submitted by Section Quebec BE IT RESOLVED that Article VI of the federal NDP Constitution be amended to require that anyone standing for this position possess a functional grasp of both of Canadas official languages. 7-28-13 Resolution on Membership Fairness: Directing the Establishment of an Independent Federal Membership Submitted by London-Fanshawe WHEREAS the current structural relationship between the federal party and the provincial parties is not always to the advantage of one or another and as we build toward forming the first federal NDP government we must have a structure which respects the autonomy of each; and BE IT RESOLVED THAT the federal NDP initiates a separate independent federal membership process, following negotiating an understanding with the provinces, and all appropriate amendments to the constitution be made and be approved by Federal Council, and that a flat national membership fee be established and be implemented no later than January 1st, 2014. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all current NDP members in every jurisdiction receiving notice of the changes, so that the autonomy of each section is clearly established prior to the next federal election so that all Canadians are equally able to participate in the New Democratic Party of Canada.

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