2016 Liberal Policy Resolutions

Policy Resolution Handbook
2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

Winnipeg, Manitoba May 26th-29th
Table of Contents
Priority Resolutions ....................................................................................................................................... 2
P-01 Adjacency Principle ........................................................................................................................... 2
P-02 Infrastructure Spending Long Term Planning and Co-ordination..................................................... 3
P-03 Maritime Immigration ...................................................................................................................... 4
P-04 Constructing a Bridge on the eastside of NCR .................................................................................. 5
P-05 Poverty Reduction: Minimum Income .............................................................................................. 6
P-06 National Water Security Strategy ..................................................................................................... 7
P-07 A National Housing Strategy for Canadians ...................................................................................... 8
P-08 Palliative and Home Care.................................................................................................................. 9
P-09 Gender Parity on Corporate Boards ............................................................................................... 10
P-10 Affordable Housing ......................................................................................................................... 11
P-11 Northern Infrastructure .................................................................................................................. 12
P-12 Public Library Services in Aboriginal Communities......................................................................... 13
P-13 Protecting LGBTQ2+ Rights & Refugees ......................................................................................... 14
Workshop A: Economic Growth, Innovation, and Agriculture ................................................................... 15
A-01 Fisheries and Aquaculture Sustainability Plan................................................................................ 15
A-02 Marine Safety ................................................................................................................................. 16
A-03 Canadian Corporate Responsibility outside Canada ...................................................................... 17
A-04 Public Hearings on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) .............................................. 18
A-05 Pension Reform .............................................................................................................................. 19
A-06 Elimination of Interprovincial Trade and Non-Trade Barriers ........................................................ 20
A-07 Agriculture Rail Costing Review ...................................................................................................... 21
A-08 Farming Business Risk Management Programs.............................................................................. 22
A-09 National Farmland Ownership Investigation.................................................................................. 23
A-10 Restore Prairie Farming Programs.................................................................................................. 24
A-11 Special Committee on Grain Transportation .................................................................................. 25
A-12 Supporting New Farmers ................................................................................................................ 26
A-13 Rural Infrastructure Initiative ......................................................................................................... 27
A-14 Addressing the Wage Gap by Legislating Pay Equity...................................................................... 28
A-15 Small Business Creation for Female Entrepreneurs in First Nations, Mtis, and Inuit Rural Areas29

Workshop B: Indigenous Peoples and the North........................................................................................ 30
B-01 Measure to Improve the Situation of Indigenous People in Canada ............................................. 30
B-02 Canadas Indigenous Peoples ......................................................................................................... 31
B-03 First Nations Housing ..................................................................................................................... 32
B-04 First Nations "Partnerships" ........................................................................................................... 33
B-05 Policy Resolution on Development of the Ring of Fire (RoF) ......................................................... 34
B-06 Governor General Indigenous Inclusion ......................................................................................... 35
B-07 Indigenous Definition Equally Inclusive of First Nations, Inuit, and Mtis ..................................... 36
B-08 A Resolution for the Development of a First Nations Governance Law ......................................... 37
B-09 Immediate repeal needed to Bill C-51 ............................................................................................ 38
B-10 Acting on Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention............................................................................. 39
B-11 Policy on Official Languages ........................................................................................................... 40
B-12 Policy: NIHB First Nations and Inuit Health Equality ................................................................... 41
B-13 Social Policy for the North .............................................................................................................. 42
B-14 Energy Northern Initiatives.......................................................................................................... 43
Workshop C: Education, Justice and Democratic Reform .......................................................................... 44
C-01 Improving the Prevention, Reporting, and Prosecuting of Sexual Assault ..................................... 44
C-02 Restoration of Funding to Womens Advocacy Groups ................................................................. 45
C-03 Promoting a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence ........................................................................... 46
C-04 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) ................................................................................................ 47
C-05 Reducing the Voting Age ................................................................................................................ 48
C-06 Improving Access to Justice for all Canadians ................................................................................ 49
C-07 Canada and a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World................................................................................... 50
C-08 Condemning All Forms of Islamophobia......................................................................................... 51
C-09 Early Childhood Development Programs........................................................................................ 52
C-10 Visa-Free Business and Tourism Travel for Ukrainian Citizens ....................................................... 53
C-11 Improving Youth Participation in Democracy ................................................................................. 54
C-12 Expanding Access to Post-Secondary Education ............................................................................ 55
Workshop D: Environment, Energy ............................................................................................................ 56
D-01 Combating Climate Change and Establishing Environmental Rights ............................................. 56
D-02 Improving the Health of the Lake Winnipeg Watershed ............................................................... 57
D-03 A National Sustainable Clean Energy Strategy for Canada ............................................................ 58
ii

D-04 Developing a Coherent Arctic Strategy .......................................................................................... 59
D-05 Value Added Development of Canadas Resources ....................................................................... 60
D-06 Ship Source Oil Pollution Fund (SOPF) ........................................................................................... 61
D-07 Registry of Ship Wrecks .................................................................................................................. 62
D-08 Transition to a Global Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet ........................................................................ 63
D-09 Geothermal Subsidies .................................................................................................................... 64
D-10 Energy Transition Training.............................................................................................................. 65
D-11 Economic Infrastructure for Rural Communities ........................................................................... 66
D-12 Ocean Acidification and CO2 Emissions ......................................................................................... 67
D-13 Off-shoring of Taxable Income ....................................................................................................... 68
D-14 Climate Change .............................................................................................................................. 69
Workshop E: Health .................................................................................................................................... 70
E-01 Health Care Strategy ....................................................................................................................... 70
E-02 Addressing the Poverty Gap ........................................................................................................... 71
E-03 Homelessness ................................................................................................................................. 72
E-04 Medicare Coverage for the Treatment of Autism .......................................................................... 73
E-05 National Framework for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Health ........................................... 74
E-06 Expanding Access to Health Services .............................................................................................. 75
E-07 Mandatory Labelling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and Foods ................................. 76
E-08 Sugar as a Public Health Concern ................................................................................................... 77
E-09 Pharmacare - To Serve the Public and Save Billions of Dollars for Governments .......................... 78
E-10 Universal Pharmacare ..................................................................................................................... 79
E-11 Long-Term Care Policy .................................................................................................................... 80
E-12 Drugs and Addiction as a Healthcare Issue..................................................................................... 81
E-13 Reaffirming Womens Right to Reproductive Health Services ....................................................... 82
E-14 Environmental Impacts on Human Health ..................................................................................... 83
iii

