A New Deal for People NEW COMMITMENTS TO YOU Table of Contents My Commitments for a New Deal for People 6 Making life more affordable for everyday people 10 MEDICINE FOR ALL 11 MAKING SURE EVERYONE CAN AFFORD A PLACE TO CALL HOME 14 AFFORDABLE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE 17 QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT 19 MAKING EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WORK FOR YOU 20 AFFORDABLE, QUALITY CELL PHONE SERVICE AND HIGH SPEED BROADBAND FOR ALL 21 BETTER SERVICES ALL CANADIANS CAN RELY ON 23 Building an economy that works better for more people 25 A NEW, FAIRER DEAL FOR ALL WORKERS 27 MORE ACCESSIBLE JOB TRAINING AND LIFELONG LEARNING FOR ALL 29 SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES 30 FAIR TRADE THAT GROWS OUR ECONOMY AND BENEFITS MORE PEOPLE 32 BUILDING CANADIAN INDUSTRIES AND SUPPORTING GOOD JOBS 33 REENERGIZING A MADE-IN-CANADA AUTO INDUSTRY 34 FIGHTING FOR GOOD MANUFACTURING JOBS 36 BOOSTING AEROSPACE INNOVATION 37 SCALING UP HIGH TECH SUCCESS 38 SUPPORTING A THRIVING AGRICULTURE SECTOR 39 GROWING CANADA’S FORESTRY INDUSTRY 41 STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES 42 A NEW DEAL FOR TAX FAIRNESS 44 Protecting our air, land and water, securing our future 45 TAKING CLIMATE LEADERSHIP 47 CREATING GOOD JOBS IN ALL REGIONS 48 IMPROVING WHERE WE LIVE AND WORK 49 CHANGING HOW WE GET AROUND 51 POWERING OUR COMMUNITIES CARBON-FREE 53 PROTECTING OUR LAND AND WATER 54 Taking better care of each other 55 A NEW DEAL FOR BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR ALL CANADIANS 56 EXTENDING MEDICARE TO COVER SERVICES YOU NEED 58 CONFRONTING THE OPIOID PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY 60 HEALTHY FOOD IN EVERY COMMUNITY 61 BETTER ACCESS TO QUALITY HOME CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE 62 REMOVING BARRIERS FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES 63 PROTECTING PENSIONS FOR EVERYONE 64 SECURITY FOR ALL SENIORS 65 HONOURING OUR VETERANS 66 TACKLING POVERTY 67 Reconciliation at the heart of what we do 69 UPHOLDING INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND ADVANCING SELF-DETERMINATION 70 INVESTING IN CHILDREN AND ENDING FUNDING DISCRIMINATION 72 SAFE, QUALITY HOUSING FOR ALL 73 CLOSING THE EDUCATION GAP 74 FOSTERING THRIVING AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES WITH CLEAN WATER AND STRONG PUBLIC SERVICES 75 NURTURING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES 76 SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 78 HONOURING INDIGENOUS WOMEN, GIRLS AND TWO-SPIRIT PEOPLE 79 RECONCILIATION AND JUSTICE 80 PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT TOGETHER 81 A new deal to build stronger, more vibrant communities 82 BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE WE NEED 83 SUPPORTING CANADIAN ARTS AND CULTURE 85 INVESTING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES 87 WELCOMING NEW CANADIANS 89 WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES 90 The courage to do what’s right 91 ADVANCING GENDER EQUITY 92 UPHOLDING LGBTQI2S+ RIGHTS 94 CONFRONTING RACISM 96 PROMOTING OFFICIAL LANGUAGES 98 ENHANCING OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM 99 A GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS FOR YOU AND NOT INSIDERS 100 MAKING EVERY VOTE COUNT – FOR REAL 102 A BETTER ROLE IN THE WORLD 103 DEFENCE AT HOME AND ABROAD 104 Dear friends, It’s time for real results for people like you. We live in a great country, full of vibrant communities and incredible people. And across the vast distances, there’s so much that brings us together. We all want to take care of our loved ones, build a good life, and give a bright future to the next generation. But as I listen to Canadians, I hear the worry in people’s voices. From our downtowns and suburbs to small towns and rural communities, life keeps getting harder. It’s harder to keep up – as wages stay the same, and workers fear that they’ll be left behind. It’s harder to find good jobs – the kind that come with a living wage, good benefits, and the security of having a union on your side. It’s harder to afford a home as sky-rocketing rents and mortgages force people out of the neighbourhoods they grew up in. It’s harder to get the health care we need as families pay more out-of-pocket for everything from home care to prescription drugs. And all the while, we see the dangers of the climate crisis growing – and threatening everything that we value. People across the country are worried about what the future holds and how their children will make a life for themselves. It’s the same look of worry I saw on the faces of my own parents as our family faced an addiction crisis and lost our home. We know exactly why this is happening to families today. The stress that families carry, the worry that keeps people up at night, and the suffocating pressure that people feel as costs keep tightening the family budget – it’s caused by the choices that Liberal and Conservative governments have made to do less and less. For decades, their governments have chosen to strip away the things that people count on – and they have chosen to make ordinary people suffer the consequences. Justin Trudeau could have chosen to help people. He could have taken real action against stagnating wages, sky-rocketing housing costs, unaffordable child care, crushing student debt, and ballooning prescription drug prices. But he chose not to. When push comes to shove, he sides with big corporations and his wealthy friends – because that’s the world he comes from and that’s who has his ear. Meanwhile, Andrew Scheer’s Conservatives offer nothing except more cuts, more privatization, and more pollution. Scheer tells families you’re on your own to solve these problems. They want to drag us backwards to the dark days of Stephen Harper. And, even worse, the Conservatives are stoking fear and dividing communities, instead of bringing people together to build our country up. It’s frustrating, but not surprising. The Liberals, the Conservatives, and their revolving door of corporate influencers do not want to change things for Canadians – because the system that has failed ordinary families is working perfectly for the people and corporations at the very top. It was rigged to work for them – not for you. If we want different results, we need to make different choices. And we need to do it now. Our country, and our world, has been pushed to the tipping point – with unprecedented income inequality, an out-ofcontrol climate crisis, and a resurgence of vile intolerance and hatred. What we need now is the courage to act together. And that is exactly what New Democrats offer to Canadians. We are the party that has the courage to put people and the solutions families need first. It’s who we are. We are guided by our vision of a country that works for ordinary, hard-working people – not those at the very top. And we’ll start by doing what we, as social democrats, believe government exists to do: Work together to take care of each other so everyone benefits. Our New Deal for People is our view of where our country can go over the next decade. It is our roadmap to what we believe is possible. And it is our commitment to the real results that we will work to deliver for Canadians. This fall’s election is our opportunity, as Canadians, to start to fix what’s broken – and to build a better future for everyone. ©© A future where families feel more secure and more hopeful in their lives – and where your government protects and creates good jobs that families can count on in a clean energy economy ©© A future where we take better care of one another, by reinvesting in public services and making sure public health care – one of our proudest achievements as New Democrats – is expanded to cover us all and no one is forced to skip their medication because they can’t afford it ©© A future where everyone can find a safe and affordable place to call home, put down roots, and build a good life – and where your government builds affordable homes again and makes it more affordable to buy or rent. ©© A future where our children breathe clean air and play outdoors without choking on smoke – and where your government holds big polluters accountable and fights climate change like we actually want to win ©© A future where the richest people and most profitable corporations actually pay a little bit more, instead of less – and everyone sees the benefits of growing our economy in their own lives ©© A future where no one is stuck living in poverty or unable to get by – and where your government is actually committed to building a fairer and more equal country for everyone ©© A future where every Indigenous person has access to safe housing, excellent education, quality health care, and safe drinking water – and where your government puts meaningful reconciliation at the heart of every decision we make ©© A future where racism, discrimination, and homophobia have no place – and where your government treats people with the respect and dignity that we all deserve In the coming months, this roadmap will guide us as we talk to millions of Canadians. Our vision is built on the values that have driven our movement from the very start. Our commitments are inspired by the hopes and dreams of Canadians today. It’s time for the courage to get it done. Together, we can do more for everyone, instead of less. And we can turn our dream of a much more prosperous, more sustainable, and fairer country into a better future for all of us. Sincerely, Jagmeet Singh, MP Leader, Canada’s New Democrats Making life more affordable for everyday people MEDICINE FOR ALL The stress and worry that people feel isn’t an accident. It’s the direct result of deliberate choices made by Liberal and Conservative governments. They have chosen to let drug companies gouge patients. And they have chosen to leave millions of people uninsured or underinsured, paying hundreds or thousands out of pocket for medicine they need. IN THE DAYS BEFORE MEDICARE, NEW Democrats saw their neighbours suffer because they could not afford the health care they needed. We saw people lose their homes, their farms, and their businesses as they struggled to pay their medical bills. We saw illness destroy entire families. In response to that reality, New Democrats led the fight to establish universal public health care for all Canadians. Medicare changed the lives of millions of people – and it is one of our party’s proudest achievements. Today, Canada is the only wealthy country in the world with a universal health care system that lacks universal prescription insurance coverage. We pay the third highest prices for prescription drugs in the world, and have to deal with a patchwork of programs and coverage – if we’re lucky enough to have coverage at all. But today, decades later, as we look across this country, we see the pain of inaccessible and unaffordable health care once again. Millions of families cannot afford to take the medications they need because they have no employer-provided drug coverage. The number of uninsured people forced to skip their medications is growing as more people work on contract, are self-employed, or in jobs that just don’t come with health benefits. And too many seniors are putting their health at risk because they don’t have drug coverage and can’t afford to pay out-of-pocket. “ I have type one Diabetes and need to take insulin in order to survive. I’ve paid over $70,000 for the basics that I need to live. Canadians like me need universal, public pharmacare to survive.” ROWAN BURDGE A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 11 That means access to necessary medicines in the same way that we have access to medical and hospital care – free at the point of care, financed by a public insurance system that covers everyone. It means that you’ll need your health card – not your credit card – at the pharmacy till. And it puts an end to costly co-payments, deductibles, and premiums that cost families hundreds and even thousands a year. For ten years, instead of addressing the growing costs of drug coverage, the Conservatives made the problem worse by reducing health care funding to the provinces and undermining efforts towards a national approach to pharmaceutical pricing. Now, the Liberal government has spent four years stalling, promising lower drug costs but delivering delays and more of the same piecemeal system that is failing Canadians and costing us more. This Liberal government’s patchwork approach will create a two-tier system based on private insurance that won’t help the majority of Canadians. Our plan will guarantee that every Canadian can get the medication they need. And it will mean big savings for employers who currently pay for employee benefits, helping to reward good employers and boost economic growth. It will also cost our system less overall, as a result of pooling the purchasing power of the entire country. New Democrats believe that we must do better. Just as our party led the fight to establish universal public health care for all Canadians, we are leading the fight to expand Medicare – to include quality prescription drug coverage for everyone, regardless of your job, where you live, your age, your health status or how much money you make. We will begin working with the provinces right away to target a late 2020 start date, with an annual federal investment of $10 billion. Most importantly, our pharmacare plan will mean a healthier Canada where no one has to make the impossible choice between the medicine they need and other essentials, like rent and food. “ Like any parent, our kids come first. We can’t afford my husband’s heart medication, so we’re rolling the dice. Canadians need universal, public pharmacare. Our income shouldn’t dictate our access to medicine.” MARILYN SHEEHAN MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE 12 MAKING SURE EVERYONE CAN AFFORD A PLACE TO CALL HOME The worry and anxiety that people feel today is the result of the bad choices that Liberals and Conservatives have made. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO a safe and affordable place to call home. Working people should be able to afford to live close to their workplaces, including in the heart of our biggest cities. Young people should be able to stay in the neighbourhoods they’ve grown up in. And seniors should never be forced out of the communities that they’ve spent their lives in. The Liberals have neglected the housing crisis in Canada for too long, turning their backs on families who are struggling to stay in the communities where they live and work. The Liberal government is telling Canadian families that they’re just going to have to wait longer for help, struggle more every month, and settle for less. But for too many families, safe and affordable housing is increasingly out of reach, thanks to skyrocketing rents, demo-victions and ballooning home prices. Parents lie awake at night, worrying about how they can afford the family home, as costs keep going up but paycheques don’t keep up. And huge numbers of young people are being forced to give up on the dream of ever owning their own house. New Democrats believe that it’s time to help people now. We have an ambitious plan that will make a difference in every community in our country – because finding a good, affordable place to live shouldn’t be like winning the lottery. It’s time to relieve the stress and worry that people feel by choosing to make it easier for them to rent and buy a home. Canada is in the midst of a national housing crisis impacting every area of the country: Average rents rose in every single province last year, and today, 1.7 million Canadian households spend more than 30 per cent of their income on housing.1 What this means in real terms is that families in our communities are facing constant stress and impossible choices between paying for rent or food; living in substandard housing or relocating out of their community; or worse, facing the real risk of homelessness. A major part of the long-term solution to the problem is to ensure that more affordable rental units are built across the country. One in three Canadians is a renter. In many cities, the few affordable apartments available get snapped up quickly, and people end up living in either inadequate housing or forced to spend a huge chunk of their income on rent. 1 Statistics Canada, “Core Housing Need, 2016 Census.” November 2017. Available online at: https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/chn-biml/index-eng.cfm MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE 14 In order to kick-start the construction of co-ops, social and non-profit housing, we will set up dedicated fast-start funds to streamline the application process and help communities get the expertise and assistance they need to get projects off the ground today, not years from now. The Liberal plan is simply inadequate compared to the scale of crisis Canadians are facing. We need to take urgent action now towards an ambitious plan to build affordable places to live in every community across the country. That’s why a New Democrat government will create 500,000 units of quality, affordable housing in the next ten years, with half of that done within five years. This will be achieved with the right mix of effective measures that work in partnership with provinces and municipalities, build capacity for social, community, and affordable housing providers and co-ops, and meet environmental energy efficiency goals. This ambitious plan will create thousands of jobs in communities all across the country, and help Canadians get the affordable housing they need. Our federal investment will begin with $5 billion in additional funding in the first year and a half of a New Democrat government. A New Democrat government will also spur the construction of affordable homes by waiving the federal portion of the GST/HST on the construction of new affordable rental units – a simple change that will help get new units built faster and keep them affordable for the long term. These measures will help address the housing crisis at the source, but we also need to make sure that families that are hurting get help now. Families do not have years to wait, when every day is a struggle and a constant worry. That’s why we’ll provide immediate relief for families that are struggling to afford rent in otherwise suitable housing, while we bring forward long-term solutions to the housing affordability crisis. “ As a single mother of three, it has been difficult to find affordable housing in London. Jagmeet Singh’s plan to build 500,000 affordable housing units would help my family live together in a healthy, suitable home we can afford.” MARSHA ACKLAND A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 15 To help put an end to speculation that’s fuelling high housing prices, we’ll put in place a Foreign Buyer’s tax on the sale of homes to individuals who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents. New Democrats will also fight money laundering, which fuels organized crime and drives up housing prices. We will workwith the provinces to create a public beneficial ownership registry to increase transparency about who owns properties, and require reporting of suspicious transactions in order to help find and stop money laundering. While making affordable rental housing more available is critical, New Democrats believe that the dream of homeownership shouldn’t be forever out of reach for Canadian families. That’s why we will re-introduce 30-year terms to CMHC insured mortgages on entry-level homes for first time home buyers. This will allow for smaller monthly payments, freeing up funds to help make ends meet for young families. We’ll also give people a hand with closing costs by doubling the Home Buyer’s Tax Credit to $1,500. For Canadians who are open to innovative paths to home ownership, a New Democrat government will provide resources to facilitate co-housing, such as model co-ownership agreements and connections to local resources, and ease access to financing by offering CMHCbacked co-ownership mortgages. MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE 16 AFFORDABLE POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR EVERYONE But today, too many people are being denied access to education. People are being forced to give up on their dreams because they can’t pay sky-rocketing tuition prices. And young people are struggling under the weight of crushing student debt, at the very time when they should be excited about building their lives. ACCESSIBLE AND PUBLICLY-FUNDED education is a great source of opportunity for everyone in our society. It can transform lives, opening new horizons and new opportunities for people from every background. That makes education the greatest gift that we can give to each other, to our children, and to the next generation. These barriers to quality education have been set up by Liberal and Conservative governments – and it’s time to tear them down. They’ve allowed the costs of post-secondary education to balloon with no end in sight, and have continued to profit off students by charging interest on student loans, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars per year. Liberal and Conservative governments have chosen to make life harder for students, young people, and their families. We believe that access to education should never depend on how much money your parents make or how much debt you can carry. If you have the grades and the drive to study hard, you should be able to get the education you want – at any age, and in every community. That’s why New Democrats are committed to ensuring that every Canadian has lifelong access to publicly-funded education – from affordable child care and early years education through to university and college, apprenticeship training, skills development, and retraining programs. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 17 Today, the average student with debt owes $27,000 at the end of an undergraduate degree – and a student who has to borrow to pay for their education will end up paying over $10,000 more than a student who is lucky enough to be able to graduate without taking on debt.2 That’s not fair, and it’s an inequality that sets young people up to fail. There are steps we can take to make education more affordable right now. Five provinces have already shown leadership in eliminating interest rates on student loans. It’s time for the federal government to do the same, and stop profiting from student debt. We’ll also move away from loans and significantly increase access to non-repayable Canada Student Grants. Accessing financial support for your post-secondary education shouldn’t be a debt sentence – we’ll make sure that young people can start out in life without a crushing debt burden. Our vision is for every Canadian to have access to quality post-secondary education, regardless of their income. Over the long term, this means working with the provinces and territories to cap and reduce tuition fees, and building towards making post-secondary education part of our public education system so kids can go from kindergarten to a career without the barrier of cost. This is an important goal and we believe that with the right leadership and political will, we can get there. “ It is my firm belief that a student should not have to choose between a roof over their head or eating just so that they can afford tuition, but this is the reality of many of my peers.” MAJA LAMPA 2 Canadian Federation of Students, “Education Justice 2018.” 2018, p. 10. Available online at: https://cfs-fcee.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ CFS-EducationJustice-Report-ENG-nobleed-1-1.pdf MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE 18 QUALITY, AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE WHEN YOU NEED IT Our vision is to give families relief. Every parent across Canada should be able to find the child care you need, when you need it, with a licensed provider who is making a fair wage. We’ll work with other levels of government, Indigenous communities, families and child care workers to ensure that care is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all Canadian children. And we’ll introduce legislation that enshrines Canada’s commitment to high-quality, public child care in law. Public early childhood education and child care that is affordable and available to all families helps our economy and gives parents real choices. YOUNG FAMILIES NEED ACCESS TO quality, affordable child care. But today, there is an affordability crisis in child care across the country. Families are struggling to find child care spaces and get on waitlists – before their childrenare even born. Costs are unaffordable in many cities. And parents are forced to make impossible choices between delaying their return to work or paying huge amounts for the child care they need. The pressure that parents feel today is the result of inaction by Liberal and Conservative governments. For ten years, the Conservative government worked against every effort to make quality child care more accessible to Canadian families. And since taking power, the Liberal government has offered only a patchwork approach that hasn’t made a difference for families struggling to find the care they need. The result is a broken system with child care costs that are among the highest in the world, and enormous worry in the lives of Canadian families. In the absence of federal leadership, provinces have stepped up to take strides towards affordable, accessible, quality child care. Quebec continues to be a leader, and New Democrat governments in British Columbia and Alberta have shown that investments in child care make a real difference in the lives of children, women, and families. We will build on their work to make child care better for families by investing $1 billion in 2020 and growing that investment annually, along with the provinces and territories. We’re on the side of parents to ensure affordable, quality child care for all – because no one should be forced to choose between having a family and having a career. It doesn’t have to be this way. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 19 MAKING EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WORK FOR YOU Parental leave should be available for all Canadian families, in the way that works best for them. Eighteen months of leave is an attractive option for many parents, but not many Canadians can afford to live on just 33 percent of their salary. New Democrats will bring in a new special leave that allows parents to take shorter parental leave at a higher replacement rate. We’ll also allow self-employed workers to opt-into parental benefits at any time before taking the leave, and move to double leave for parents of multiples. ALTHOUGH ALMOST ALL WORKERS PAY into Employment Insurance (EI), less than 40 percent qualify for benefits when they need them, and only a third of unemployed women can access EI. This is a trend that’s only set to worsen with the growth of precarious and part-time work. For decades, Liberal and Conservative governments have used the EI fund to balance the books, while fewer and fewer workers can access the benefits that they’ve already paid for. The Conservatives brought in mean-spirited changes to EI that hurt workers, families and communities – and the Liberals have tinkered at the edges, rather than improving the system for all. To help make ends meet while on EI, we’ll increase the income replacement rate to 60 percent – and create a low income supplement so that no one receiving EI regular or special benefits receives less than $1,200 a month. It’s time to make EI work for Canadians. A New Democrat government would immediately put in place a universal qualifying threshold of 360 hours to make sure that many more Canadians can access benefits, no matter what kind of work they do – and restore the appeals system to make decisions fast and fair. For many Canadians who need to rely on EI when they’re dealing with an illness, the current system falls far short and doesn’t provide flexibility to support those who do want to work when they can. To make sure that Canadians can count on EI when they’re dealing with a serious illness, a New Democrat government will extend sickness benefits to 50 weeks, expand access to re-training, and create a pilot project to allow workers with episodic disabilities to access EI sickness benefits periodically, as they need them. New Democrats understand that seasonal workers face particular challenges accessing EI. To help Canadians in seasonal industries bridge the gap between the end of EI and the start of seasonal work, we’ll bring back the former Extra Five Weeks pilot project and make it permanent, and we will restore the economic regions in the territories and PEI to their 2014 boundaries. Finally, we will also protect the EI Operating Account in law, so that future governments can’t raid it for general revenue. MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE 20 AFFORDABLE, QUALITY CELL PHONE SERVICE AND HIGH SPEED BROADBAND FOR ALL CANADIANS COUNT ON OUR CELL PHONES to keep us connected no matter where we go, and reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity. But too many Canadians struggle to afford the services they need: among comparable countries, Canadians pay some of the highest prices for mobile wireless and broadband subscriptions in the world. areas still don’t have access to reliable internet service.4 The only thing worse than cell phone and internet companies gouging consumers are the politicians who let them get away with it. It’s time for a government that’s on your side – protecting your pocketbook and delivering the modern services you need. People are being gouged, every month, because instead of standing up for consumers, the Liberal and Conservative governments have left it to industry to set the prices. The result is that Canadian families are stuck with sky-high bills, and the profit margins of the five biggest telecom companies in Canada are almost 40 percent3, while two million Canadians living in rural, remote, and Northern New Democrats believe that no matter where you live in Canada, you should be able to stay connected – without breaking the bank because of unfair gouging. That’s why, until the industry becomes more competitive, we’ll put in place a price cap to make sure that Canadians aren’t paying more than the global average for their cell phone and internet bills. “ What we pay in a day for cell phone service, my friends and family abroad pay a week. Cell service is essential to my day to day and needs to be affordable. Canadians can’t keep paying the highest price.” JAY MARTIN 3 Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, “Communications Monitoring Report 2018.” Available online at: https://crtc.gc.ca/ eng/publications/reports/policymonitoring/2018/cmr3b.htm#s40iii2 4 Federation of Canadian Municipalities. “Broadband: Quick Facts,” 2019. Available online at: https://fcm.ca/en/focus-areas/broadband A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 21 Expanding cell coverage and delivering reliable, affordable broadband internet to every community in Canada is vital to the economic future of rural Canada and remote communities. But it has been ignored by successive governments for far too long. That’s why we believe that we need to act urgently to close the digital divide now, not ten years from now as the Liberal government proposed. We are committed to making sure that every community in Canada has access to highspeed internet without delay. In addition, we’ll make sure that providers offer a basic plan for wireless and broadband that is comparable with the affordable plans that are available in other countries. To put an end to surprise bills, we’ll require companies to offer unlimited wireless data options at affordable rates, as exist elsewhere in the world, and abolish data caps for broadband internet. And finally, to protect Canadians from unfair wireless and internet sales and services practices, we’ll introduce a Telecom Consumers’ Bill of Rights and put an end to gouging for good. MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE 22 BETTER SERVICES ALL CANADIANS CAN RELY ON During the last election campaign, the Liberals promised to restore door-to-door mail delivery, which had been cut by the Conservatives. But once in government, they broke their commitment and left hundreds of thousands of people without the mail services they need – hitting seniors and persons with disabilities especially hard. New Democrats have your back to restore door-to-door mail delivery to all communities that lost it under the Conservative government and protect against future cuts to this important service. CANADIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO COUNT on their government to provide reliable services to make life a bit easier. But instead of making the right choices to help Canadians, Conservative and Liberal governments have spent years cutting back the basic things that Canadians need, leaving Canadians to deal with everything from cancelled mail delivery to long wait times for government services. That’s what happens when governments choose to focus on false tax cuts and harmful service cuts: people wind up paying more out of their own pockets for the services that their families need, or they can’t rely on the services at all. When it comes to accessing help from government, people want reliable services that work – but the Liberal government failed to even pay public servants correctly, and the Conservatives are more interested in making cuts than in making government work. A New Democrat government will put in place a Service Guarantee that will make departments responsible for establishing and publishing binding service standards for programs like Employment Insurance, veterans support, Indigenous services, passports, Canada Revenue Agency call centres, and other services. Ministers will be held responsible for delivering on these targets. Quality medical services are vital for keeping Canadian families safe and healthy. But in too many places across the country, these services are under threat from privatization and cuts. In Ontario, the Ford government has cut funding for public health, putting essential programs for disease surveillance, immunization, food and water safety, and more at risk – and is floating changes to OHIP coverage that could violate the Canada Health Act, while opening the door to for-profit healthcare companies taking more and more public health dollars. The federal government cannot stand by while healthcare is under threat – New Democrats will fight for public healthcare and stand up to privatization that costs Canadians money and undermines our public healthcare system. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 23 A New Democrats have the courage to stand up for you and increase consumer protection for financial transactions, and require financial advisors to offer advice that is in your best financial interest, not what is best for the bank’s bottom line. We’ll also make sure that you have the right to repair electronic devices and other products at affordable prices, expanding consumer choice, and cutting down on waste. We’ll make sure that prices at the pumps are fairer by creating a Fair Gasoline Prices Watchdog to investigate complaints about gouging, and boost the power of the Competition Bureau to proactively investigate allegations of anti-competitive activity in the gasoline market. To protect travellers’ safety and consumer rights, a New Democrat government will also strengthen the Air Passenger Bill of Rights. MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE 24 Building an economy that works better for more people A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 25 CANADIANS WORK HARD, AND THEY deserve fair wages and good working conditions in return. It’s not too much to ask for. The growth of low-paid, insecure work is the result of decades of decisions by Liberal and Conservative governments. From scrapping the federal minimum wage in the 1990s to telling Canadians to “get used to” short-term, precarious work, the Liberals have shown time and again that they can’t be trusted to stand up for working Canadians and fight for good jobs. But working life keeps getting harder for lots of people. Young people are struggling to find good jobs – and being forced to delay starting a family. Parents are juggling two or three part-time jobs – leaving no time to spend with their kids. While those at the top are doing better than ever, too many workers are earning less than a living wage – and working without the security and benefits that a union brings. New Democrats are different because we are working people. For our whole history, we have fought for better working conditions and standards that lift everyone up. We know that a good jobs that treat people fairly make a real difference to Canadian families – and that setting Canadians up for success in the work world of the future benefits us all. New ways of thinking will help make our economy fairer and deliver the results we all want – less inequality and a path to the clean jobs future that we need. B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 26 A NEW, FAIRER DEAL FOR ALL WORKERS To make sure that Canadians can succeed in a low-carbon future, the federal government needs to step up to provide training and re-training for the next boom – making sure that public investments are directed to clean energy, sustainable infrastructure and boosting energy efficiency in communities across the country. New Democrats will create 300,000 good jobs in a first mandate with Power to Change: A new deal for climate action and good jobs, addressing the climate crisis while making life better for all Canadians. NEW DEMOCRATS BELIEVE THAT THE federal government has an important role to play in making work better, fairer and more secure for everyone. We believe that membership in a union is the best ticket into the middle class – and it leaves workers and our entire economy better off. That’s why New Democrats believe that it should be easier – not harder - to join a union that will protect your rights and ensure fair working conditions. We will defend the Rand formula, so that unions can effectively advocate for workers, and we will continue to oppose heavy-handed legislation that suspends the rights to bargain and to strike. For too long, the Liberal and Conservative governments refused to take action on low wages. It’s not okay that Canadians can get up every morning and work 40 hours a week, yet still live below the poverty line. New Democrats believe that everyone deserves a living wage – and in government, we’ll put in place a federal minimum wage of $15 an hour that will cover over 900,000 workers. Not only will this help hundreds of thousands of workers, it will also set a national standard for a fair, living wage. New Democrats will make sure that workers and employers can take action together to improve health and safety, eliminating unsafe working conditions and ensuring that whistleblowers are protected. We believe that it’s time to update the Canada Labour Code to enhance safeguards for workers and ban the use of replacement workers in labour disputes – for good. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 27 Finally, public servants make incredible contributions to our country – and they deserve a government, and an employer, that treats them with respect. New Democrats will replace the failed Phoenix pay system brought in by the Conservative and Liberal governments, and ensure that impacted workers get fair compensation. We will also work to reduce the inefficient and costly practice of contracting out government work, which has only grown under the Liberal government, and we will take action to put an end to harassment in the federal workplace. Right now, without access to benefits like extended health coverage and dental care, temporary workers earn roughly 75 per cent of what permanent employees do – a divide that hits the most vulnerable and precarious workers hardest, and gives employers an incentive to limit the number of full-time positions they offer. We don’t think that’s right, and we will put in place rules to require that part-time and contract workers be compensated equally to full-time workers. The rampant use of unpaid internships exposes young workers to abuse. The Liberals promised to end unfair unpaid internships, but nothing has been done. A New Democrat government will immediately ban unpaid internships outside of education programs. B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 28 MORE ACCESSIBLE JOB TRAINING AND LIFELONG LEARNING FOR ALL To get there, we’ll change EI rules to allow workers who quit their job to go to school to qualify for EI benefits, so that families can count on some income support during that period of transition back to school. We’ll also expand options for workers in designated sectors and regions to take EI funded training in advance of losing a job while at the same time promoting investment to ensure that regional economies are creating good jobs that support families and communities. Finally, to make sure that businesses are investing in the training that Canadians need, a New Democrat government will require employers to spend at least 1 percent of payroll on training for their employees annually. TECHNOLOGY IS RAPIDLY CHANGING the workplace. This is change that can lead to economic growth and prosperity, but only if we make sure that workers share in the gains that will come from these changes. But instead of broadening opportunity for everyone, the Liberal government have made the disappointing decision to exclude unemployed and precariously employed Canadians – people who need support the most – from the opportunity to get paid training. New Democrats know that we can do better for all workers. We’re committed to working with the provinces to ensure that Canadians have access to education throughout their professional lives, including proactive training and retraining, as well as support when they are unemployed. Our vision is one where training opportunities are flexible enough to work with people’s busy lives, and significant enough to really improve job prospects. In order to deliver these changes, we’ll work closely with the provinces to establish national training priorities, and create a new Workers Development and Opportunities Fund to expand training options beyond people who qualify for EI. This fund will be provincially directed, with dedicated support for marginalized workers, those in transitioning sectors and for efforts to improve literacy and essential skills. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 29 SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES We’ll also make it easier for the family business to be passed on to future generations, with new legislation to end the unfair tax treatment of family transfers of small businesses. SMALL BUSINESSES ARE THE ENGINE OF job creation in Canada and an important part of every community across the country. Small businesses need a government that helps them access the services and infrastructure they need to thrive and expand, while investing in a healthy and talented workforce. To help Canadian small business step out on the world stage, a New Democrat government will streamline access to government export services and make it simpler to break into foreign markets. We’ll also provide small- and medium-sized businesses with a single point of contact to help ease regulatory processes and support compliance - freeing up time for entrepreneurs to invest in growing their business. New Democrats believe that small businesses should have access to all the support they need to grow, innovate and stay competitive in Canada and around the world. That’s why we have stood up for lower small business taxes, opposed unfair merchant fees, and fought to make it easier to pass on small businesses to the next generation. Recognizing that a shortage of workers is a major barrier for many small businesses operating in rural areas, we’ll make important new investments in training Canadians and boost support to traditionally underemployed groups, ensuring that they can access good jobs that pay a fair wage. In government, New Democrats will keep working hard for small businesses to tackle issues that impact their bottom line, like high credit card merchant fees. Our plan for public, universal pharmacare will also save businesses approximately $600 per employee with extended health benefits every year – and it means that all small businesses can feel confident knowing that their employees are able to access the prescription drugs they need. “ As a business owner, making sure my employees have access to prescription medication is extremely important. A national pharmacare program would mean my employees wouldn’t have to worry about being able to afford the medications they need.” FRED SOOFI B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 30 A NEW DEAL FOR PEOPLE: NEW COMMITMENTS TO YOU 31 FAIR TRADE THAT GROWS OUR ECONOMY AND BENEFITS MORE PEOPLE When it comes to what’s on the negotiating table, Canadians know that there are some things that we shouldn’t be willing to compromise on, like investor-state dispute settlement measures that hand too much power to corporations and undermine the rules that keep us safe and healthy. Trade agreements should have enforceable labour, human rights and environmental protections – and New Democrats will always protect Canadians against measures that could increase the cost of pharmaceuticals, weaken our cultural protections, or undermine privacy rights. CANADIANS KNOW THAT TRADE IS essential for our economic success.They expect that trade deals will be fair, respect human rights, protect the environment, and put the interests of Canadian workers and communities first. Unfortunately, under Liberal and Conservative governments, trade negotiations have too often hurt Canadian industries and cost us jobs. New Democrats support fair trade that broadens opportunity in all areas of the country while protecting our industries and upholding labour standards, environmental protections and human rights. That’s why we’ll always defend Canadian workers in trade negotiations, protect supply management and stand up against unfair tariffs. A New Democrat government will also do more to defend Canadian workers and communities from unfair trading practices. We will modernize Canada’s trade remedy system and make sure that trade unions have full standing in trade cases and the ability to initiate trade disputes, as is the case in other countries. We’re committed to improving the transparency of trade negotiations, so that Canadians can clearly understand the costs and benefits of any proposed agreement and have their say before it’s signed. That’s why a New Democrat government will directly engage with Canadians on the expected costs and benefits of potential trade deals, as well as ensure that all trade agreements are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We will evaluate all potential trade deals for their social, environmental and gendered impact on Canadians. B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 32 BUILDING CANADIAN INDUSTRIES AND SUPPORTING GOOD JOBS As a start, New Democrats will strengthen and modernize the Investment Canada Act to protect Canadian jobs and undo the damage done by the Liberal government, which has allowed more takeovers of Canadian companies by foreign investors without national security reviews. We’ll scrap the failed Invest in Canada agency and create iCanada, a one-stop shop inside the federal government to help attract investors to Canada and turn their plans into reality – and champion Canadian industry on the international stage. FROM STEEL MILLS AND AUTO PLANTS to farms and high-tech companies, and everything in between, Canadian industries power our economy and sustain the jobs that families across the country rely on. But for too long, Liberal and Conservative governments have ignored the need to support Canadian industry, trading away advantages in trade deals and failing to invest in the targeted support that our industries need to thrive. If we make the right choices now, we can make Canada an even better place to invest, protect and create good jobs for the future. We can make Canadian industry a global leader as market needs evolve. We’ll make sure that Canadian workers are at the centre of a robust strategy to drive innovation and boost competitiveness, now and into the future. And as we grow our clean energy economy, we’ll protect and create good jobs for families today – and tomorrow. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 33 REENERGIZING A MADE-IN-CANADA AUTO INDUSTRY The auto sector, and the workers and communities that depend on it, matter – and New Democrats will always fight for them. A New Democrat government will urgently convene an auto summit with provincial, municipal, industry and labour leaders to develop a consensus on a National Automotive Strategy to attract and retain jobs and investment. This strategy will make sure that Canadian product lines and manufacturing processes are adapted to meet changing consumer needs and evolving realities in the manufacturing industry – while protecting workers for the long term. FOR GENERATIONS, MILLIONS OF Canadian families have been supported by good jobs in the automotive and parts industries. Those good jobs have helped to build many of our communities. And, today, we need to protect and keep those jobs – while attracting the next generation of automotive manufacturing to Canadian communities. Workers should never, ever feel abandoned by their government. But that’s exactly what many autoworkers and their families feel today. And it’s the result of the choices made by Liberal and Conservative governments. We will also restore the Automotive Innovation Fund and make contributions to automakers tax-free to help secure next generation production capacity. And we will commission an independent study into the causes and consequences of the trade deficit in automotive products with Mexico, along with potential strategies for reducing it. For years, New Democrats, labour unions and automakers have pressured successive Liberal and Conservative governments for a National Auto Strategy to support Canada’s direct assembly and supply chain automotive economy. This is urgent now more than ever, as we see the devastation caused by the closure of the General Motors Oshawa Car Assembly plant and layoffs at the Chrysler-Fiat plant in Windsor. Because of the lack of vision and action by Liberal and Conservative governments, Canada is lagging behind many countries when it comes to building the vehicles of the future, when we should be a leader in driverless technology, hybrid and electric vehicles. It’s time to catch up and get ahead. But instead of acting, this Liberal government has given up on the auto sector. They cancelled the Automotive Investment Fund and sat on recommendations to protect jobs from Canada’s “auto czar”, dragging their feet for the last four years while thousands of Canadians lost their jobs. B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 34 New Democrats will help Canadian industry lead in the development and manufacturing of the vehicles of tomorrow. We’ll work with labour and industry to make sure that Canadian workers have the skills they need to benefit from the adoption of these new technologies – and drive demand by ensuring that federal incentives for zero-emissions automobiles prioritize made-in-Canada vehicles. Buying Canadian-made zeroemissions cars for government fleets will help us lead by example on sustainability, while creating good jobs here at home. Finally, in a manner consistent with its arms-length commercial status, a New Democrat government will give Export Development Canada a stronger mandate to recruit and retain investment in automotive plants and export-focused manufacturing here in Canada. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 35 FIGHTING FOR GOOD MANUFACTURING JOBS When the Liberal government signed a new trade deal with the United States that contained damaging steel and aluminum tariffs, New Democrats fought alongside labour and the industry get the tariffs permanently removed – and won. But there is still much work to be done to protect Canadian jobs against the risk that the U.S. could impose new tariffs. For New Democrats, no tariffs against our steel or aluminum will ever be acceptable. That’s why we will adopt measures to stabilize the Canadian steel market, and protect the sector from predatory practices of foreign producers who are shut out of other markets. MANUFACTURING HELPED TO BUILD Canada. And manufacturing jobs should continue to build Canada’s future. Unfortunately, successive Liberal and Conservative government have ignored Canada’s manufacturing base, leading to the loss of hundreds of thousands of manufacturing jobs over the last two decades. Justin Trudeau has given up on manufacturing. He has even said that the Liberal government is “transitioning away from manufacturing based employment”5. New Democrats know that this sector and these jobs are vital for so many communities across the country. We are committed to fighting for a strong and robust future for Canadian manufacturing. Liberal and Conservative governments have failed to use Canadian government infrastructure procurement to support Canada’s manufacturing economy, and have often negotiated trade deals that put domestic procurement policies at risk. New Democrats will require the use of Canadian-made steel and aluminum for infrastructure projects across the country. A New Democrat government will bring together all levels of government, together with business and labour leaders, to develop a national industrial strategy to build an advanced low carbon manufacturing economy in Canada that will provide good middle-class jobs to Canadian workers. We will also take measures to grow the domestic market for Canadian manufactured goods, and provide strategic supports to our long-neglected steel and aluminum industries to attract and retain jobs and investments in communities across the country. 5 De Bono, Norman. “Liberal leader Justin Trudeau says Southwestern Ontario must move away from manufacturing,” London Free Press, January 21, 2015. Available online at: https://lfpress.com/2015/01/20/liberal-leader-justin-trudeau-says-southwestern-ontario-must-move-away-from-manufacturing/wcm/d07b58fe-049e-5054-cf8f-4f72390e108b B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 36 BOOSTING AEROSPACE INNOVATION CANADA’S AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IS on the cutting edge of global innovation and supports thousands of good jobs. But instead of providing long-term, dependable support to spur this success, Liberal and Conservative governments have taken a piecemeal, project-by-project approach to investment in aerospace. The transition to a low-carbon economy is an important opportunity for Canada’s aerospace sector – and New Democrats will help position our aerospace sector to reap the benefits of clean technology development and become a world leader in clean aviation. We’ll work with industry and workers to develop a National Aerospace Strategy, helping small- and medium-sized aerospace companies increase capacity in our worldclass aerospace supply chain, adopt new technologies, and scale-up to compete globally – while keeping and creating good jobs here in Canada. New Democrats want to see our aerospace industry grow, and we have a plan that will help Canadian aerospace companies of all sizes commercialize new technologies, strengthen competitiveness, and train workers for good jobs in the sector. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 37 SCALING UP HIGH TECH SUCCESS We’ll review the federal procurement system to ensure that, wherever possible, federal government processes are designed to encourage Canadian bidders - including projects supporting the expansion of digital government. THIS LIBERAL GOVERNMENT HAS MOVED more and more towards having a single pot of innovation money for all sectors. Businesses and innovators know that this doesn’t provide the targeted help that’s necessary to support our industries as they face unique challenges staying globally competitive. A New Democrat government will step up as a partner to foster entrepreneurship and support a Canadian start-up culture, with a focus on helping Canadian companies in all regions of the country commercialize new technologies and scale-up, train, and retain the highly-skilled Canadian workforce needed to support industry growth and bolster Canadian competitiveness on the world stage. New Democrats understand that we need a plan that will provide sustainable, long-term support for Canada’s innovators to optimize growth and play to the strengths that Canada has to offer. To that end, we’ll take a strategic, sector-specific approach that invests in innovation and R&D here at home – and we’ll put a particular focus on developing the technologies the world will need to thrive in a low-carbon future. B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 38 SUPPORTING A THRIVING AGRICULTURE SECTOR AGRICULTURE IS THE BACKBONE OF our economy, an incredible source of pride for our communities, and a high-tech industry that depends on a talented and skilled workforce. It supports thousands of families. It keeps our rural communities strong. And it produces the fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, eggs, and meat that Canadian families count on. Despite the importance of our food system, Liberal and Conservative governments alike have left farmers to cope with a rapidly changing climate and mounting financial stress on their own, while negotiating away critical protections in trade deals. It’s time to make different choices. It’s time for a government that’s actually working on the side of Canadian farmers, producers, and farm families. Food is at the heart of our homes, our communities, and our economy. But farmers and agricultural workers feel enormous pressure today. Not only do they have to contend with unpredictable weather, but they have had to put up with the consequences of devastating decisions by Liberal and Conservative governments. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 39 New Democrats have a plan for a Canadian Food Strategy that will take a whole-ofgovernment approach to address regional needs and priorities by investing in our agricultural communities, supporting young and new farmers and taking steps to ensure that rural livelihoods are good and sustainable. Supply management protects our family farms, rural communities, and hundreds of thousands of jobs. New Democrats are committed to fully protecting supply management and ensuring reciprocity in all trade negotiations, and supporting our supply managed sectors as they innovate and grow. We’ll make sure that farmers are fully compensated for the losses they have incurred in Liberal and Conservative trade negotiations, and we’ll defend Canadian agricultural products like canola from unfair retaliation in overseas markets. Mental health matters, and too many Canadian farmers are living with high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. We can do more to provide targeted help – and a New Democrat government will bring together farmers and the provinces to develop a national strategy to address mental health challenges facing farmers, and to ensure that farmers can get the help they need, when they need it. Canola is an example of a home-grown success story with roots in public research. To keep Canadian agriculture on the cutting edge of knowledge and innovation, and provide direct economic benefit to our farmers, New Democrats will invest in public agricultural research and data collection. We’ll also ensure that rail transportation treats farmers fairly and helps them get their products to market efficiently and affordably. It’s a challenge to grow a business without modern communications infrastructure. That’s why New Democrats will make sure that high-speed broadband and cell phone infrastructure is available to connect our farmers and rural communities to the services and tools they need, no matter where in the country they are. Rural Canadians should be as connected to markets, opportunities, and each other as anyone who lives in urban Canada. Our fresh fruit and vegetable producers grow healthy, nutritious food for Canadian families and they support local economies across the country. Many of them also depend on the ability to export their products to buyers in the U.S., but without a reciprocal payment protection program in place, the financial risks of exporting can be too high. That’s why New Democrats will introduce a payment protection program for produce growers and take immediate steps to restore protection for growers selling to the U.S. under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. To make it simpler for young people and women to get into agriculture and build a life on the farm, we’ll work with the provinces to improve training opportunities across the country, and provide low-cost start-up loans for new farmers. And we’ll provide support for succession planning and end the unfair tax treatment of family farm transfers – making it easier for family farms to stay in the family. Finally, to build on the pride and quality of Canadian agricultural products, we’ll work with producers along the supply chain to increase the amount of Canadian food that is sold, processed, and consumed in local and regional markets. B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 40 GROWING CANADA’S FORESTRY INDUSTRY A New Democrat government will invest in forestry innovation and support value-added Canadian wood products – and the good jobs that go with them. Our plan will support forestry research and development, help companies commercialize new technologies, and expand market access for wood products to keep Canada competitive. CANADA IS HOME TO A VAST EXPANSE of the world’s Boreal Forest. Our forests are vital to global climate health – and to the health of our sustainable economy. Canada’s forestry industry supports rural communities from coast to coast to coast and families deserve to know that sustainable forestry practices will continue to provide good jobs, now and for the next generation. But under Liberal and Conservative governments, forestry communities are facing an uncertain future. We’ll also boost reforestation efforts to strengthen our climate resilience and ensure the sustainability of the forestry sector. New Democrats will help protect communities through forest management to mitigate forest fire risk, including by combatting the spread of the mountain pine beetle and improving coordination of fire prevention efforts across all levels of government. As our environment changes, so too must the forestry industry. And the federal government needs to be working alongside as a partner to ensure that Canadian forestry continues to succeed, while meeting the highest environmental and sustainability standards. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 41 STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES To keep the benefits of the fishery local, New Democrats will work towards a community-based terminal fishery system on the west coast. On the east coast, we’ll work to protect, enshrine, and enforce the government’s owner-operator and fleet separation policies, while ensuring that our small craft harbours get the upgrades they need for safety and resilience to climate change. CANADA IS BLESSED WITH THE WORLD’S longest coastline and fisheries that sustain communities on all of our coasts. Fishing is a deep-rooted part of our culture and economy, and people who depend on the fishing industry need a government that works with them to build a strong and sustainable future. Unfortunately, decades of Liberal and Conservative mismanagement have left our fisheries in a desperate situation: fish populations are declining and health of our marine ecosystems are at risk, along with the coastal communities that depend on them. The choices that governments have made have left fishing communities and workers struggling to eke out a living and navigate global markets alone. In order to protect wild salmon on the Pacific coast, we will fully implement the recommendations of the Cohen Commission and work with the province of British Columbia and First Nations to support the transition to land-based closed-containment systems. On the Atlantic coast, we’ll ensure that resource allocations in the fishery are guided by the principles of adjacency, historic dependence and sustainability, while also respecting Indigenous rights. New Democrats are committed to a vision of strong coastal communities, sustainable fisheries and thriving marine and freshwater ecosystems. With the right choices today, we can protect our fisheries and the jobs they provide for generations to come – and make Canada a global leader in ocean and freshwater sustainability. To help consumers make healthy choices and to combat seafood fraud, a New Democrat government will put in place stronger labelling rules and a Boat to Plate traceability standard for Canadian seafood products – and we will support the marketing of quality Canadian seafood at home and around the world. B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 42 When it comes to sustainability, New Democrats recognize that the wellbeing of our communities is reliant upon the health of our marine and freshwater ecosystems. That’s why we will invest in habitat restoration and the rebuilding of fish stocks, as well as in strengthening our response to oil spills and derelict vessels to better protect our coasts. At the same time, we will harness the potential of our coastline and spur jobs in Canada’s blue economy through investments in research, ocean science and technology. So often, local communities, and particularly First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, are the first to respond in the event of an emergency along our coastlines. In areas where this is the case, a New Democrat government will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to make sure that they have the right equipment, training and support to help save lives and protect the marine environment in their territory. We’ll also take steps to modernize Canada’s aging Coast Guard fleet, improve training and facilities, and enhance the Coast Guard auxiliary. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 43 A NEW DEAL FOR TAX FAIRNESS CANADIANS KNOW THAT GOOD SERVICES we can all count on need to be funded sustainably. But for too long, Liberal and Conservative governments have told Canadians to expect less – cutting back on services, while handing out special deals for big corporations and big polluters and giving tax breaks to their wealthiest friends. Instead of lowering costs for Canadian families, they have delivered outrageous giveaways to the richest few, while letting costs grow for everyone else. To boost the integrity of our tax system and combat tax evasion, we will take measures to close loopholes that include eliminating bearer shares, compelling companies to prove the economic reason for their offshore transactions, and improving transparency on the taxes paid by large corporations. A New Democrat government will ensure that large, profitable corporations are contributing to the important services and infrastructure that make Canada such a good place to do business. We will roll back the Conservatives’ corporate income tax cuts by three percentage points to 2010 levels. The consequences of these choices are real: Under the Liberal’s tax plan, two out of three Canadians get no relief – while people earning the most get hundreds of dollars in tax cuts. Companies caught dodging taxes get special access to sweetheart deals, and CEOs get to keep hundreds of millions in special tax benefits. All the while, half of all Canadians live within $200 of insolvency every month.6 To make our tax system fairer and ensure that the wealthiest individuals are paying their fair share, we will increase the capital gains inclusion rate to 75 percent. A New Democrat government will also boost the top marginal tax rate and ask the very richest multi-millionaires to pay a bit more towards our shared services with a new one percent wealth tax on wealth over $20 million. This is scandalous and it’s time to stop it. A New Democrat government will make fundamentally different choices. Our fiscal policies will put everyday Canadians and their families first. We will protect family budgets, and force big corporations and big polluters to start paying what they owe. And we will raise revenues through new, fair and progressive taxation sources to make the investments Canadians need to thrive. New Democrats will make the investments needed to help Canadian families who are struggling and improve the services we all count on. In all cases, we will manage debt and deficits responsibly, borrowing when required to defend the services that Canadians and their families rely on, and moving to balance when prudent. 6 Ipsos, “Nearly Half (48%; +2pts) of Canadians Are on the Brink of Financial Insolvency; Struggling to Make Ends Meet at Month-End.” April 22, 2019. Available online at: https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/MNP-Debt-Index-Wave-8 B U I L D I N G A N E C O N O M Y T H AT W O R K S B E T T E R F O R M O R E P E O P L E 44 Protecting our air, land and water, securing our future A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 45 CANADA IS FACING A CLIMATE emergency. Decades of Liberal and Conservative delay and denial have left us unprepared for the coming changes as the world moves towards a low-carbon future. And at the same time, we are struggling to confront rising inequality here at home. Canadians are doing their part to confront the climate crisis – but they need a government willing to make the right choices, too. New Democrats want to build a future where families have good jobs and secure livelihoods – and where the move to a sustainable economy means more opportunity for workers, not less. We know that Canadians will meet this challenge with ingenuity and hard work, finding opportunity in the crisis to create thousands of new jobs building a clean economy. It’s time for a bold plan to make life better for everyone, and build healthier and more sustainable communities for the long term. P R O T E C T I N G O U R A I R , L A N D A N D W AT E R , S E C U R I N G O U R F U T U R E 46 TAKING CLIMATE LEADERSHIP Recognizing that putting a price on carbon is an important tool to drive greenhouse gas reductions at the source, we will continue carbon pricing, including rebates tohouseholds that fall under the federal backstop plan, while making it fairer and rolling back the breaks this Liberal government has given to big polluters. IT’S TIME FOR A ROADMAP TO EMISSIONS reductions that puts our communities, and our planet, on the path to good health and sustainability. Under Liberal and Conservative governments, Canada is not even on track to meet the modest targets we already have let alone, the stronger ones required to prevent dangerous climate change. The federal government can also model change by becoming a trail-blazer in energy efficiency, clean technologies, and renewable energy use. We will lead by example and procure from Canadian companies producing clean technology, ensure that federal buildings use renewable energy, and move the vehicle fleets of the federal government to electric by 2025, choosing made-in-Canada wherever possible. A New Democrat government will declare a climate emergency and put in place ambitious, science-based greenhouse gas reductions targets that will help stabilize the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. We’ll put these targets in legislation and ensure accountability by creating an independent Climate Accountability Office to do regular audits of progress towards our climate goals. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 47 CREATING GOOD JOBS IN ALL REGIONS AS THE GLOBAL CLIMATE IS CHANGING, and Canadian jobs will change, too. But successive Liberal and Conservative governments have left workers to navigate these shifts on their own. We’ll work with the provinces to provide training and re-training for the new job market, as well as labour market research to keep Canada on the cutting edge of the evolving work environment. We can do better. New Democrats believe that any climate change plan that leaves Canadian workers or regions behind is no plan at all. Our plan will create over 300,000 good jobs in all communities within a first mandate, and rebuild local economies with meaningful, family-sustaining work in every part of the country, all while helping to make the changes we need to succeed in a low carbon future. New Democrats will also vigorously defend pensions, so that workers can always count on the retirement security that they’ve earned, and make sure that people who are close to the end of their careers have a bridge to a dignified retirement. An important part of our plan will include making sure that physical, digital, and social infrastructure investments contribute to emissions reductions and support all regions and communities, especially those already experiencing the impacts of climate change, with the good, family-sustaining jobs they bring. New Democrats are making a commitment to workers most impacted by the changes in our economy that they will not pay the price of action on climate change. We will work together with labour, employers, and the provinces and territories to find solutions for workers and communities, including dedicated employment support combining access to expanded EI benefits, re-training, and job placement services, paired with significant investments to create quality, local jobs and support thriving communities. We will also expand support and technological assistance to bring more innovative Canadian clean technologies to market and support manufacturing right here at home. P R O T E C T I N G O U R A I R , L A N D A N D W AT E R , S E C U R I N G O U R F U T U R E 48 IMPROVING WHERE WE LIVE AND WORK We’ll improve the National Building Code to ensure that by 2030 every new building built in Canada is net-zero energy ready. Energy efficiency and sustainable building practices will be at the core of our national housing strategy, leveraging the power of federal investments to create good jobs all across the country delivering the affordable housing Canadians need. OUR COMMUNITIES ARE WHERE WE CAN feel the impacts of climate change – and one of the best places that we can invest to reduce emissions, save money, and make life better for everyone. That’s why a key component of our plan is to require large-scale building retrofits in all sectors to reduce energy demand, create jobs, and save people money. A New Democrat government would begin by working in partnership with the provinces and territories to fund energy efficient retrofits on social housing units and government buildings, expanding outwards from there. To set our communities up for climate change resilience, a New Democrat government will work with provinces, municipalities and Indigenous government to make sure that Canadian communities have the resources they need to cope safely with extreme weather events. We will set a target of retrofitting all housing stock in Canada by 2050, providing low-interest loans repayable through energy savings to pay for home upgrades like insulation, windows, heat pumps, and other renewable technologies. “ When my wife and I decided to downsize, we wanted to do our part. We added insulation, a green roof, and a more efficient heating system. A retrofit plan like Jagmeet Singh’s would mean more families will be able to make environmentally-conscious decisions.” TERRY WILLIAMS A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 49 P R O T E C T I N G O U R A I R , L A N D A N D W AT E R , S E C U R I N G O U R F U T U R E 50 CHANGING HOW WE GET AROUND with the provinces and territories. By working to restore the Ontario Northlander and grow passenger rail service, we will help provide a crucial transportation link for communities and businesses alike in Northern Ontario. FROM THE FAMILY CAR TO THE BUSES connecting rural communities, we’re rapidly moving towards a future where vehicles produce dramatically less emissions or none at all. And if we make the right choices now, it means creating good jobs building the vehicles and transit infrastructure we need to keep Canadians moving. We know that Canadians want to do their part to reduce emissions when they travel – that’s why our plan will make it easier to get and use a zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV), and make sure that more ZEVs are built right here at home. Quality public transit is essential to making our cities and towns run. Municipalities are already investing in making their transit systems better and more environmentally friendly – it’s time that they had a federal partner to help. Our vision includes making it possible for Canadian auto manufacturers to produce more ZEVs in Canada, safeguarding good jobs and strengthening our auto sector, while building towards ZEVs being 100% of new car sales by 2040. We will create a centre of excellence for research and development of ZEVs, and support Canadian manufacturing of batteries, energy storage solutions, and alternative fuels like biofuels made from waste. A New Democrat government will modernize and expand public transit in communities across Canada, and ensure that federal transit funding flows with an emphasis on scaling up low carbon transit projects like zero-emissions buses and electric trains, with the goal of electrifying transit and other municipal fleets by 2030. A New Democrat government will extend federal incentives for ZEVs and provide a break for working families by waiving the federal sales tax on ZEV purchases, and grow these incentives up to $15,000 per family for made-in-Canada vehicles. To make ZEV use easier for Canadians in all regions, we’ll expand charging networks for ZEVs across the country, and help homeowners cover the cost of installing a plug-in charger. Working with provinces and municipalities that identify it as a priority, we will help build a path towards fare-free transit to ease commutes, help people make ends meet, and lower emissions. At the same time, Canadians living in rural areas need affordable, convenient transit options that they can rely on, too. We’ll re-establish rural bus routes abandoned by Greyhound and expand bus service in rural regions. Better commutes include promoting smart community planning and active transportation like walking and cycling, helping Canadians make choices that are healthier and more affordable for everyone. A New Democrat government will also support creating high-frequency rail along the Quebec-Windsor corridor, and expand rail service options other regions in partnership A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 51 P R O T E C T I N G O U R A I R , L A N D A N D W AT E R , S E C U R I N G O U R F U T U R E 52 POWERING OUR COMMUNITIES CARBON-FREE One thing we won’t do is continue down the path that Liberal and Conservative governments have chosen when it comes to spending public money on oil and gas subsidies. Canada currently spends $3.3 billion per year7on oil and gas subsidies, more per capita than any other G7 country. And on top of that, Justin Trudeau purchased the Kinder-Morgan oil pipeline for a staggering $4.5 billion and gave another $1.6 billion in handouts to the oil patch. New Democrats know that public funds are best spent supporting the transition to renewable energy, rather than on profitable oil and gas companies. We will fulfill Canada’s G-20 commitment to eliminate these fossil fuel subsidies and redirect these funds to low carbon initiatives. CANADA HAS HUGE UNTAPPED renewable energy potential. With the right leadership, we can protect good, family-sustaining jobs across the country and broaden our economy while making the shift to electricity that meets our emissions targets. New Democrats will set a target to power Canada with net carbon-free electricity by 2030, and move to 100% non-emitting electricity by 2050. To drive this progress, we will establish a new Canadian Climate Bank. This bank will help boost investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and low carbon technology across the country. It will also provide support for interested provinces to inter-connect power grids and introduce smart grid technology, to bolster Canada’s energy security and distribute clean power across the country. The Climate Bank will also support made-in -Canada manufacturing of renewable energy components and technologies, and help scale up Canada’s clean energy industry. New Democrats believe in giving Canadians a stronger voice in energy decisions that impact their communities. We will overhaul the process for reviewing major projects to ensure adequate time for public consultation, and provide core funding to support Indigenous communities participating in these processes. We will ensure that proposed projects align with our emissions reductions targets, respect Indigenous rights and, create good jobs here in Canada. Meeting this carbon-free electricity goal in a way that respects local communities and creates good jobs is essential. We’ll support investments in innovative community-owned and operated clean energy projects to keep jobs and expertise local, and work in partnership with Indigenous and northern communities to move off diesel, improving energy security and cutting emissions and air pollution. 7 International Institute of Sustainable Development, “Unpacking Canada’s Fossil Fuel Subsidies.” Available online at: https://www.iisd.org/faq/unpacking-canadas-fossil-fuel-subsidies/ A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 53 PROTECTING OUR LAND AND WATER It’s time for strong action to protect species at risk in Canada. New Democrats will use all the tools available under the Species at Risk Act and ensure the implementation of recovery strategies to preserve biodiversity for generations to come. MAKING SURE THAT OUR LANDS AND waters are protected is essential to making real progress on our climate change goals, and to safeguarding a good quality of life for all Canadians. It’s time to enshrine in law the right to a healthy environment. Our federal Environmental Bill of Rights will ensure that all communities can enjoy a guarantee to clean water, land, and air. New Democrats will also better protect Canadians from toxic substances in everyday products like cosmetics, through a strengthened Canadian EnvironmentalProtection Act. Recognizing that protecting our oceans is an important part of fighting climate change, a New Democrat government work to reduce emissions from shipping and fishing, prevent ocean acidification, and preserve ocean biodiversity by expanding marine protected areas. Canada’s freshwater resources are critical for the health and well-being of our ecosystems, our communities and our local economies. A New Democrat government will implement a national freshwater strategy and work with the provinces and territories to protect our waterways under international agreements. We will also reverse the harmful changes brought in by the Conservatives, fully restore navigable waters protections for all of Canada’s lakes and rivers, and invest in research to support freshwater protections. To reduce waste in our landfills and communities, a New Democrat government will ban single-use plastics across Canada, and hold companies responsible for the entire lifecycle of their plastics products and packaging. We’ll help municipalities improve their waste management and recycling programs and work towards a zero-waste future. Conservation is a vital way to protect ecosystems and preserve biodiversity. New Democrats will protect 30% of our land, freshwater, and oceans by 2030 and back those protections with funding and enforcement. We’ll also work with other levels of government to develop a system of urban national parks – and a national approach to tree-planting, using responsible reforestation to help lower our carbon footprint. The way we grow crops, raise livestock, and use food also has an impact on our climate future – and nutrition for all Canadians. We’ll work to connect communities to farmers through local food hubs, and develop a national food waste strategy to reduce the huge amounts of food that currently go to waste in Canada. A New Democrat government will also partner with farmers and communities to support biodiversity and to monitor and protect pollinator health. P R O T E C T I N G O U R A I R , L A N D A N D W AT E R , S E C U R I N G O U R F U T U R E 54 Taking better care of each other A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 55 A NEW DEAL FOR BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR ALL CANADIANS New Democrats are the party that will change that. We are committed to strengthening public health care – and expanding it to make sure everyone is covered for the care they need to get and stay healthier longer. WHEN OUR LOVED ONES FALL ILL, WE shouldn’t worry about whether they can afford to get the care they need. This principle is at the heart of New Democrats’ unwavering commitment to public health care. Universal access to public health care is one of the proudest achievements of New Democrats. And in the decades since Tommy Douglas brought Medicare to Saskatchewan and expanded it across the entire country, public health care has saved us money and become a defining Canadian value for so many of us. That’s why New Democrats are fighting for a national, universal, public pharmacare program to make sure that all Canadians can access the prescription medicine they need with their health card, not their credit card – saving money and improving health outcomes for everyone. Under our system, everyone should have access to quality health care no matter where they live. But too often, Canadians are getting different care depending on their province of residence – a problem made worse by a lack of federal leadership under successive Liberal and Conservative governments. New Democrats believe that the federal government has a critical role to play in upholding and enforcing the Canada Health Act, especially against the creeping threat of privatization and user fees. We will also act immediately to prevent the sale of blood products, and to make sure that people can access abortion in all regions of the country. But today, too many of the health care services we need – like access to prescription medications – fall outside Medicare, leaving families to face huge out-of-pocket costs. Meanwhile, powerful people and companies who oppose public health care are continuing to quietly push for privatization, threatening what we’ve built together. And, for years, Liberal and Conservative governments have cut health care transfers and refused to expand access to care, making things worse. Families are spending time and money they can’t afford or they are sacrificing other things to pay for needed health care. Or they are getting sicker unnecessarily because they can’t afford or find the right care at the right time. It’s not just a crisis for individuals, it’s a crisis for all of us. TA K I N G B E T T E R C A R E O F E AC H OT H E R 56 A New Democrat government will work with the provinces and territories to tackle wait times and improve access to primary care across the country. We will identify coming gaps in health human resources and make a plan to recruit and retain the doctors, nurses, and other health professionals Canadians need. Canada is a leader in innovative health research, and we will work with universities and health professionals to make sure that public research on critical health issues continues to flourish. A New Democratic government will step up and regulate natural health products under stand-alone legislation. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 57 EXTENDING MEDICARE TO COVER SERVICES YOU NEED You and your family deserve better. New Democrats believe that over the next decade, Canadians need a historic expansion of the services covered under our national health care system. CANADA’S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM TODAY reflects the health care needs of the 1950s. Back then, New Democrats boldly transformed the health care system by guaranteeing that Canadians who needed to see their doctor or go to a hospital would not be faced by bills they couldn’t pay. One in three Canadians has no dental insurance, over six million people don’t visit the dentist every year because they can’t afford to.8 Too many people are forced to go without the care they need, until the pain is so severe that they are forced to seek relief in hospital emergency rooms. A decade of Conservative neglect has hurt our public health care system and eroded public trust. The Liberal approach – a patchwork of interventions and programs here and there – simply isn’t delivering the results that Canadians need. Too many Canadians, even those with private insurance, just aren’t able to get the help they need. We know now that good oral health is a critical component of overall good health – and that means our health care system should cover it, too. A New Democrat government will work together with provincial partners, health professionals and dentists to develop a roadmap to including dental care in the Canada Health Act. As it stands, the Canada Health Act is supposed to fund all medically necessary services that Canadians might need. But in reality, there are many kinds of medical services that Canadians need for their health and wellbeing that aren’t covered by public health care plans. As jobs with extended health benefits become harder to find, fewer people will have access to extended healthcare services. 