Priority Resolutions
P-01 Adjacency Principle
Whereas coastal communities in Canadian provinces and territories have an intrinsic social and
economic link to adjacent resources;
Whereas historic attachment and dependence on resources in Canadian coastal communities have
welded a cultural mosaic into the fabric of the people who live there;
Whereas options required for economic survival and sustainability of coast communities in
Canada are primarily limited to adjacent resources;
Whereas fish management policies of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans have ignored the
traditional principle of adjacency and have created a disproportion allocation of fishery resources
in adjacent coastal areas to non-residents, large offshore fishing fleets and foreign interests; and
Whereas the absence of application of the adjacency principle in the allocation of resources have
created far-reaching social economic consequence in rural coastal communities;
Be it resolved, the Liberal government of Canada establish a Declaration of Adjacency, which
shall be defined as the fundamental right of those living in Canada to have the first right of
benefit from those resources that are in adjacent proximity to their communities and regions;
Be it further resolved, the Declaration of Adjacency shall be the defining principle that forms
the basis of managing the allocation of resources in the coastal areas and regions of Canadian
provinces and territories; and
Be it also resolved, current allocations and practices are reviewed against the Declaration of
Adjacency and appropriate adjustments made in instances where there is an absence of an
application of the adjacency principle.
(250 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador)

P-02 Infrastructure Spending Long Term Planning and Co-ordination

Whereas the Federal government has designated $11.9 billion over the next two years and $125
billion over the next ten years for new and renewed infrastructure;
Whereas the Provincial Governments of Ontario and Quebec have recognized the importance of
engaging in long term strategic planning for infrastructure and have passed legislation to
facilitate such embedded scheduling;
Whereas the Province of Ontario has included in its Jobs and Prosperity Act Community
Benefit Agreements which will require contractors on large scale projects to develop
recruitment initiatives for local construction and trade workers including veterans, aboriginals,
women, youth and newcomers to Canada;
Whereas Province of Ontario in passing Bill 91 has budgeted for $130 billion over 10 years
including $31.5 billion for roads, bridges and transit as well as emergency and priority
infrastructure;
Whereas the Province of Quebec has committed to $88.4 billion for infrastructure projects
between 2015 and 2025 under the Quebec Infrastructure Plan;
Whereas the Province of Quebec has mandated Annual Management Plans for Public
Infrastructure Investments;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada ask that the government Federal government
show leadership in encouraging all provinces and territories to legislate long term plans for
scheduling infrastructure projects in a coordinated fashion with the Federal budgeting process so
that long term infrastructure needs in all provinces and territories can be met and planning for,
with regard to cost sharing purposes.
(223 Words) Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island

P-03 Maritime Immigration

Whereas the Nova Scotia population is dwindling, and, as the Ivany Report indicates, one
pathway to progress is through immigration; whereas there is a federal cap on the numbers
permitted for immigration to Nova Scotia:
Be it resolved that the federal government remove the cap, encourage immigration to Nova
Scotia and the Maritimes, especially in rural areas, and use temporary foreign workers as a
pathway to permanent citizenship in order to help sustain the region and stimulate growth.
(79 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Nova Scotia)

P-04 Constructing a Bridge on the eastside of NCR

Whereas the necessity of an interprovincial link on the Eastside of the National Capital Region is
recognized since 1950;
Whereas the most recent Interprovincial Bridge Crossing Study1 financially supported by the
Federal, Ontario, and Quebec government, in conjunction with the city of Ottawa and Gatineau,
has identified the urgent need of a new interprovincial link;
Whereas if a new bridge is not constructed, the number of heavy vehicles that crossing the city of
Ottawa and the traffic on the Highway 50 will continue to increase, with negative impact on the
regional economy and the well-being of its population;
Whereas it is possible to establish measures that will reduce the concerns of the residents
regarding the noise and the security around the new bridge proposed;
Whereas the propositions of the report are based on a rigorous process that includes public
hearings.
Be it resolved that the construction of a bridge on the eastside of the National Capital Region be
prioritized and that the amount of money necessary for its construction are allocated by the
Government in order to develop a final plan for the construction with the collaboration of the
provincial and municipal governments.
(208 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Qubec)
(Roche-NCE, Background , valuation environnementale des liaisons interprovinciales,

2009-2013),
1

P-05 Poverty Reduction: Minimum Income

Be it resolved:
That the Liberal Party of Canada, in consultation with the provinces, develop a poverty reduction
strategy aimed at providing a minimum guaranteed income.
Rationale:
The ever growing gap between the wealthy and the poor in Canada will lead to social unrest,
increased crime rates and violence. Research indicates that a guaranteed basic income can
reduce this gap, and create social security while being cost neutral. Savings in health, justice,
education and social welfare as well as the building of self-reliant, taxpaying citizens more than
offset the investment. Mincome was an experimental basic income project that occurred in
Dauphin, Manitoba during the 1970s. The project, funded jointly by the Manitoba provincial
government and the Canadian federal government, began with a news release on February 22,
1974, and was closed down in 1979. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether a
guaranteed, unconditional annual income caused disincentive to work for the recipients, and how
great such a disincentive would be.
A final report was never issued, but Dr. Evelyn Forget conducted an analysis of the program in
2009 which was published in 2011. Forget found that in the period that mincome was
administered, hospital visits dropped 8.5%, with fewer incidents of work-related injuries, and
fewer emergency room visits from car accidents and domestic abuse. Additionally, the period
saw a reduction in rates of psychiatric hospitalization, and in the number of mental illness-related
consultations with health professionals.
(239 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba)
http://leadersandlegacies.com/2015/05/01/goodbye-welfare-hello-basic-income/
web25.uottawa.ca/academic/health/ipph/EvelynForget_phiric.pdf

P-06 National Water Security Strategy

Whereas water is a fundamental requirement for life, liberty and the security of the individual;
whereas
Whereas numerous Canadian communities have, or continue to have water shortages and water
quality challenges;
Whereas water security faces increasing risk due to climate change;
Whereas commercial water rights and permits are being sold for much less than fair value to
Canadians;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada update and implement the 1987 Federal Canada
Water Policy, with additional attention to:
Access to safe drinking water as a human right,
Establishing priorities for the use of water and regulations for the sale of water,
Mapping, developing and protecting the inventory of Canadian water resources,
Regulating industrial and commercial waste water emissions to the highest standards.
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada consult with all the provinces, territories,
First Nations, Metis, Inuit, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and all other relevant
stakeholders to develop a comprehensive national water policy.
(166 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Saskatchewan)

Co-sponsor: Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba)

P-07 A National Housing Strategy for Canadians

Whereas federal leadership is required to address a comprehensive and nationwide housing
strategy;
Whereas Canada is the only G8 country not to have a National Housing Strategy;
Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada along with housing advocates and numerous organizations
across Canada have long requested action on this issue;
Whereas the social and economic costs of not having safe, adequate, and affordable housing have
been well documented;
Whereas affordable housing was an important part of the 2015 Liberal election platform
(Fairness for the Middle Class) and there is a clear need for a National Housing Strategy to solve
the shortages of subsidized, affordable, and emergency housing.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the federal government to prioritize the
development of a comprehensive National Housing Strategy;
Be it further resolved that the cost of developing a National Housing Strategy be covered by the
promised social infrastructure funding.
(156 Words) Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario)

P-08 Palliative and Home Care

Whereas thousands of Canadians suffer unnecessarily each year because they have no access to
palliative care, which unduly increases the use of emergency healthcare2;
Whereas palliative care improves the quality of life of patients and families;
Whereas publicly funded and administered health care is increasingly under pressure to cut
services3;
Whereas delivery of long-term care, home care, mental health services and comprehensive
pharmaceutical and wellness programs is neither universal nor consistent in its quality and
support across Canada, with only 15% having access to quality palliative care4;
Whereas national Pharmacare, the sale of marijuana, and less demand for acute care will result in
savings that can be redirected to home and palliative care;
Be it resolved that the Federal Liberal Government craft new, fully cost accounted legislation to
implement, in cooperation with the Provinces and Territories, national programs in home and
palliative care that are universal and accountable and complementary to the Canada Health Act 5;
Be it further resolved that the Federal Liberal Government establish, implement and enforce
measurable Standards of Quality Care though legislation to ensure compliance;
Be it further resolved that such standards include integration of palliative care across all sectors
of the health care continuum not just at end of the patient care; and
Be it further resolved that the Federal Liberal Government make innovation in healthcare
delivery a priority, with consideration given to the successful Canadian cooperatives model and
to the most successful European nations6.
(248 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Alberta)
Church, E. (2016). Canadians lack proper access to palliative care, study finds. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail. com/news/national/canadians-lack-properaccess-to-palliative-care-study-finds/article28122378/ ; Blackwell, T. (2015). Last month of life costs healthcare system $14k on average: report. The National Post. Retrieved from
http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/last-month-of-life-costs-health-care- system-14k-on-average-report
3
Stunden Bower, S. and Campanella, D. (2013). From Bad to Worse: Residential elder care in Alberta. Parkland Institute. Retrieved
http://www.parklandinstitute.ca/from_bad_to_worse_residential_elder_care_in_alberta
4
See note 1; Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association Inc. (2012). CLHIA Report On Long-Term Care Policy: Improving The Accessibility, Quality And Sustainability Of Long-Term Care In
Canada Retrieved from https://www.clhia.ca/domino/html/clhia/CLHIA_LP4W_LND_Webstation.nsf/ resources/Content_PDFs/$file/LTC_Policy_Paper.pdf
5
Parliamentary Committee on Palliative and Compassionate Care. (2011). Not to be Forgotten: Care of Vulnerable Canadians. Retrieved from http://pcpcc-cpspsc.com/wpcontent/uploads/2011/11/ReportEN.pdf
6
Baxter, R. et al. (2014). How is the positive deviance approach applied within healthcare organizations: A systematic review of methods used. BMC Health Services Research. 14 (Supp 2), 7.
Retrieved from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6963/14/S2/P7; Girard, J. (2014). Better health and social care: How are co-ops and mutual boosting innovation and access worldwide:
An international survey of co-ops and mutual at work in the health and social care sector. Montreal: LPS Productions. Retrieved from http://www.icaap.coop/sites/all/themes/ica_theme/ica_images/International-survey-co_op- and-mutual-Health-and-social-care-CMHSC-14.pdf; Canadian Co-operative Association. (2011). Co-operatives:
Building blocks for an innovative economy. Retrieved from http://www.coopscanada.coop/assets/firefly/files/files/CDI_Renewal_Proposal_FINAL_EN.pdf

P-09 Gender Parity on Corporate Boards

Whereas women comprised 47.3% of the paid labour force in Canada but only 20.8% of board
directors of companies on the Canadian Stock Index in 2014, so that Canada ranks 15th among
major industrialized countries for women on boards, a decline from ninth in 2011 and sixth in
2009;
Whereas many industrialized countries have made significant progress by enacting gender
representation laws with minimums set at 40%, a figure adopted in 2012 by the European
Commission and subsequently by the European Parliament;
Whereas there is a positive correlation across most industries between the percentage of women
corporate officers and a companys financial performance, and there are other advantages such as
greater breadth of perspective and more innovation, which benefits customers, employees, and
shareholders;
Whereas in 2009, Quebec amended the Act Respecting the Governance of State-owned
Enterprises to require provincial Crown corporations to have equal numbers of men and women
on their boards and to reflect the diversity of Quebec by 2011;
Whereas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been praised around the world for appointing a
diverse, gender-balanced Cabinet; and
Whereas in December 2015, Senator Cline Hervieux-Payette introduced Bill S-207 to address
balanced representation on certain boards;
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to enact
and implement Bill S-207, An Act to modernize the composition of the boards of directors of
certain corporations, financial institutions and parent Crown corporations, and in particular to
ensure the balanced representation of women and men on those boards.
(256 Words) National Womens Liberal Commission
10