8 Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. “Improving Access to Oral Health Care For Vulnerable People Living in Canada,” 2014, Ottawa. Available online at: http://cahs-acss.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Access_to_Oral_Care_FINAL_REPORT_EN.pdf TA K I N G B E T T E R C A R E O F E AC H OT H E R 58 There’s a lot more to do to modernize our health system for today’s needs. Mental health support is an enormous unmet need across the country; a third of Canadians struggling with mental health challenges who have expressed a need for counselling weren’t able to get it.9 Eye check-ups are important for preventing vision loss and identifying other health issues – yet many, particularly children and seniors, don’t get regular eye care, or struggle to pay for the glasses that they need to function. New Democrats believe that we need to work towards health care that covers us from head to toe. Mental health care should be available at no cost for people who need it, and everyone should be able to get eye care and hearing care. Canadians struggling with infertility should also have access to the procedures and care they need, no matter which province or territory they live in. The long-term path to providing public coverage for these services will require strong federal re-investment in our health system, with the knowledge that investing in preventative health services will ultimately save money and give Canadians the care they need to live healthy, full lives. 9 Sunderland, Adam and Leanne C. Findlay. “Perceived need for mental health care in Canada: Results from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey–Mental Health.” StatsCan, September 2013. Available online at: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/ pub/82-003-x/2013009/article/11863-eng.pdf?st=lrKHFyQ4 A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 59 CONFRONTING THE OPIOID PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY New Democrats believe that there is much more we can do to save lives and support those struggling with opioids. In government, we will declare a public health emergency and commit to working with all levels of government, experts and Canadians to end the criminalization and stigma of drug addiction, so that people struggling with addiction can get the help they need without fear of arrest, while getting tough on the real criminals - those who traffic in and profit from illegal drugs. We’ll work with the provinces to support overdose prevention sites and expand access to treatment on demand for people struggling with addiction. We will also launch an investigation into the role drug companies may have played in fueling the opioid crisis, and seek meaningful financial compensation from them for the public costs of this crisis. ACROSS THE COUNTRY, ELEVEN Canadians die every day from opioid-related causes.10 Tens of thousands of families have tragically lost parents, partners, siblings, and children to the out-of-control opioid crisis. Every part of the country has been impacted by these highly addictive and dangerous drugs, from our busiest downtown neighbourhoods to the most remote communities. And too often, the impacts are even worse for the most vulnerable and marginalized people. Despite the obvious harm that these drugs are causing and the shocking death toll that they’ve caused, over the last four years the Liberal government failed to mobilize an effective response. They have not declared a public health emergency, nor taken any steps to investigate the role that drug companies may have played in fuelling the crisis. The federal government is lagging behind the urgent action being taken by provinces like British Columbia. “ I hold the pharmaceutical company in large part responsible for my son’s death. Our family doctor bought the marketing line and prescribed ever increasing doses of Oxycodone for Jordan’s minor back injury. Eventually Jordan had to find the drugs elsewhere, and fatally overdosed.” LESLIE MCBAIN 10 Weeks, Carly. “‘The crisis is not abating’: Opioids killing more than 11 Canadians daily,” The Globe & Mail, September 18, 2018. TA K I N G B E T T E R C A R E O F E AC H OT H E R 60 HEALTHY FOOD IN EVERY COMMUNITY WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHILD IN CANADA should have access to nutritious food – and that no one should have to try to learn on an empty stomach. A recent UNICEF report ranked Canada 37th out of 41 countries in terms of access to nutritious food for children11 -- and despite the urgency, the Liberal government has failed to improve access to healthy food for kids. New Democrats will also work together with farmers and food producers to develop a National Food Policy, making our food systems stronger all across the country – including food labelling and traceability, so that Canadians can be confident in what they’re purchasing to put on their family’s plate. We’ll also work to put in place a food waste strategy to reduce the huge amounts of food that currently go to waste in Canada. New Democrats will partner with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to work towards a national school nutrition program that will give every child in Canada access to healthy food, and the food literacy skills to make healthy choices for life. We’ll aim to make culturally-appropriate food available to children in every community in Canada, so that all children can grow and learn. Our government will support Indigenous food sovereignty, working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to expand access to healthy food, including traditional and country foods. Working together with northern communities, we’re committed to reforming the Nutrition North program to improve food security for northern families. We know that supporting our local food systems is essential to ensuring that Canadians have access to healthy, affordable food. We’ll work to connect Canadians to farmers with initiatives like local food hubs, community supported agriculture, and networks to increase the amount of food that is sold, processed, and consumed in local and regional markets. 11 UNICEF, “Building the Future: Children and the Sustainable Development Goals in Rich Countries.” Innocenti Report Card 14, 2017. Available online at: https://www.unicef-irc.org/article/1620-global-press-release-innocenti-report-card-14.html A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 61 BETTER ACCESS TO QUALITY HOME CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE It’s time to work with the provinces and territories to take a new approach to addressing the complex health care needs of our aging population. It’s time for a government on the side of aging Canadians, their families, and frontline health care workers. OUR PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS BUILT this country. As they age, they deserve to live in comfort and safety. Every senior must have access to the care they need, helping them remain in their own homes. Family caregivers deserve more support – and should never have to worry about whether their loved ones are getting good care. And every Canadian, of every age, deserves to live in dignity and be treated with respect by their government and the health care system. New Democrats believe that families need access to quality home care and long-term care no matter where they live. To that end, we will work collaboratively with patients, caregivers, and provincial and territorial governments to develop national care standards for home care and long-term care that will be amended into the Canada Health Act. But that’s not happening today. People are stuck waiting for home care. Seniors are spending years without the long-term care they need now. And family caregivers feel overwhelmed as they carry an enormous amount of work on their shoulders. This is what happens when Liberal and Conservative governments fail to invest in the services that Canadians need. It’s people, not politicians, who pay the price. By doing so, a New Democrat government would legally protect access to home care and long-term care services, and ensure a consistent quality of care across the country. This process will include determining a core basket of home care services that will be available and covered by provincial insurance plans, and setting minimum national care standards for long-term care residents. We will also work with the provinces to develop and support violence prevention strategies to protect front-line staff and ensure a safe working environment. While all provinces and territories fund home care services as part of publicly insured healthcare, there are inconsistent standards - and when it comes to long-term care, understaffing at residential homes is an ongoing problem across the country. Ongoing staffing shortages make for poor quality care and leave health care workers at risk of experiencing workplace violence. Elevating the quality of care provided in long-term care homes will protect residents and health care professionals, and give families and caregivers peace of mind. TA K I N G B E T T E R C A R E O F E AC H OT H E R 62 REMOVING BARRIERS FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES Canadians living with disabilities shouldn’t need to worry about the cost of prescription medication, how to find housing, or how to get their mail. In addition to putting in place a universal, publicly funded national pharmacare program that will offer full benefits to all Canadians, a New Democrat government will restore door-to-door mail delivery for those who lost it under the Conservatives, and create affordable, accessible housing in communities across the country. WE CAN DO MUCH MORE TO MAKE Canada an inclusive and barrier-free place. As a start, New Democrats will uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and strengthen the Accessibility Act to cover all federal agencies equally, with the power to make and enforce accessibility standards in a timely manner. To help tackle the unacceptable rate of poverty among Canadians living with a disability, we will launch a full review of income security programs. When it comes to employment, everyone deserves a fair shot at a good job that fits their unique abilities. A New Democrat government will continue and expand employment programs to make sure that quality employment opportunities are available to all. Finally, we will work with Canadians living with Autism Spectrum Disorder to develop and implement a national Autism strategy that will coordinate support for research, ensure access to needs-based services, promote employment, and help expand housing options. For Canadians facing a serious illness, we’ll make Employment Insurance work better by extending sickness benefits to 50 weeks of coverage, and creating a pilot project to allow workers with episodic disabilities to access benefits as they need them. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 63 PROTECTING PENSIONS FOR EVERYONE RETIREMENT SHOULD BE A TIME OF NEW opportunities and new experiences, not worry and stress. We all want to retire with security and maintain our standard of living. And we want to live our retired years with dignity and comfort. We’ll stop companies from paying out dividends and bonuses when pensions are under-funded, and we’ll create a mandatory, industry-financed pension insurance program to make sure that no worker is deprived of the retirement benefits they’ve earned. But for more and more Canadians, the prospect of retirement is a cause for anxiety. As costs keep rising and wages don’t keep up, people are struggling to save for retirement during their working years. And many retirees, who paid to have a secure pension, have been let down by governments that protected investors, not pensioners, when big companies went bankrupt. Instead of strengthening support for Canadian workers and retirees, the Liberals have sided with rich corporations to undermine retirement benefits. The federal government has a critical role to play in protecting defined benefit pensions across the country. The Liberals’ openness to target benefit plans in the public sector, which don’t guarantee stable benefits for retirees, puts defined benefits at risk for all Canadians – and we will immediately put a stop to this chipping away of retirement security. We are committed to strengthening public pensions and improving retirement security for all Canadians. A New Democrat government will create a Pension Advisory Commission to develop a long-term plan to protect and enhance Old Age Security, boost the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and strengthen the Canada Pension Plan. We’ll also make automatic enrollment in OAS and GIS retroactive, so no retiree misses out on benefits that they should be receiving, and support efforts to make sure Canadians have good retirement financial literacy. New Democrats believe that every Canadian should be able to count on a dignified, secure retirement – and we’ll fight hard to protect pensions that workers have earned. To that end, we will make sure that pensioners are at the front of the line when a company goes bankrupt – making sure unfunded pension liabilities owed to workers, and employees’ severance pay, are the top priority for repayment. TA K I N G B E T T E R C A R E O F E AC H OT H E R 64 SECURITY FOR ALL SENIORS Our national pharmacare for all plan will provide prescription medicine to all seniors, saving seniors hundreds of dollars every year and ensuring that no one needs to choose between medicine and other essentials. EVERYONE DESERVES TO BE ABLE TO AGE well, living in dignity as a valued member of their community. But years of Conservative cuts and Liberal inaction are making it harder and harder for seniors to get by. The Conservative government recklessly raised the age of retirement from 65 to 67 with no consultation – and the Liberal government refused to protect workers’ pensions, while dragging their feet on the creation of a real plan to deal with the health challenges faced by Canadian seniors. Seniors deserve a retirement that’s financially secure and dignified. And no senior should miss out on benefits they qualify for because of a paperwork oversight – but that’s exactly what’s happening to tens of thousands of seniors today. We’ll put in place a one-year delay to help seniors at risk of having their GIS benefits suspended for being unable to make the required income statement. As more Canadians enter their senior years, we need to make better choices to be ready to meet their needs and ensure that everyone can age with dignity. With the right leadership, we can make sure that our institutions and public services are strong and prepared – and that every senior has access to the health care and social support they need to make life a little easier. Many seniors are themselves caregivers to a loved one, or rely on the caregiving of family members. In order to help make life a little more affordable for caregivers, who are overwhelmingly women, we’ll make the Canada Caregiver Tax Credit refundable. This will provide thousands of dollars to the most low-income caregivers, many of whom have given up work completely to care for a loved one. To deliver these results all across the country, a we will lead a National Seniors Strategy that will work with the provinces, territories and Indigenous governments to make seniors health care a priority, reduce isolation, and tackle seniors’ poverty. This will include a funded national dementia strategy, and an elder abuse prevention plan developed with seniors to put an end to abuse and neglect in our communities. Every senior should have a safe and affordable place to call home. Our commitment to create half a million affordable housing units in the next decade will include accessible housing that will increase choices for seniors. We’ll also support connection to community and tackle seniors’ isolation by working with cities to make transit more affordable and convenient, create more community recreation spaces, and support innovative housing solutions like intergenerational co-housing. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 65 HONOURING OUR VETERANS Veterans shouldn’t have to wait weeks or even months to receive the services they need. We’ll get rid of backlogs and step up high-quality, personalized service delivery by providing one caseworker for every twenty-five veterans, and improving services that are delivered by phone and online. CANADIAN VETERANS HAVE MADE UNTOLD sacrifices for our country. To honour their service, we need to offer the best care and support possible when they come home. Unfortunately, for too long, veterans have had to fight for the benefits they’ve earned. For a decade, the Conservative government denied and clawed back benefits, took veterans to court, and cut access to basic care. They closed nine regional offices that provided services for tens of thousands of veterans across Canada, and argued in court that the government has no sacred obligation to care for Canada’s veterans. There’s also much more that we can do to ease the transition from service for veterans. A New Democrat government will give Canadian Forces members access to care and support before the transition, and make sure that their benefits are in place before they are released from service. To give more veterans access to postsecondary education and training that works for them, we will expand the education benefit to more people. We will also help support veterans and their families by reviewing the caregiver allowance and making it available to more people. While hopes were high that the Liberal government would improve veterans care, they’ve broken their commitments, failing to improve services and leaving billions in money earmarked for veterans care unspent. Years of court cases and broken promises have deepened the disappointment and mistrust that’s felt by many of Canada’s veterans. New Democrats will work with partners in community services and the veterans community to end veteran homelessness for good – because one veteran on the streets is one too many. It’s time to do right by Canada’s veterans. A New Democrat government will honour the special bond of mutual obligation between Canadians and veterans, and deliver the services that veterans need and deserve. As part of this process, we will launch a full review of benefits and work with veterans to determine the best way to provide fair benefits to all veterans, including tackling the issue of equal access to lifetime pensions. And to ensure that taxpayer money earmarked for veterans care actually gets spent on it, we will automatically carry forward all annual lapsed spending in Veterans Affairs to improve services. There should never be an incentive for any government to save money on the backs of veterans. TA K I N G B E T T E R C A R E O F E AC H OT H E R 66 TACKLING POVERTY Our affordable housing strategy will include measures to support Canadians at risk of becoming homeless, taking the lead from communities about local needs and adopting a “housing first” approach. To help people find an affordable home in the long term, we will support the creation of more social housing and other affordable options. IN 1989, NDP LEADER ED BROADBENT rose in the House of Commons to put forward a successful motion to end child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. Thirty years after Canada’s pledge, more than a million Canadian children are still living in poverty. Children are still going to school on an empty stomach – and growing up without a place to call home. That’s because successive Liberal and Conservative government have created a patchwork of underfunded supports that still leave millions of Canadians struggling on the margins. The Liberals even brought forward a poverty reduction strategy without a single dollar of new spending – telling Canadians who need help now that they have to wait. Poor health and poverty are linked, and a national pharmacare program will mean that all Canadians can access the prescription medicine they need, regardless of their income or address. Better access to mental health and addictions support will also form a key part of our approach to tackling poverty. New Democrats will work with the provinces to launch a national basic income pilot project, in addition to continuing Ontario’s program, to gather data about this approach to tackling income precarity. Developing a national, public, universal child care program is also critical for lifting women and their families out of poverty, and an important way to give all kids a good start in early learning. We need the courage – and meaningful action – to build a Canada without poverty, where all Canadians can count on quality public services and community supports to help them lead dignified lives. A core component of our approach is enshrining the right to housing in law, and starting work now with a goal of ending homelessness in Canada within a decade. In a country as wealthy as Canada, there is no excuse to leave any Canadian living in poverty or without a safe roof over their head. Finally, making sure that all Canadians can access healthy, affordable food is a cornerstone of our Canadian food strategy. A national school nutrition program will make sure that no child enters their classroom hungry. Children should always have access to healthy food – and the ability to concentrate on learning. In addition, New Democrats will ensure that a reformed Nutrition North program is able to better respond to the needs of Northern families, to put an end to chronic food insecurity in the North. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 67 R E C O N C I L I AT I O N AT T H E H E A RT O F W H AT W E D O 68 Reconciliation at the heart of what we do New Democrats believe that the time has come for a fundamentally different approach to Crown-Indigenous relations in Canada, one based on the recognition of the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples. At the heart of our vision of a better Canada is the need for concrete, specific actions that advance Indigenous peoples and all Canadians down the path of reconciliation. The time for good words and promises is over. We need to work to build a new nation-to-nation relationship now. NEW DEMOCRATS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples has been deeply troubled and must change. Successive federal governments have denied the basic human rights of Indigenous peoples, stolen children from their parents, forced Indigenous peoples off their homelands and territories, and claimed lands without consent or compensation. We have witnessed governments spend millions of taxpayer dollars fighting Indigenous peoples in court over lands, and litigating against residential schools Survivors seeking accountability and redress for past harms. Most recently, we have seen successive governments chronically underfund vital services like water and housing, and even child welfare services on reserve. New Democrats are committed to undertaking the important work of reconciliation in good faith, and in true and equal partnership with Indigenous communities across the country. We believe that the Crown’s relationship to Indigenous peoples must be based on an acknowledgement of our country’s colonial history of cultural genocide and stolen lands – and include legally binding commitments to fair and equitable policies going forward. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 69 UPHOLDING INDIGENOUS RIGHTS AND ADVANCING SELF-DETERMINATION NEW DEMOCRATS BELIEVE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE able to pick and choose which Indigenous rights they will uphold and which ones they will ignore. A new framework for reconciliation must be grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which sets out minimum standards for the survival, dignity, and well-being of Indigenous peoples. In partnership with Indigenous peoples, a New Democrat government will fully implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. New Democrats will work with Indigenous peoples to co-develop a National Action Plan for Reconciliation, drawing directly from the Calls to Action and the Declaration to ensure that Canada’s laws, policies, and practices are consistent with Canada’s human rights commitments – including cultural rights, land rights, and rights to self-determination and self-government. Through legislation, we will establish a National Council for Reconciliation to provide oversight and accountability for this process, reporting regularly to Parliament and Canadians. A New Democrat government will replace mere consultation with a standard of free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous communities affected by government policies – including for all decisions affecting constitutionally protected land rights, like energy project reviews. We are committed to good-faith, consent-based engagement and negotiations consistent with the Tsilhqot’in decision, an approach that honours Canada’s legal and constitutional obligations. We will recognize and respect treaties, supporting Indigenous Nations who are building and re-building their governance structures. R E C O N C I L I AT I O N AT T H E H E A RT O F W H AT W E D O 70 We will also respect Inuit self-determination by co-developing the federal government’s Arctic Policy Framework through shared governance within the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, including through the adoption of an Inuit Nunangat policy in full partnership with Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami. We will support the economic and social self-reliance of Inuit by addressing the massive infrastructure deficit in Northern communities. New Democrats recognize Métis self-determination and in government, we will respect the path forward established by the Métis National Council and its governing members. We will pursue government-to-government negotiations on issues including self-government, education, housing, and health. A New Democrat government will work in partnership with Indigenous communities across the country to help protect and revitalize the incredible diversity of Indigenous languages in Canada with new legislation and stable funding. In response to Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 80, we will establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to acknowledge the painful legacy of colonization, honour the Survivors of residential schools, and help communities across Canada commit to meaningful reconciliation. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 71 INVESTING IN CHILDREN AND ENDING FUNDING DISCRIMINATION CHILDREN DESERVE THE VERY BEST START IN LIFE. EVERY SINGLE CHILD in Canada should have the care and opportunities that they need to succeed and thrive – without exception. But for generations, the Canadian government’s treatment of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children has been a national disgrace and an unspeakable tragedy. While residential schools no longer operate, the intergenerational trauma caused by them is felt every day. And despite the apologies from political leaders, the reality is that systemic discrimination against Indigenous children continues today. Indigenous children and young people have the right to culture, language and to be raised in their own communities – all of which are vital to overall well-being. By implementing the United Nations Declaration and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, and supporting self-determination, New Democrats will make sure that all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children, young people and families are treated with the respect and care that they deserve. New Democrats will take immediate action to respect, support and resource Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfare systems, and will back this commitment with long-term, predictable funding guaranteed in legislation so that Indigenous peoples can exercise their jurisdiction and authority over matters involving their own children and families. We also commit to ending discrimination against Indigenous children, young people and families by fully implementing the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal orders which ordered the Canadian government to stop chronically underfunding child welfare services on reserve, and working with the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society to implement the Spirit Bear Plan. A New Democrat government will also fully implement Jordan’s Principle, working with the provinces and territories to end the delays and ensure equitable access to health services and educational supports for Indigenous children from coast to coast to coast. R E C O N C I L I AT I O N AT T H E H E A RT O F W H AT W E D O 72 SAFE, QUALITY HOUSING FOR ALL NEW DEMOCRATS BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE IN CANADA SHOULD BE able to find a safe and affordable place to call home. And no one in this country should be forced to live in housing that makes them sick. But, today decades of failure by the federal government has resulted in a devastating housing crisis for many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis families. The Liberal government has failed to help people, leaving communities with long waiting lists for housing, and overcrowded, dilapidated homes. The mould crisis continues to harm people’s health. And chronic overcrowding is hurting people in Indigenous communities across the country. The Conservatives have an even worse record from their time in government: they announced a fund for 25,000 homes, yet six years later, fewer than 100 homes had been built. It’s time to end the housing crisis for good with safe and affordable housing in every Indigenous community, on and off reserve. New Democrats will address the Indigenous housing crisis and put an end to chronic overcrowding and long-wait lists by working with Indigenous communities to implement co-developed First Nations, Métis, and Inuit housing strategies. These innovative, ground-up strategies will mean sustainable and dedicated funding to meet the needs of Indigenous peoples, whether in urban, rural, or remote communities. We believe that the federal government must immediately step up to tackle the mould crisis affecting tens of thousands of homes, and provide support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples to ensure that their homes are safe and healthy. We will also ensure that Indigenous communities have the resources to make homes greener and more energy efficient, working to keep the benefits of good jobs, training, and investment close to home. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 73 CLOSING THE EDUCATION GAP UNDER THE LIBERAL AND CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENTS, TOO MANY young people in Indigenous communities haven’t had access to a quality education. Successive governments have failed to provide core funding for on-reserve education, failed to adequately support Indigenous post-secondary students and failed to deliver a plan for how the government will bring all schools on reserve up to provincial standards – despite Parliament committing to this when they passed the Shannen’s Dream motion in 2012. In government, New Democrats will ensure that every child is provided a safe place to learn and an opportunity to succeed, whether on or off reserve. We will implement Shannen’s Dream of equitable access to education, backed by federal investments and infrastructure, so no student will be forced to learn in dangerous environments, as we have witnessed in Kashechewan First Nation. Recognizing that barriers to post-secondary education and training continue, we will support Indigenous youth and help them bridge the gap to post-secondary education through expanded financial assistance and increased educational opportunities for children who grew up in care, and distance education for rural and remote students. And we believe that all Canadians should be aware of the contributions and history of Indigenous peoples and understand the legacy of residential schools. We will work with the provinces to establish Indigenous history education programs for all Canadians, based on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 62 and 63 – and ensure that the development and implementation of these programs are led by Indigenous peoples. R E C O N C I L I AT I O N AT T H E H E A RT O F W H AT W E D O 74 FOSTERING THRIVING AND RESILIENT COMMUNITIES WITH CLEAN WATER AND STRONG PUBLIC SERVICES FOR COMMUNITIES TO THRIVE, IT TAKES STRONG PUBLIC SERVICES that families can count on. It takes safe, reliable infrastructure and opportunities for young people to build a good life. But today, too many Indigenous communities across the country are still waiting for clean drinking water, basic emergency services, secure public transportation, or help with environmental initiatives – sometimes with tragic consequences. New Democrats believe that it is past time for the federal government to step up and fund the services and infrastructure that Indigenous communities need to thrive – it is an important part of the responsibility that Canada owes to Indigenous peoples given the deep and intergenerational impacts of colonialism. This means making the investments required to ensure clean water and lift all drinking water advisories for good by 2021, and supporting Indigenous-led water management training programs and water system operations as an immediate priority. And this means funding on-reserve emergency management and prevention, including firefighting training and equipment. It also means ensuring safe public transportation by resuming and expanding rural and remote bus routes and passenger rail service. Strong communities are sustainable communities, and many Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of the move towards renewable energy. We will work with them to protect infrastructure from climate change and increase the use of renewable energy. New Democrats will help expand community-owned renewable energy projects – and support efforts to transition remote communities away from polluting diesel and harmful fumes, towards reliable and clean energy alternatives. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 75 NURTURING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES HEALTH CARE IS ONE OF THE BASICS THAT EVERY FAMILY NEEDS. NO matter who you are or where you live, you need to know that you can count on quality medical help when you and your loved ones need it. But in 2019, a shocking number of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities do not have access to reliable health care services. People cannot get the mental health care they need. Residents of remote communities are forced to live with just a few days per month of medical care. And the crumbling and out-dated infrastructure at many federal nursing stations is simply inadequate for the needs of the communities. After four years in government, the Liberals have failed to invest adequately in Indigenous health care to fix the problems – Inadequate funds for suicide prevention in the North, for medical clinics, universal pharmacare, and traditional ways of healing. Meanwhile, when they were in government, the Conservatives not only failed to invest in health care; they cut funding for Indigenous-led health initiatives. New Democrats will make sure that the federal government steps up to close the health gap in Indigenous communities, and supports Indigenous health self-determination. We recognize that healing the ongoing trauma caused by colonialism and residential schools will require long-term partnership and reliable, ongoing funding. We will make sure that people can get the treatment they need in their community through investments in Indigenous health care infrastructure and diagnostic equipment. We will work in partnership with Indigenous communities to improve access to mental health and addiction treatment services – including an evidence-based action plan to prevent suicide, backed by dedicated federal resources, fully implementing the New Democrat motion on suicide prevention passed by the House of Commons. R E C O N C I L I AT I O N AT T H E H E A RT O F W H AT W E D O 76 A New Democrat government will also work with communities and care providers to ensure that Indigenous-led, culturally-appropriate home care and long-term care is available for Elders, in their home communities and languages. We will support Indigenous food sovereignty, and reform the Nutrition North program to improve families’ access to food, including country and traditional food. Finally, we will build a treatment centre for residents affected by long-term mercury exposure and compensate families affected by the inter-generational problem of mercury poisoning in Grassy Narrows. In every community, New Democrats are committed to delivering better access to health care. It’s who we are. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 77 SUPPORTING INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR DECADES NOW, INDIGENOUS PEOPLES HAVE BEEN SEEKING A NEW fiscal relationship with the Crown that respects the existence of inherent title and rights. A new fiscal relationship means secure funding to support programs and services, and access to revenue streams to help close the socio-economic gap and support self-government. Making sure that Indigenous communities thrive also means working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to expand economic opportunities and create good jobs in Indigenous communities all across the country. A New Democrat government will work with Indigenous communities to encourage economic development and create good jobs through infrastructure investments and expanded access to broadband internet and cell service for rural and remote communities. We commit to working with Indigenous entrepreneurs to find solutions for accessing capital and scale up, investing in Indigenous social enterprise projects and entrepreneurship. Smaller Indigenous communities left behind by the current funding model need dedicated regional economic development support to help expand economic opportunities in a way that reflects the community’s social and cultural values. A New Democrat government will also create a Northern Infrastructure Fund to fast-track investment and focus on improving much-needed infrastructure like roads and broadband internet for communities in the north. R E C O N C I L I AT I O N AT T H E H E A RT O F W H AT W E D O 78 HONOURING INDIGENOUS WOMEN, GIRLS AND TWO-SPIRIT PEOPLE RESPECT FOR INDIGENOUS WOMEN, GIRLS, AND TWO-SPIRIT PEOPLE MUST be at the core of a new Crown-Indigenous relationship. But for too many Indigenous women, systemic discrimination and violence continues to be a reality. After the Conservatives refused to address the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women for almost a decade, the Liberal government finally launched a long-overdue inquiry – but then set it up with a limited mandate, and failed to adequately care for the families who courageously shared their stories. The Inquiry’s finding of a genocide against Indigenous women in Canada demands action from all Canadians. The report from the National Inquiry must not sit on a shelf. New Democrats will work in partnership with Indigenous women, the families of the missing and murdered, and communities to implement the Inquiry’s Calls for Justice and the calls to action brought forward by communities. This includes establishing a comprehensive, plan to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQI2S+ people — ensuring that all those fleeing violence have access to culturally appropriate programming, emergency shelters and transitional housing. We believe it’s wrong that Indigenous women and their children still do not have equal status rights — including the right to pass on the ability to qualify for Indian status registration. Successive Conservative and Liberal governments have failed to fix this gross inequality. New Democrats will act to ensure full gender equality for First Nations status as a matter of priority, consistent with Canadian and international court rulings. New Democrats acknowledge that respect for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people must be made real by ensuring equitable access and self-determination over land, culture, language, housing, child care, income security, employment, education, and physical, mental, sexual, and spiritual health. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 79 RECONCILIATION AND JUSTICE EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO COUNT ON THE JUSTICE SYSTEM TO keep them safe and treat them fairly. But today, Indigenous peoples are disproportionately over-represented in Canada’s prison system, and the experience of discrimination remains far too common in policing from coast to coast to coast. Even the Supreme Court of Canada has recognized that Indigenous peoples face direct and systemic discrimination at all levels of the justice system. New Democrats believe government must work to end systemic discrimination against Indigenous peoples in the justice system. In accordance with Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 30, 31, and 32, we will increase the discretion of judges during sentencing, ensure bail programs are culturally appropriate, bolster funding for community justice programs that focus on healing and restorative justice rather than incarceration, and uphold the use of Gladue principles in court proceedings. We will work with Indigenous communities to enhance community safety and provide the necessary resources for Indigenous policing, while taking steps to end discriminatory policing practices like carding. A New Democrat government will support the Directive on Civil Litigation Involving Indigenous Peoples that puts an end to costly and adversarial legal battles with Indigenous communities. We will also keep residential school Survivors at the heart of decisions around justice for their experiences, ensuring fair compensation for St. Anne’s residential school Survivors, Métis Survivors, and those who survived abuse in day schools. R E C O N C I L I AT I O N AT T H E H E A RT O F W H AT W E D O 80 PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT TOGETHER The climate crisis is not just an environmental emergency. It also threatens traditional food sources and the very survival of many Indigenous communities. We have to move past the delays and inaction of past Liberal and Conservative governments and take a fundamentally different approach to our future – one that recognize a holistic definition of sustainability. New Democrats will put reconciliation at the core of this effort, upholding Indigenous knowledge and respecting inherent sovereignty. We recognize that as original peoples of this country, Indigenous peoples have intimate connections to their homelands, territories and resources and have provided stewardship since time out of memory. Indigenous peoples are best placed to protect cultural and biological diversity through control over their territory – and so the recognition of inherent rights, title and treaty rights will be at the heart of our approach to addressing climate change. To make full and equal partnership the basis of Canada’s efforts, New Democrats will ensure that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis leadership have a seat at high-level decision-making tables to help direct climate change efforts in Canada. We will also expand the Indigenous Guardians Program, invest in Indigenous-led science and support the creation of Indigenous-managed protected areas – and make sure that species recovery efforts respect Indigenous rights and embrace traditional knowledge to increase biodiversity. Indigenous communities are not only stewards of their territories – they are also on the front lines dealing with the impacts of climate change every day. New Democrat government will work jointly with Indigenous leadership and communities to develop coordinated action plans to respond to climate change emergencies like wildfires and floods. This work will be informed by Indigenous traditional and ecological knowledge and legal systems, and include improving existing infrastructure, developing new infrastructure, and supporting response efforts to keep people safe. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples need to be partners in the development of job creation, employment training, and infrastructure investments that flow from federal efforts to address climate change, ensuring that they are implemented in ways that fit the needs and priorities of local communities. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 81 A new deal to build stronger, more vibrant communities BUILDING STRONGER, MORE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES 82 BUILDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE WE NEED When it comes to getting around, public transit should be a convenient and affordable option that makes your commute easier – all while taking cars off the road, cutting emissions and reducing gridlock. New Democrats understand that getting our communities moving is critical for our economy and our quality of life – that’s why we’ll put in place a permanent, direct, allocation-based funding mechanism for modern public transit across Canada for the long run. We’ll also step up investments now to help cities transition their bus fleets to electric, and to expand affordable rail and bus options in all parts of the country. And for municipalities that make it a priority, a New Democrat government will work with them towards fare-free transit to ease commutes and make life more affordable. INVESTING IN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE creates good jobs, makes our communities more livable, and helps fight climate change. It’s one of the most important ways that governments can make people’s lives easier. But instead of rolling out an ambitious plan to get our communities moving like they promised in the last election, this Liberal government wasted millions of taxpayer dollars on an infrastructure bank that’s only supported two projects with loans. The privatization of public infrastructure through this bank will hit Canadians in the wallet. In fact, Justin Trudeau has refused to rule out the idea of forcing Canadians to pay back investors through tolls and other user fees. New Democrats believe that Canadians should be able to count on the federal government to invest in infrastructure to make a real difference in communities across the country – not to pad the bank accounts of investment firms. Nothing is more important than having a place to call home. No matter who you are, you need a safe and affordable place to live and raise your family. But Canadians across the country are facing a housing crisis – and we need a government that gets back to work building new affordable housing to help confront it. A New Democrat government will partner with provinces and municipalities to create half a million units of affordable housing over the next ten years. This will include social housing, community and non-market housing, as well as co-ops. We’ll also streamline the application process and immediately provide dedicated fast-start funds to help communities get the expertise and assistance they need to get projects off the ground now, not years from now. Wherever possible, we’ll encourage provinces to work with social enterprises to make sure that the training and jobs associated with building affordable housing go to those who need opportunities the most. Our vision is one where communities can afford to build the infrastructure they need to thrive, from roads and bridges to community centres and child care centres and everything in between. These investments will create good jobs in every part of the country; and to get there, we will partner with provinces, territories, First Nations, and municipalities to deliver reliable public infrastructure funding that puts people – not profit – first. By using Community Benefit Agreements, we will guarantee that good jobs, training, apprenticeships, and support for local businesses are part of every infrastructure project. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 83 As the impacts of climate change are felt across the country, New Democrats believe that all levels of government have to step up to help communities cope with the impacts of extreme weather. That’s why a New Democrat government will expand federal funding to respond to disasters, and support communities in proactively adapting their infrastructure to withstand floods, forest fires and other extreme weather events. We will also partner with Canadians and communities to make serious investments in making buildings more energy efficient, helping families save money and fighting climate change. In our digital age, technological infrastructure is more important than ever. That’s why we’re committed to making sure that every community in Canada has access to highspeed internet. We’ll also ensure that the right investments are made to expand cell phone coverage to all parts of the country, so that Canadians stay connected – affordably – no matter where they are. BUILDING STRONGER, MORE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES 84 SUPPORTING CANADIAN ARTS AND CULTURE Most Canadians now get their news from Facebook, and Netflix is the largest broadcaster in the country – but these web giants don’t pay the same taxes or contribute to funding Canadian content in the same way that traditional media do. Canadian film, television, and media is up against a tidal wave of well-funded American content – and the Liberals have refused to take action to level the playing field. ARTS AND CULTURE ARE AT THE HEART of who we are as Canadians. It’s how we listen to and understand each other better. It’s how we connect across vast distances and celebrate our identities. And in such a diverse country, it’s how we share our incredible stories with each other, in both official languages – and with the entire world. Canada’s film and television industry is also a big part of our economy’s future — and is at the heart of our culture in this increasingly digital era. Almost 180,000 people work in this $9 billion industry across Canada, creating good family-sustaining jobs. That’s why a we will step up to make sure that Netflix, Facebook, Google, and other digital media companies play by the same rules as Canadian broadcasters. That means paying taxes, supporting Canadian content in both official languages, and taking responsibility for what appears on their platforms, just like other media outlets. But after decades of cuts, a rapidly digitizing media landscape and government inaction are putting Canadian arts, culture, and jobs at risk. We’ll also increase funding for CBC and Radio-Canada to help reverse the damage of decades of funding cuts under both Liberal and Conservative governments. Public broadcasting has a remarkable legacy of connecting all points of our country – and it needs to have an even stronger future now more than ever to help make sure that Canadians have access to accurate, relevant information no matter where they live. It’s time for a different approach. New Democrats will protect our heritage and support a strong, independent Canadian arts and culture industry. New Democrats will make sure that Canadian talent can thrive on both digital and traditional platforms – here at home and around the world. We think that artists should be able to earn a decent living from their art, and that government has an important role to play in making sure that a diversity of Canadian voices tell our stories. We will make sure that arts and cultural institutions receive stable, long-term funding to grow and promote Canada’s diverse cultures and histories. We will also extend support to Canadian media to assist them in making the digital transition. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 85 The arts also have a vital place in reconciliation. A New Democrat government will provide financial support for Indigenous theatre at the National Arts Centre as part of our larger efforts to honour and support Indigenous arts and culture. Finally, recognizing the special challenges faced by people who make a living in the arts and culture industry, we’ll make life more affordable by putting in place income tax averaging for artists and cultural workers. BUILDING STRONGER, MORE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES 86 INVESTING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES In many rural areas, simple things like going to the bank have become complicated and difficult. Despite record profits, financial institutions are closing rural branches and cutting services in more and more communities every year. It’s clear that we need to find other ways to deliver these important financial services. Today, almost 1,200 rural communities in Canada have a post office, but no financial services. That’s why a New Democrat government will work with Canada Post to develop a model of postal banking that will help nearly two million Canadians access more affordable, quality banking services where none are currently available. WE NEED A GOVERNMENT THAT LISTENS to all of Canada’s regions and recognizes the incredible contributions that our rural, remote and Northern communities make to the prosperity and strength of our entire country. Unfortunately, for too long Liberal and Conservative governments have tried to pit one region against another – while failing to deliver the help that Canadians living in rural and remote communities need. And the Conservatives made damaging cuts to service delivery in rural Canada, forcing people to drive for hours to get the services they need. It’s time for change that makes life better in all of our regions. New Democrats have a plan to make life easier no matter where you live. And make sure that all communities in our country have a bright future. Travel is a necessity of life in rural Canada – and it should be easier to get around without putting a dent in the family budget. But instead of improving rural transit services, the lack of funding and coordination under this Liberal government made the situation worse. Combined with Greyhound’s route cancellations, too many communities have been left stranded without reliable transportation services. People in rural Canada deserve better access to services – and the future of our rural communities depends on those services being available. That’s why a New Democrat government will focus on improving access to in-person services in Northern and rural communities. In order to make our rural and Northern communities safer, and to recognize the selfless work of our volunteer emergency responders, we’ll also expand the Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and ensure that federal funding for rural and First Nations policing is made available in a fair, predictable, and sustainable way. New Democrats believe that every community in Canada should be able to count on reliable transit to connect them to their jobs, health care services, schools, and family members. That’s why we’ll work with the provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to grow affordable transit services for rural areas, including restoring cancelled bus services in Western Canada, expanding bus service into East Kootenay, restarting the Ontario Northlander train, and much more to keep our communities connected. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 87 Many Northern, rural, and remote communities are working hard to retain families, attract workers, and stop out-migration, but they can’t do it alone. That’s why New Democrats will put in place a new tax credit for graduates to work in designated rural and Northern communities, and make it easier for employers to hire and retain the workers they need. Staying connected digitally is more essential than ever, yet too many rural communities in Canada don’t have reliable cell phone or broadband service. A New Democrat government will change that, delivering highspeed rural broadband to all communities in Canada without delay, and ensuring that reliable cell phone service is expanded to every area of Canada – while keeping rates affordable for families and businesses. To make all of Canada’s communities sustainable for the long term, we need to change how we build them. Rural communities need fair access to federal infrastructure and transit funds, and more help to prepare for and deal with the increasingly severe impacts of climate change. New Democrats will work with provinces to put in place a new deal for rural infrastructure programs that provide long-term predictable funding for communities. And we’ll increase the amount of help the federal government provides to communities to adapt to climate change and rebuild when disasters happen. We’ll make sure that affordable housing investments go to rural communities, too – and that federal infrastructure dollars flow now to create good local jobs that stay in the community. Rural Canada drives at least a third of the country’s economy, but successive Liberal and Conservative governments have missed the opportunity to develop these regions to their full potential. A New Democrat government will invest in regional economic development agencies and provide economic support for rural areas to invest in job creation in areas like tourism and community development. BUILDING STRONGER, MORE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES 88 WELCOMING NEW CANADIANS IMMIGRATION MAKES CANADA STRONGER. Welcoming new talent and energy from around the world to build our communities and boost our economy. Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world – and we are richer and stronger for it. We believe that family reunification should be a priority in Canada. But this year, thousands of families who hoped to apply to bring a parent or grandparent were let down when the available spots were filled in just eleven minutes. New Democrats will end the unfair cap on applications to sponsor parents and grandparents, and take on the backlogs that delay reunification for years. Yet, under the Liberal government, too many new Canadians are waiting years to reunify with family members. Highly educated people are struggling to get work in their field of expertise – causing stress for their families as they struggle to make ends meet and to fulfil their potential. And instead of helping, too many Conservatives are making the situation worse, with dangerous statements that seek to divide our communities. We need all kinds of workers in Canada – and if someone is good enough to come and work here, then there should be a path for them to stay permanently. New Democrats will protect newcomers by taking on unscrupulous immigration consultants, ensuring that the industry is regulated by the government. And we’ll treat caregivers brought to Canada with respect and dignity, providing them with status and allowing them to reunite with their families without delay. Our immigration system should be accountable to Canadians and rooted in the values of fairness, respect, and dignity. We know that immigrants strengthen our country, and we will always stand against those who would use fear of our neighbours to divide us. We believe in a Canada where newcomers can rely on a fair process, and find success when they arrive – and where no one is separated from their loved ones for years because of backlogs. As the world experiences an unprecedented refugee crisis, Canada also has a vital role to play in resettling people forced out of their homes by conflict, persecution, and disasters. But under the Liberal government, the backlog of asylum seekers is set to more than double in the next few years. A New Democrat government will fix the system to get rid of the backlog, and work with Canadians to resettle refugees in our communities, ensuring they are given the support they need to build successful lives and new homes here in Canada. That’s why a New Democrat government will make sure that our immigration policies and levels meet Canada’s labour force needs and recognize people’s experiences, contributions, and ties to Canada. We will work with the provinces to address gaps in settlement services and improve foreign credentials recognition. Finally, New Democrats will make the right choice to promote safety, security, and efficiency in Canada’s border communities by suspending the Safe Third Country agreement with the United States, allowing people to make asylum claims at official border crossings. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 89 WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES EVERY CANADIAN DESERVES TO FEEL secure in the knowledge that their streets, home, business and community are safe. New Democrats know that building a sense of community safety is not just about the absence of crime. It’s about making sure that everyone matters, that we address the root causes of crime, and that the justice system treats everyone fairly. anti-Black racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, gender-based violence, homophobia, and transphobia. When we focus on increasing social inclusion, promoting public health, ensuring food security, access to education, affordable housing, and increasing youth engagement, we not only provide Canadians with important services; we also reduce the risk of crime. But when crime threatens and safety is at risk, there’s much more that the federal government can do to protect Canadians and foster safer communities for the long term. To help protect our communities against gangs, New Democrats will make sure that communities have access to funding for anti-gang projects that help deter at-risk youth from joining gangs. We’ll address radicalization by focusing on preventing youth from falling prey to violent extremism, including through support for community-led initiatives. Too many lives have been lost in Canadian cities to rising gun crime. We will work to keep assault weapons and illegal handguns off our streets, and to tackle gun smuggling and organized crime. Our vision of public safety is one that is informed by the need for more restorative justice. Victims should have access to the services and supports they need, such as counselling, referrals, police and court-related services, and a voice in decisions that may impact their safety. A New Democrat government will work with the provinces, territories, and Indigenous governments to support innovative models of community policing. And we will make sure that the RCMP retains trained members and provides a harassment-free work environment. New Democrats will deal with threats to our national security, including foreign interference and espionage, terrorism and cybercrime, by working with our international allies, enhancing real-time oversight of security services, and fully respecting the privacy and Charter rights of all Canadians. It’s time for the federal government to tackle the growing threat of hate crimes targeting communities in Canada. We will begin work immediately to ensure that all major cities have dedicated hate crime units within local police forces, and to convene a national working group to counter online hate. New Democrats will always stand up against all forms of hate, racism, including BUILDING STRONGER, MORE VIBRANT COMMUNITIES 90 The courage to do what’s right A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 91 ADVANCING GENDER EQUITY Our vision of Canada is one where women’s organizations have stable funding so that women can access the support and advocacy they need, when they need it. We’ll develop a National Action Plan to end gender-based violence, backed by funding to ensure that shelter services and other programs are available in all regions of the country, especially areas that have traditionally been under-served. New Democrats will promote domestic violence leave policies in workplaces, improve police training on sexual assault, and require universities to develop plans to end sexual violence on campus. And we’ll address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQI2S+ people by working with Indigenous peoples to implement the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry. WE KNOW THAT OUR FAMILIES, OUR communities and our country are stronger when women thrive. In Canada today, it’s still all too common for women to experience discrimination and gender-based violence, particularly if they are members of a marginalized community. The Liberals have failed to back up their words with strong action to address systemic discrimination against women, and the Conservatives slashed funding for women’s equality while they were in power, setting us back decades. Gender equity is a fundamental value for New Democrats, and we’re committed to building a Canada where no one is left behind. Right now, Canadian women make 32% less than men, and the gap is even wider for racialized women, Indigenous women, immigrant women and women with a disability. A New Democrat government will prioritize pay equity to put an end to gender-based wage discrimination, requiring employers to be transparent about pay and implementing and enforcing tough and pro-active pay equity legislation and regulations right away. New Democrats believe that women shouldn’t have to choose between having a family and having a career – but the fact is, nearly 300,000 more women in Canada could join the workforce if they had access to adequate child care.12 It’s time for quality, affordable not-for-profit child care that’s available to all Canadian families, no matter where they live. We’ll also make parental leave more flexible, make it easier to qualify for Employment Insurance, and support more options for women to build careers in the trades and other non-traditional fields like agriculture, innovation, research, and STEM. 12 Poloz, Stephen. “Today’s Labour Market and the Future of Work,” Speech – Queen’s University, March 13, 2018, available online at: https://www. bankofcanada.ca/multimedia/smith-school-business-queens-university-speech-webcasts-13-march-2018/ T H E C O U R A G E T O D O W H AT ’ S R I G H T 92 abortion available in all parts of the country, without barriers. We will also ensure that a full range of prescription contraceptive and reproductive health care options are easily accessible at no cost through Medicare and our national pharmacare program. New Democrats believe in respecting peoples’ rights to make decisions about their own bodies and their own lives. Yet many individuals seeking abortion services in Canada can’t access them. Only one hospital in six offers abortion, and some provinces refuse to cover the cost of surgical abortion outside hospitals. Lack of access is even worse for people in rural areas and the North. And finally, New Democrats will tackle obstacles to women’s political participation by reforming the electoral system and introducing legislation to encourage political parties to run more women candidates. Everyone deserves safe, accessible abortion and reproductive healthcare services – no matter where they live or how much money they make. It’s not enough for elected officials to say that they won’t reopen the abortion debate – we need leaders to take action to improve access to services. New Democrats will enforce the Canada Health Act to make sure that the provinces make medical and surgical A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 93 UPHOLDING LGBTQI2S+ RIGHTS Access to gender confirming procedures and medication can be life-saving for some transgender people. New Democrats will