P-10 Affordable Housing

Whereas the objective of housing policy should be to encourage availability of affordable housing for
Canadians and affordable housing is increasingly difficult to find - especially in large cities such as
Vancouver and Toronto;
Whereas current housing patterns give rise to legitimate concerns about urban sprawl, greenhouse gas
emissions, and inefficient land use;
Whereas some observers have raised questions about the influence of trading, speculation, or
purchases by offshore buyers on land values and little reliable data is available to answer questions of
this nature for real estate markets in Canada;
Whereas the government of Canada could consider a wide range of measures to encourage availability
of affordable housing;
Be it resolved the Liberal Party of Canada make it a priority to have the federal government work
urgently with provincial and municipal governments to encourage housing affordability, especially in
major cities, by making use of appropriate policy levers available to the federal government;
Be it resolved the Liberal Party of Canada urge the federal government to consider measures to:
develop better data on the operation of the housing markets, including on the impact of foreign
investment
increase supply of affordable housing, including rental, by providing financial support or other
incentives, or by creating dis-incentives to leaving housing units vacant
close loopholes in the existing tax regime as it pertains to housing transactions, and to
strengthen compliance with tax provisions
improve energy efficiency in newly built housing
Be it further resolved that a national housing action plan be developed as a matter of urgency that
will produce affordable safe housing for Canadians at all income levels and implement the
initiatives identified in the 2015 LPC platform.
(277 Words) Liberal Party of Canada (British Columbia)
11

P-11 Northern Infrastructure

Whereas Investments in infrastructure is critical to the advancement of northern economies;
Whereas the north is a significant contributor to the future of Canada both nationally and on the
international stage (sovereignty);
Whereas there are unique engineering challenges faced in the north due to climate change,
permafrost and cold conditions.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada will recommend to the government that through
government to government relationships, will be a strong partner assisting the territorial and
municipal governments established in Yukon and Yukon First Nations governments in the
development of appropriate infrastructures trough significant financial contributions especially in
the following areas: housing, 2nd fiber optic cable, road and airport development and upgrades,
and energy infrastructure.
(112 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Yukon)
12

P-12 Public Library Services in Aboriginal Communities

Whereas every Canadian deserves access to a local public library.
Whereas an estimated 85% of Canadian First Nations communities do not have a local public
library.
Whereas most Canadians know that a strong public library provides an opportunity to improve
ongoing learning skills, literacy skills and social skills.
Whereas most First Nations are dependent on Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada for
program funding, and whereas Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada has zero programs to
support public libraries
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada supports the establishment of public library
services in Aboriginal communities.
(102 words) Aboriginal Peoples Commission of Canada
13

P-13 Protecting LGBTQ2+ Rights & Refugees

Whereas LGBTQ2+ refugees fleeing persecution still face a complex array of challenges and
threats at all stages of displacement, including discrimination, prejudice, violence, difficulty
accessing humanitarian services, and barriers to articulating their protection needs during asylum
procedures and other interactions with protection and humanitarian workers;
Whereas the Government of Canada has honored international agreements on LGBTQ2+ rights
and refugees, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International
Convention Civil and Political Rights, and the United Nations Convention for Refugees;
Whereas the Minister of Foreign Affairs may authorize export permits for items included on
Canadas Export Control List, including military-grade equipment, unless the exports intended
use is to commit human rights violations, as per Global Affairs Canada Export Controls;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to appoint a Minister
of LGBTQ2+ Equity, and establishes a Department LGBTQ2+ Equity Canada, and to
proactively provide refuge to LGBTQ2+ refugees fleeing potential persecution because of their
sexual orientation or gender identity.
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to work with
the United Nations, and national governments to advocate for the establishment of a United
Nations Envoy on LGBTQ2+ Rights.
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada will encourage the Minister of Foreign
Affairs to exercise their responsibility in denying export permits for states determined and
identified by the United Nations to have threaten the safety or security of human life because of
their sexual orientation or gender identity.
(250 Words) Young Liberals of Canada
14

Workshop A: Economic Growth, Innovation, and Agriculture

A-01 Fisheries and Aquaculture Sustainability Plan
Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada has committed to investing in creating Cleaner and
sustainable jobs in all of Canadas natural resource sectors including fisheries and aquaculture;
Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada has committed to addressing climate change and its impact
on Canadas environment;
Whereas 80,000 Canadians make their living directly from fishing and fishing related activities;
Whereas Canada exported $4.9 billion in seafood as of 2014 with lobster remaining the top
species in terms of value with 2014 exports of $1.52 billion and keeping in mind that we export
more than 80% of our caught fish and seafood;
Whereas according to a University of British Columbia study released in January, 2016 the
worlds fishing industries have taken a 50 per cent larger catch from the ocean ecosystem than
previous numbers suggest;
Whereas the European Union recently invested in a research project coordinated by Norways
Arctic University to identify and address challenges and opportunities for fisheries and
aquaculture management plans to exploit new opportunities, and implement measures to reduce
negative measures to reduce the negative effects of climate change;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada commit to establish research centre(s) of
excellence focused on climate change in relation to fisheries, reversing fish species collapses and
evaluating the sustainability of aquaculture and additionally recommit the $40 million that the
previous government cut from the federal ocean science and monitoring programs.
(234 Words) Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island
15

A-02 Marine Safety

Whereas the waters in and around the Cabot Strait, the Northumberland Strati, the Gulf of St.
Lawrence, and all areas near the Atlantic Coast are vulnerable to mishaps involving marine
vessel traffic, whereas these waterways are challenging ones through which to navigate, in order
to deal with disasters like that of the MV Miner:
Be it resolved that the federal government increase and make stricter regulations to hold
navigators more accountable and monies more available from the ship owners through such
structures as bonds and/or sureties to protect the Atlantic Provinces from environmental damage
and the associated costs of clean-up and remediation.
16

A-03 Canadian Corporate Responsibility outside Canada

Whereas Canadian companies have been implicated in human rights violations and
environmentally destructive practices in other countries, in contravention of several of both the
business principles of the UN Global Compact, and the Sustainability Goals of the 2030 Agenda
for Sustainable Development);
Whereas notwithstanding these practices, Canadian companies operating outside Canada receive
support from the Government of Canada in many ways, such as:
Financing through Export Development Canada loans and guarantees;
Indirect insurance through Canadas status as a member of the Multilateral Investment
Guarantee Agency;
Diplomatic and/or financial support through embassies, including intervention in legal
cases;
Technical and financial support of efforts to weaken mining codes in foreign countries
(e.g. Columbia), diminishing their existing environmental and social safeguards;
Government support of provisions in regional trade agreements that undermine
legislation protecting the environment and public well-being;
Privileged, non-transparent, access during the negotiations of regional trade agreements
such as the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic
and Trade Agreement (CETA);
Inclusion in Canadian trade missions;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the government of Canada to enact
legislation requiring Canadian companies that receive any form of support from the Government
of Canada;
to meet the same human rights, labour and environmental standards in their operations outside
Canada as they are required to meet within Canada, and
to comply with the ten business principles of the UN Global Compact, and the 17 Sustainability
Goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
17

A-04 Public Hearings on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP)

Whereas the Trans Pacific Partnership [trade] Agreement (TPP), signed but not yet ratified by
Canada, sets binding rules for regulating commerce between its 12 member countries in the 21st
century;
Whereas concerns about the TPP publicly expressed in Canada include the following:
climate change is not mentioned in the TPPs more than 6000 pages, and its provisions
may restrict what the federal and provincial governments can do to meet Canadas
international obligations to reduce carbon emissions;
enforcement of the TPPs environmental and labour chapters would be virtually
impossible;
a Canada US side deal on eventual mutual standards for dairy products will lead to
bovine growth hormone in our milk, which is banned in the EU, and has never been
allowed in Canada;
the previous government offered compensation packages to the auto and dairy sectors for
the losses they are expected to suffer;
new patent rules will lock in exorbitant prescription drug prices in Canada, and make lifesaving medicine unaffordable in other TPP countries;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the government of Canada, working with the
provinces and territories, to undertake a pan-Canadian consultation on the Trans Pacific
Partnership Agreement (TPP) by conducting public hearings across the country before
parliamentary consideration of its ratification.
18

A-05 Pension Reform

Whereas many Canadians save for their retirement through pension plans offered by their
employers and the employer contribution to the company pension plan represents deferred
earnings for the employee, constituting employee savings;
Whereas this participation is a condition of employment so not voluntary;
Whereas the contributions including both employee earnings and deferred earnings are currently
not protected by law and may not be available to provide retirement income;
Whereas other savings by Canadians are protected by law through the Canadian Deposit Insurance
Corporation, a Crown Corporation, for up to $100,000 at each financial institution;
Whereas if a company becomes insolvent while its pension plan is not fully funded, the pensioners
are not treated as secured creditors.
Be it resolved that the Federal Government establish a system to ensure that the contributions to
employer pension plans are fully insured, and that any employer that offers a company pension
plan based on employee/employer contributions must meet federal standards for the management
of such pension plans while maintaining the separation of those funds from any other corporate
obligations.
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to amend
the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act so that the companys obligations to the pensioners are
treated as a secured creditor under the Act.
(214 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario)
19

A-06 Elimination of Interprovincial Trade and Non-Trade Barriers

Whereas an open, free, single domestic market in goods, services and labour is important for the
health of the Canadian economy, particularly in times of weak export markets;
Whereas the free flow of goods, services and labour can strengthen Canada's economy, unity and
equality of opportunity for all Canadians.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada launch national negotiations, with the provinces
and territories, to eliminate all interprovincial trade barriers or impediments to the free flow of
goods, services and labour in Canada, and to maximize mobility of labour across the entire
country, including the fullest portability, compatibility and common standards of all government
benefits and other programs, in the interest of equal opportunity for all Canadians.
20

A-07 Agriculture Rail Costing Review

Whereas the last rail costing review was completed in 1992;
Whereas there have been numerous cost-saving changes to the grain transportation system since;
Whereas farmers are paying for competition between inland terminals and use of producer cars;
Be it resolved that the federal government initiate a full railway costing review, while keeping in
place the maximum revenue entitlement provision (popularly known as the Revenue Cap).
21

A-08 Farming Business Risk Management Programs

Whereas under the previous government the Business Risk Management under Growing
Forward 2 was decimated;
Whereas given the enormous input costs facing farmers, the risks taken in todays farming
environment are extreme;
Be it resolved that the federal government initiate with the provinces, and in consultation with
producers, the process to improve the farm Business Risk Management programs devastated
under the Conservatives.
22

A-09 National Farmland Ownership Investigation

Whereas no comprehensive tracking of foreign ownership of farmland is currently undertaken;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada undertake a national investigation commission
into foreign farmland ownership and;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada consult with the provinces to implement a
national strategy based on the outcome of the aforementioned investigation.
23

A-10 Restore Prairie Farming Programs

Whereas the Prairie Shelterbelt Program provided crucial support for carbon sequestration,
biodiversity, soil and water conservation and preservation of wildlife habitat;
Whereas the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration included initiatives to deal with erosion,
water access, irrigation and grass management through the Community Pastures Program;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada restore the Prairie Shelterbelt Program and;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada restore the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation
Administration and Community Pastures Program.
24

A-11 Special Committee on Grain Transportation

Whereas railways have failed to provide the shipping capacity required to transport grain
products to port;
Whereas many grain farmers have had difficulties selling their products;
Whereas grain processors have previously cut back operations due to a lack of raw product;
Whereas importers of Canadian grain are turning to alternative suppliers;
Be it resolved that we support the establishment of a committee on grain transportation
comprised of representatives of farmers, grain processors, rail companies, and trucking
companies.
25

A-12 Supporting New Farmers

Whereas the number of farms with revenues in excess of $1 million dollars increased 36 percent
between 2006 and 2012;
Whereas these farms constituted 49 percent of Canadas food production;
Whereas these farms are almost all family owned;
Whereas the average age of farmers in Canada increased from 47.5 to 54 between 1991 and
2011;
Whereas the percentage of farmers under 40 has declined from 25 percent of operators to 10
percent of operators;
Whereas the average price per acre of farm land and buildings was $1,526 in 2010;
Be it resolved that we propose that the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act program increase the
loan amount for the purchase of land from $500,000 to $750,000 for first time farmland
purchasers;
Be it further resolved that the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act expand the list of eligible loan
purposes to include employee costs.
26

A-13 Rural Infrastructure Initiative

Whereas the infrastructure needs of rural Canada are significant;
Whereas the cost to upgrade rural infrastructure should be shared by federal, provincial and
municipal governments;
Be it resolved that the federal government ensure that rural Canada be included in the
infrastructure development plans by devoting a portion of funding specifically to rural roads and
communities.
27