work with the provinces make sure that there is equal access to gender confirming surgery across the country, and that these procedures and medications are covered by public health plans. ALTHOUGH CANADA HAS MADE important strides in upholding LGBTQI2S+ rights, there is more work to be done to improve the lives of LGBTQI2S+ Canadians and make Canada a country where everyone can live free from hate and bias. One of the most significant setbacks of recent years is the Liberals’ decision to maintain the discriminatory ban on blood donation by men who have sex with anyone assigned male at birth.We need behaviour-based screening rather than policies that discriminate against an entire sexual orientation. A New Democrat government will end the discriminatory blood ban and put in place policies based in public health evidence to secure the blood supply. New Democrats believe that Canada has a unique and important role to play in helping LGBTQI2S+ refugees around the world. We will establish a clear and permanent path for resettlement of LGBTQI2S+ refugees in Canada to replace the current piece-meal approach that only deals with emergency cases as they arise. We can also do more to end employment discrimination faced by members of the LGBTQI2S+ community. A New Democrat government will add sexual orientation, gender identity and expression to the Employment Equity Act, in order to address the disadvantages experienced by the LGBTGQ2+ communities – and particularly transgender people – in finding work. When it comes to sexual orientation and gender expression, damaging practices such as so-called “conversion therapy” have no place in Canada. We will develop a national action plan to ban conversion therapy for minors in Canada, and work with provinces and territories to support eliminating this practice in all parts of the country. T H E C O U R A G E T O D O W H AT ’ S R I G H T 94 A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 95 CONFRONTING RACISM TODAY, INDIGENOUS AND RACIALIZED people in Canada are facing a frightening evolution of hate. In communities across the country, discrimination remains a reality, all while racist and extremist views are increasingly inescapable on the internet. Anti-Semitism, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia and other forms of hate are too often allowed to flourish on the internet. A New Democrat government will convene a national working group to counter online hate and protect public safety, and make sure that social media platforms are responsible for remove hateful and extremist content before it can do harm. As New Democrats, we recognize the inherent dignity of all people. We know that racism hurts deeply and diminishes the humanity of marginalized people. The impacts hateful speech are real: hate crimes spiked to an all-time high in Canada in 2017, with an increasing number of incidents targeting Muslim, Jewish, and Black Canadians. Indigenous peoples face discrimination and racism in their daily lives, too often with tragic consequences. More subtle discrimination exacts a toll, too. In Canada today, racialized people are more likely to face systemic barriers to employment,13 while immigrants and racialized communities are the targets of divisive rhetoric that pits neighbours against each other. It’s important that police practices respect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and foster trust between law enforcement and Canadians. Carding, or “street checks”, do not respect Charter rights and erode trust between the police and communities. A New Democrat government will move immediately to ban carding by federal law enforcement, and work with local partners across Canada to end this practice in all jurisdictions across the country. This will include a review of the information obtained through carding that has been retained by police, and an examination of how that information has been shared between the RCMP and other police forces and government agencies. New Democrats believe that we cannot stand by and allow racism to flourish in our communities. It’s time to choose: we must turn the talk of diversity into action to confront racism, and put an end to it for good. We will work together to tackle the hate, racism, white supremacy and systemic discrimination that are hurting people across the country. 13 Report on the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage. “Taking Action Against Systemic Racism and Religious Discrimination Including Islamophobia,” House of Commons, February 2018. Available online at: http://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/CHPC/Reports/RP9315686/ chpcrp10/chpcrp10-e.pdf T H E C O U R A G E T O D O W H AT ’ S R I G H T 96 A New Democrat government will conduct a comprehensive review of the existing employment equity regime to help close the racialized wage gap. New Democrats will strengthen labour laws and ensure diverse and equitable hiring within the federal public service, and in federally-regulated industries. Jobs and training for under-represented groups will be a core part of federal infrastructure plans. To address the chronic over-representation of Indigenous peoples and Black Canadians in the federal prison population, we will put in place a national task force to develop a roadmap to end this systemic injustice. Working alongside Indigenous communities, this approach will include addressing the need for greater judicial discretion in sentencing, developing culturally-appropriate bail programs, increasing restorative and community justice programs, and better integrating Gladue principles in court proceedings. We will a lso develop and implement an African Canadian Justice Strategy, working with Black Canadians with experience and expertise on criminal justice issues. Lastly, we will work with the provinces and territories to develop and enforce effective employment equity legislation, and to collect and analyze data on the racialization of poverty – because everyone should be able to build a good life with equal opportunity. Employment discrimination on the basis of race continues to be an unacceptable problem in Canada, one that the federal government has failed to take on. Today, a universityeducated Canadian-born member of a racialized community earns, on average, only 87.4 cents for every dollar earned by their white peers14, a gap that is even more pronounced for racialized women. 14 Conference Board of Canada, “Racial Wage Gap.” April 2017. Available online at: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/hcp/provincial/society/racial-gap.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 97 PROMOTING OFFICIAL LANGUAGES CANADIANS ARE PROUD OF OUR TWO official languages, and they form an important part of our identity and our communities all across the country. But instead of making the changes needed to strengthen and promote language rights the Liberal government neglected and even reduced support in some areas over the last four years. We’ll also modernize the Official Languages Act to strengthen oversight and accountability, expand the scope of language rights and ensure that minority language communities are consulted on decisions that impact them. New Democrats will make sure that Canadians can access justice in their language of choice, and that judges on the Supreme Court are bilingual. It’s time for a different approach, one that makes life easier and ensures a bright future for minority language communities everywhere. A New Democrat government will enhance the Action Plan for Official Languages to improve access to services in the language of choice, including working with the provinces and territories to improve minority language education, and attract more French-speaking immigrants to communities all across the country. These efforts will happen alongside our commitment to the promotion and revitalization of Indigenous languages – recognizing that honouring Canada’s linguistic heritage must include reconciliation. T H E C O U R A G E T O D O W H AT ’ S R I G H T 98 ENHANCING OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM A New Democrat government will restore the independence of the judiciary by reducing reliance on mandatory minimums and allowing trial judges to have greater discretion in sentencing. As we work towards reconciliation, we will also make sure that Gladue principles are consistently applied in court proceedings, and uphold the importance of communitybased and restorative justice approaches. OVER A DECADE IN GOVERNMENT, THE Conservatives made the wrong choices in criminal law that deepened inequality, led to the heavily clogged court system that we have today, and failed to make our communities any safer. The Liberals came to power promising to make the criminal justice system fairer and more efficient. Instead, they’ve interfered in the justice process for big corporations facing criminal charges, and passed legislation that may actually lead to more wrongful convictions and leave many marginalized people without legal aid. We will also proactively expunge criminal records for Canadians convicted of minor cannabis possession. With cannabis now legal in Canada, too many people are still burdened with criminal records for simple possession – records that mean real hardships that affect their employment opportunities and their ability to travel. These records for minor cannabis possession will be completely erased, allowing people to get on with building their lives. The result is a justice system that is overburdened, slow and doesn’t treat everyone fairly. The status quo isn’t serving Canadians, and it’s time to change it to make the justice system fairer and better able to protect Canadians. Finally, to make sure that the most vulnerable have access to the legal support they need, New Democrats will increase federal funding for legal aid programs across the country. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 99 A GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS FOR YOU AND NOT INSIDERS That’s why a New Democrat government will take immediate steps to boost accountability, end insider benefits and take the influence of big money out of government for good. Canadians understand that our conflict of interest regime needs to be strong, comprehensive and impose real penalties when politicians break the rules. Instead, under the Liberals we’ve seen one violation after another – from ministers neglecting to report their villas in France to a Prime Minister’s vacation on a billionaires’ private island – with barely a slap on the wrist to show for it. NEW DEMOCRATS KNOW WHO WE WORK for. While the other parties are busy working to protect big polluters, big corporations, and the richest few, New Democrats are working for you every day. We stand up for families, workers and communities, in every corner of this country. And we are driven to form a government that works for you – and puts people at the heart of every decision we make. Sadly, many Canadians have a hard time believing government can be ethical and accountable to voters. And that’s no wonder, given the decade of cynicism under the Conservatives, followed by the five ethics investigations launched under the Liberals and the fact that Justin Trudeau was personally found guilty of breaking ethics laws. New Democrats will bring in tougher penalties in the Conflict of Interest Act to ensure that the abuse of public trust is treated seriously, and to fully ban cash-for-access events we will prohibit government officials from accepting donations from anyone whose private interest could be benefited by their decisions. It doesn’t have to be this way. We can clean up politics and restore people’s trust in government. Ethical and transparent government is about more than talking points – it’s about making sure that Canadians can have faith that their government is acting in their interests, not in the interest of rich, well-connected insiders. It’s about making sure that the system works for the many, not the few. And that who you are or how you vote makes no difference when it comes to the services you get. Ethical government is essential for a healthy democracy, and when people lose that trust, we all suffer. The rule of law also has to be free from political interference. Unfortunately, the attempts to interfere in the case against SNC Lavalin have made it clear that for this Liberal government, there is one set of rules for the well-connected – and another set of rules for the rest of us. A New Democrat government will immediately launch an independent public inquiry into alleged attempts from Prime Minister Trudeau’s office to interfere in the former Attorney General’s decision-making authority. T H E C O U R A G E T O D O W H AT ’ S R I G H T 100 We’ll also introduce an ethical social and environmental screen on government procurement, so that Canadians can be confident that their tax dollars are not going to pay for bribes in foreign countries or pollution that we’ll all have to pay to clean up later. Finally, we will empower the Auditor General to review taxpayer-funded government advertising to make sure that it is non-partisan. We will also formally prohibit corporations facing criminal charges from lobbying elected officials. Prosecutions of corporate crime must be thorough and completely independent of political interference. Around the world people are rejecting institutions that don’t work for regular people. Yet here in Canada, Liberal and Conservative governments have failed to fix an undemocratic, unaccountable Senate. We’ll work with the provinces towards abolishing the Senate. In the meantime, a New Democrat government will insist that the Senate change its rules so unelected Senators can’t hold up legislation for months when it has already been adopted by the Members of Parliament who have been sent by voters to Ottawa. A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 101 MAKING EVERY VOTE COUNT – FOR REAL the best way to put it in place for the next election to ensure both local representation and a federal government that reflects the voters’ choice of parties. THE RIGHT TO VOTE IS ONE OF OUR MOST important and fundamental democratic rights. And we believe that every vote should count. While generations of Canadians have built strong democratic institutions, our out-dated first-past-the-post voting system isn’t working as well as it should. Too often, majority governments are elected with only a minority of support. And that can feed disillusionment and cynicism for everyone who feels like their voice is not being heard. Once Canadians have the opportunity to experience the new voting system and compare it to the old one, we will hold a referendum to confirm the choice. Young people are increasingly engaged in the world, and many are worried about facing a future with rising inequality and catastrophic climate change. It’s no surprise: often they can see themselves paying the biggest price for the decisions governments are making today. Young people can and should have a say in their future. Simply put, if you are old enough to work and pay taxes, you are old enough to have a say in who forms the government. It’s time to lower the voting age to 16. Justin Trudeau said he would fix the democratic deficit. Before being elected, he promised to deliver reform that would ensure every vote counts – and to make 2015 the very last federal election to be held under this unfair electoral system. But once in power, he broke his promise to Canadians and turned his back on progressive democratic reforms. It’s just one reason that millions of Canadians who supported Trudeau are deeply disappointed with his failure to deliver. Recognizing the threat posed by outside interference in Canadian elections, we believe that more needs to be done to stop the spread of disinformation and “fake news” online. Social media platforms must be held to their responsibility to flag and remove fraudulent accounts, and to respond promptly to harassment, threats, and hate speech. No one but the people of Canada should decide – or influence – the outcome of Canadian elections. It’s time to make our voting system fairer, and actually deliver democratic reform to make sure that everyone’s vote counts. New Democrats are committed to cutting through the cynicism about politics and getting the job done. Finally, New Democrats will work to strengthen privacy protections for Canadians by boosting the power of the Privacy Commissioner to make and enforce orders. A New Democrat government will bring in mixed-member proportional representation that works for Canada – and we will do it in our first mandate in government. We’ll establish an independent citizen’s assembly to recommend T H E C O U R A G E T O D O W H AT ’ S R I G H T 102 A BETTER ROLE IN THE WORLD CANADIANS ARE PROUD OF OUR ROLE IN the world, and they want a government that will make the right choices to help people - but under Conservative and Liberal governments, decades of cynical politicking and cuts have meant that Canada is often on the wrong side of important global issues. We will make different choices. A New Democrat government is committed to boosting Canada’s international development assistance, with the goal of contributing 0.7 percent of our Gross National Income to international aid. Canada must do our fair share to help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, including alleviating poverty, ensuring decent work, protecting the rights of Indigenous communities and supporting global peace and justice. To improve global health, Canada should contribute more to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to end these epidemics and support heath care systems in developing countries. It’s time for a different approach. New Democrats believe that Canadian interests are best served by a strong and principled foreign policy based on human rights, multilateralism and the best interests of global peace and security. We will stand up to Donald Trump and defend everyday people and Canadian values on the international stage. Upholding the rights of women and girls will always be central to New Democrat foreign policy, and we will step up efforts to promote gender equality abroad with a strong international agenda to promote rights and security and access to education for women and girls, including ensuring that women have a seat at the peace table. We’ll also hold Canadian companies to a high standard of corporate social responsibility at home and abroad – and ensure they meet it. Under a New Democrat government, Canada will be a force for peace. We will support nuclear disarmament, recommit to peacekeeping, and make sure that Canadian-made weapons are not fuelling conflict and human rights abuses abroad. We’ll also work towards a just and lasting two-state solution between Israel and Palestine that respects human rights and international law. Canadians believe that we have an important role to play in helping the world’s most vulnerable. But under Justin Trudeau, Canadian international assistance spending has fallen to the lowest levels in 50 years15, even as we face a migration crisis and rising global poverty. In addition, as we work hard here at home to confront the climate crisis, Canada must also take a global leadership role in helping low-income countries deal with the impacts of climate change. Never again do we want Canadian leaders to stand in the way of international action on climate change. 15 Brown, Stephen. “Budget 2019: Peanuts for International Development,” Centre for International Policy Studies. March 22, 2019. Available online at: https://www.cips-cepi.ca/2019/03/22/budget-2019-peanuts-for-international-development/ A N E W D E A L F O R P E O P L E : N E W D E M O C R AT S ’ C O M M I T M E N T S T O Y O U 103 DEFENCE AT HOME AND ABROAD We will keep shipbuilding procurement on-time and on-budget, and ensure that the work is spread out fairly across the country. Fighter jet replacement will be based on a free and fair competition to make sure that we get the best fighters to meet Canada’s needs, at the best price. And when it comes to operations here at home, New Democrats oppose the privatization of services on Canadian Forces bases across the country. CANADA’S MILITARY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR three incredibly important roles – defending Canada, protecting Canadians at home, and contributing to a more stable, peaceful world through operations abroad. The Canadian Forces make our country proud because of the dedication of thousands of service members and veterans. And Canada’s military families make incredible sacrifices to enable their loved ones to serve our country. We thank and honour them for their continuing dedication, service, and sacrifice. Our vision is a military where Canadian Armed Forces members can work safely, get the support they need when they need it, and c ount on fair policies to govern their work. Unfortunately, after decades of Liberal and Conservative cuts and mismanagement, our military has been left with outdated equipment, inadequate support and an unclear strategic mandate. A New Democrat government will make mental health support for members and their families a priority. No member or veteran of the Canadian Forces should ever feel that they are all alone in dealing with the impact of their experiences or in transitioning to civilian life. They – and their families – need to know that their country and their government has their back, during their service and for the rest of their lives. We need to do better for Canadians in uniform and for the defense of our country. A New Democrat government will make sure that our troops have the equipment, training, and support they need to do the difficult and dangerous work we ask them to undertake. We will ensure that funding supports our national defence and international commitments, with a renewed priority of advancing multilateral peacekeeping initiatives around the world. We are also committed to putting an end to sexual harassment and assault in the military. We will also ensure that the recruitment and retention efforts of the Canadian Armed Forces reflects the diversity of Canada. Finally, we will reform the universality of service principle to make sure that ill and injured Canadian Armed Forces members are not unfairly pushed out of service. Here at home, New Democrats are committed to bringing our search and rescue response times up to international standards, and ensuring that our capabilities are sufficient to meet the needs of the North. T H E C O U R A G E T O D O W H AT ’ S R I G H T 104