A-14 Addressing the Wage Gap by Legislating Pay Equity

Whereas Canadian women working full-time earn $0.82 to every $1 earned by men, a gap of
18%, a figure which shows only minor improvement since 1977 (from 77.2% to 82.4%) and
which is double the global average;
Whereas Canada currently ranks 28th out of 34 OECD countries with respect to the gender pay
gap, and our international ranking has been declining;
Whereas a federal Pay Equity Task Force set up by a previous Liberal government issued a
report in 2004 calling for new legislation;
Whereas in 2005 a report by the Standing Committee on the Status of Women, chaired by
Liberal MP Anita Neville, Moving Forward on the Pay Equity Task Force Recommendations,
further recommended that the Government draft pay equity legislation to implement the
recommendations of the Pay Equity Task Force Report;
Whereas making meaningful progress on reducing the wage gap between men and women across
Canada is a priority for the Government of Canada, as stated in the Mandate Letter of the Hon.
Patty Hajdu; and
Whereas Minister Hajdu, speaking to that Standing Committee in 2016, said: [O]ur government
is strongly supportive of the principle of pay equity and indicated the Governments willingness
to move from vision to action;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada request the Government of Canada, working
collaboratively with its provincial and territorial counterparts, and with advice from the special
committee recently struck to examine the wage gap, develop and implement new, proactive, pay
equity legislation.
(245 Words) National womens Liberal Commission
Co-sponsored by the National Seniors Liberal Commission
28

A-15 Small Business Creation for Female Entrepreneurs in First Nations, Mtis, and Inuit
Rural Areas
Whereas self-employment among Aboriginal women is just over half that of Aboriginal men
(37% and 63% respectively);1
Whereas a minimum of post-secondary education and full-time employment create self-reliance
and help to reduce poverty and economic dependency;2
Whereas the Aboriginal Business Development Program Survey reports only 31% of funding
available through Aboriginal Business Canada (managed by INA Canada) was extended to
Aboriginal women business owners;3
Whereas the Mandate Letter of the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs requires the
promotion of economic development and job creation for Indigenous Peoples;4
Whereas an environment can be created for women entrepreneurs to learn from one another and
their male peers, to develop sustainable businesses and build mentorship partnerships;5
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada ask the Government of Canada to create a
competitive Womens Small Business Opportunities Fund that will (i) focus on providing seed
money to Indigenous women entrepreneurs for small business proposals that incorporate
professional business plans and each project full-time, sustainable employment for a minimum of
five employees, and (ii) where the committee of judges will include local Economic
Development Corporations and representatives from bands currently demonstrating economic
development success.
Co-sponsored by the National Seniors Liberal Commission
29

Workshop B: Indigenous Peoples and the North

B-01 Measure to Improve the Situation of Indigenous People in Canada
Whereas it is the responsibility of every Canadian to work towards reconciliation;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada:
push for equitable funding for improving the welfare of Indigenous children in Canada;
that the government look towards working with local care providers when delivering health and
welfare services to Indigenous peoples;
that the welfare services seek to give special consideration to:
Prioritizing the removal of parents rather than children from living arrangements,
Placing Indigenous children with other Indigenous households,
Place families in foster care together, rather than separate siblings,
Maintaining contact with the communities of foster children,
Implementing and utilizing culturally appropriate and sensitive measures when parenting in foster
homes;
that the Liberal Party of Canada champion efforts to repeal the spanking law (Criminal Code of
Canada, section 43);
that the Jordans Principle be implemented;
that any discussion regarding constitutional amendments include Indigenous voices from across
the country, and from a variety of nations, not merely as suggestion but as official policy;
that the federal government work with the Premiers to implement a national strategy to increase
Indigenous content and presence in grade school curriculums;
that all Liberal Party Member of Parliaments, candidates and nominees for candidacy receive
training and consultation with the APC regarding Indigenous policy, history, and culture before
receiving the official party Green Light.
Co-Sponsored by the Aboriginal Peoples Commission
30

B-02 Canadas Indigenous Peoples

Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada, in meaningful consultation with the Indigenous
Peoples of Canada, would:
1. Restore and expand the nation-to-nation relationship (including treaties and selfgovernment) between the federal government and Indigenous Peoples.
2. Enact the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission,
commencing with the:
a. implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples,
b. implementation of recommendations 1 through 5 on Child Welfare, and
c. Immediate launching of a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous
women and girls.
3. Develop and implement legislation, programs, and appropriate funding mechanisms
(commencing with education, health, natural resources and infrastructure) that encourage
and support the advancement of sustainable First Nations communities.
4. Develop a national strategy to deal with First Nations land claims and the duty to
consult within a reasonable timeframe.
5. Ensure meaningful First Nations participation in natural resource projects carried out on
First Nations territorial lands.
6. Educate Canadians on the historical and cultural setting of Canadas Indigenous People.
Rationale:
In a July 7th 2015 speech to the General assembly of AFN, Justin Trudeau stated that Canadians
recognize the urgent need for a renewed nation-to-nation relationship between the federal
government and Indigenous Peoples one built on respect, rights and a commitment to end the
status quo. He further stated, A Liberal government will recognize Aboriginal governments as
full partners in the federation, and will work with Indigenous Peoples to create fairness and
equality of opportunity in Canada.
www.trc.ca/websites/trcinstitution/index.php?p=890
31

B-03 First Nations Housing

Work with design and construction experts and First Nations Communities to design and build
housing suitable for use in First Nations communities.
Rationale:
First Nations must be involved in the development of housing for their communities based on
historic and current cultural needs. Residents must have a vested interest in owning and
maintaining the property, receive training in how to use resources appropriately, and receive
training in how to build and maintain the homes. Structures must be developed, situated and
maintained to be sustainable in reoccurring and extreme climate conditions.
32

B-04 First Nations "Partnerships"

Whereas first Nations have faced serious impacts on their quality of life and ability to determine
their own futures as a consequence of European in-migration to the territory and social impacts
from programs such as residential schools;
Whereas many First Nations have reached governance parity with the territorial government
thanks to the Final Agreements and Self-Government Agreements;
Whereas there remains a culture of intergovernmental relations that still does not respect what
First Nations have achieved and the spirit and intent of the Treaties and Self-Governing
Agreements;
Whereas "consultation" has been defined from a "western" perspective, not from the FN world
view;
Whereas implementation processes has been particularly problematic and lack of resources ($s
and expertise) have impaired First Nations in achieving their Self-Government goals.
Be it resolved that Canada will implement a true "government to government" relationship
through dialogue with First Nations and the community by leading a renewed national dialogue
with all provinces and territories on this critical national partnership.
33

B-05 Policy Resolution on Development of the Ring of Fire (RoF)

Whereas the RoF is a vast area of traditional lands and treaty territories of First Nations in
Northern Ontario;
Whereas the RoF is rich in deposits of chromites, nickel and precious metals;
Whereas mining companies are committed to working in partnership with First Nations to pursue
responsible, sustainable exploration and development;
Whereas the Federal and Provincial governments have responsibilities in ensuring equitable
wealth distribution, protecting the environment and defending indigenous and treaty rights;
Whereas the RoF provides opportunities for value added industrial and manufacturing
development throughout Ontario and across Canada.
Be it resolved that the Federal Liberal party acknowledges First Nations traditional land uses as
an opportunity for them to share in the exploration, planning, development and ownership of
RoF projects;
Be it further resolved that successful development of the RoF requires cooperative leadership by
a federal team working with First Nations, provincial government and mining industry;
Be it further resolved that social license requires environmental studies, assessments and
planning on a broad regional basis, in consultation with and in support of First Nations, including
downstream communities;
Be it further resolved that provincial and federal infrastructure funds are required for
transportation, communication and sustainable energy, to be delivered in planned development
phases;
Be it further resolved that funds and support towards education, housing, health services, potable
water and social programs will prepare the skilled, secure workforce required for development of
the RoF, tourism and other industries.
34

B-06 Governor General Indigenous Inclusion

Whereas it is acknowledged the appointment of the role of Governor General is appointed by the
Prime Minister
Whereas it has also been traditional to rotate the Governor General appointment between
Anglophone and Francophone
Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada has agreed to implement the United Nations Declaration of
Rights of Indigenous Peoples including rights to governance
Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada has agreed to implement the Truth and Reconciliation
Commissions calls to action
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada will rotate the appointment of the role of the
Governor General between Anglophone, Francophone and Indigenous.
35

B-07 Indigenous Definition Equally Inclusive of First Nations, Inuit, and Mtis
Whereas the Government of Canada has a long history of excluding the Mtis people from being
fully recognized and included as one of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada.
Whereas the Mtis people advocated, at length, to ensure their inclusion in the Constitution of
Canada under Section 35(2), which reads, In this Act, aboriginal peoples of Canada includes
the Indian, Inuit and Mtis peoples of Canada.
Whereas many Mtis people are concerned that any changes in language when referring to the
Aboriginal peoples of Canada, no matter how well intentioned, may subsequently be used to
once again exclude the Mtis from full inclusion as an Aboriginal people.
Be it resolved that any reference to Indigenous, Indigenous people, or any other such
language employed by the Government of Canada, or the Liberal Party of Canada, to replace or
update the term Aboriginal, or any such subsequent term, shall retain the meaning and intent of
the definition, as stated in Section 35(2) of the Canadian Constitution, to equally include all the
Indian (First Nations), Inuit, and Mtis peoples of Canada.
36

B-08 A Resolution for the Development of a First Nations Governance Law

Whereas the current Indian Act is silent on Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics for elected
First Nations Chiefs and Councils as defined in the Indian Act.
Whereas the current Indian Act and the First Nations Finance Transparency Act is weak in
addressing accountability of elected First Nations Chiefs and Councils to their membership.
Whereas the current process of addressing the governance issues on the conduct of First Nations
Chiefs and Councils is a very costly and timely burden to First Nations as well as to the
Government of Canada.
Whereas on matters relating to the breach of Conflict of Interest and Code of Ethics membership
are uninformed on each occurrence.
Whereas First Nations Chiefs and Councils are void of holding Annual General Meeting of
membership to present the Financial Audited Statements and an Annual Program Report.
Whereas the feeling of helplessness among First Nations members compounds the social
problems in First Nations communities.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada acknowledges the reaching out for help from First
Nations members.
Be it further resolved the Liberal Party of Canada will convene a study within its first term as
government that includes Indigenous organizations and members from communities on the
development of a new Governance Law for First Nations.
37

B-09 Immediate repeal needed to Bill C-51

Whereas the United Nations Human Rights Committee reviewed Canadas adherence to the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights found that sweeping powers contained in the
new anti-terror bill, C51, may not contain enough legal safeguards to protect peoples rights.
Whereas the United Nations Human Rights Committee explained Canada should refrain from
adopting legislation that imposes undue restrictions on the exercise of rights under the Covenant.
Whereas the United Nations Human Rights Committee explained the Canadian government
should ensure legislation complies, impose better safeguards so information-sharing doesnt lead
to human rights abuses and put in place oversight mechanisms for security and intelligence
agencies, including the 5 Eyes Alliance.
Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada has agreed to implement the United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous peoples.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada will immediately repeal C51 to safeguard all
peoples rights.
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada will repeal any data mining in the 5 Eyes
Alliance that is not in compliance with the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous
peoples.
38

B-10 Acting on Indigenous Youth Suicide Prevention

Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada has previously committed, through policy resolutions, to
pursuing proper and adequate mental health care strategies;
Whereas Canadas Minister of Health, Jane Philpott, and the Provincial Health Ministers have
agreed to the need to tackle mental health issues, funding, and access, AND WHEREAS mental
health issues impact 20% of Canadians during their lifetime,
Whereas suicide is the major cause of death amongst Canadians aged 15-24 and is typically
interconnected with mental health issues
Whereas Health Canada research highlights that suicide rates amongst First Nations youth is 5-7
times, and Inuit youth is 11 times, the national average, compared to that of non-Indigenous
youth,
Whereas the community of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, like many other Indigenous communities,
have declared a state of emergency; with Pimicikamak Cree Nation dealing with six suicides in
the last two months and over 140 attempts in the last two weeks alone,
Whereas the situations facing Indigenous youth are not only mental health related, but also
reflective of Canadas colonial history and dismantling of Indigenous cultures, languages, and
way of life,
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada work with Indigenous communities,
organizations, and nations on ways to begin healing, reconciling, as well as implementing mental
health and suicide prevention strategies
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada continue to work with Indigenous
communities, organizations, and nations to restore and assist with the re-establishment of
Indigenous cultures, languages, and ways of life.
39

B-11 Policy on Official Languages

Whereas the United Nations recognizes that cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as
biodiversity is for nature and it is generally accepted that language is an integral part of cultural
identity.
Whereas Article 13 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
(UNDRIP) stipulates that States are required to take effective measures to protect the rights of
Indigenous people to use, develop and pass on to future generations their languages. And Article
14 that Indigenous people have the right to establish and control their educational systems and
institutions providing education in their own languages.
Whereas Indigenous treaty rights are entrenched in the Constitution of Canada and Official
Languages Act for Nunavut recognizes the Inuit (Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun), English and French
languages as the official languages within the territory.
Whereas Indigenous languages are not given the same federal protection as guaranteed other
minority languages by section 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights.
Whereas the land and borders that Canada is situated within and upon are the traditional
territories and homelands of many Indigenous nations whom have formulated treaties with the
Crown and Canada that laid the groundwork for Canadas formation
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party endorse Canada becoming a signatory of UNDRIP.
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada will support efforts for Canada to grant
official-language status to Canada's Aboriginal languages and to provide the necessary funding
for preservation and revitalization efforts.
40

B-12 Policy: NIHB First Nations and Inuit Health Equality

Whereas First Nations have formulated treaties with the Crown and Canada that included
fiduciary responsibilities, such as health care insurance equal to that of Canadians.
Whereas Inuit peoples have concluded a comprehensive land claim, which provides for full
health care insurance.
Whereas the health of Indigenous peoples in terms of qualitative and quantitative standards is
statistically much poorer than that of the Canada population.
Whereas the Liberal government has stated the relationship between Canada and Indigenous
peoples is of high priority and importance.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada support a review of the process, treatment and
accessibility of Health Care, including non-insured benefits such as dental, optical and
pharmaceutical, to assess gaps or inequalities that First Nation and Inuit peoples encounter.
Be it further resolved the Liberal Party of Canada urge the government to provide Non-Insured
Health Benefits equal to that as provided by private insurance providers.
Be it further resolved the Liberal Party of Canada enacts legislation requiring dentists,
optometrists, pharmacists and other health care services to accept the Indian Status Card and NTI
Card as an upfront way of paying for services rendered.
Be it further resolved the Liberal Party of Canada urge the federal government to provide an
administrative overview of the process of pay for above mentioned services and direct the
government to develop a modern system for easy user and business friendly payment.
41

B-13 Social Policy for the North

Whereas the north faces substantial challenges in many areas of society: mental health; early
childhood development; reductions in programming for youth; affordability of living for many in
society, including seniors and many families; effects of residential schools on Aboriginal
families.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the government of Canada to ensure social
programs designed for youth, people with disabilities that have been eliminated or reduced
during the previous government need to be reviewed and reinstated in partnership with Yukon in
order to established funding priorities with community inputs.
42

B-14 Energy Northern Initiatives

Whereas nowhere more than the north is energy critical to sustain northern communities and
industry.
Whereas there is a very high reliance on hydrocarbon-based fuels to provide energy today.
Whereas the renewable sources of energy for heating and light have reached full capacity.
Whereas Yukon offers opportunities for the establishment of new technologies.
Whereas Yukon's geographical and climatological aspects are conducive to development of
energy sources like solar.
Whereas pursuing a "greener" lifestyle is both environmentally sound and increases quality of
life.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada will assist Yukon in the development of
appropriate incentives to move our local energy production to adopt effective technology in
order to reduce environmental damage.
43

Workshop C: Education, Justice and Democratic Reform

C-01 Improving the Prevention, Reporting, and Prosecuting of Sexual Assault
Whereas approximately 460,000 sexual assaults occur in Canada each year;
Whereas out of every 1,000, it is estimated that 997 assailants walk free; 12 see charges laid; six
are prosecuted, and just three lead to conviction;
Whereas the costs are estimated in the billions of dollars: costs to government to meet the needs
of victims and offenders through social and criminal justice services; to victims and their
families, who are often faced with loss of earnings and out-of-pocket expenses related to their
health and well-being; and to employers for decreased productivity and lost revenue;
Whereas Regina v. Ghomeshi (2016) elicited widespread concern for how survivors may be
cross-examined without appropriate recognition of post sexual assault trauma, and that the
adversarial model presently in place is "structurally ill-suited to deal with sexual assault cases;
and
Whereas the Mandate Letter of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General includes as
priorities to toughen criminal laws and bail conditions in cases of domestic assault and
undertake modernization efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal
justice system;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada call upon the Government of Canada to appoint a
panel to consult widely and to recommend how to improve prevention, reporting, and
prosecution of sexual assault by considering a range of changes, such as:
improved public, legal, judicial, and police training and education;
better support services for survivors;
new reporting mechanisms;
restorative justice approaches;
a requirement that both the accused and the victim testify; and,
Specialized sexual assault courts.
44

C-02 Restoration of Funding to Womens Advocacy Groups

Whereas the closure of the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women in 1995, and the
demise of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women subsequently, deprived Canada
of two of its premier feminist research organizations;
Whereas the Conservative Government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper cut funding for
advocacy purposes to women's NGO's operating both in Canada and internationally to advance
women's equality and better their living conditions;
Whereas the gap between rich and poor in Canada, and the gender gap between men and women
specifically, have been widening in recent years;
Whereas Canada ranks only 30th on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report
2015;
Whereas an internal report at Status of Women Canada in February 2015 acknowledged that
Canada is falling behind other countries in the developed world on such matters as poverty rates
for elderly single women, lack of support for childcare, and lack of fair representation of women
in Parliament;
Whereas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has given solid commitments to advancing womens
equality; and
Whereas leading womens groups in March 2016 publicly requested support for a new
mechanism to facilitate coordination amongst the hundreds of equality-seeking groups doing
valuable work, including advocacy, across Canada;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to restore
funding for advocacy to womens equality-seeking groups across Canada; and, explore a new
mechanism for promoting coordination amongst these groups and for funding necessary research
and outreach.
45

C-03 Promoting a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence

Whereas the Government of Canada has a constitutional responsibility for peace, order and
good government (British North America Act, 1867, Article 91), making the federal
governments pursuit of peace an obligation, not an option;
Whereas Canada is a member of the United Nations (UN), which was founded to save
succeeding generations from the scourge of war (Charter of the United Nations, preamble);
Whereas peace can prevail and endure only if we create institutions dedicated to promoting a
culture of peace and non-violence (UNESCO, Manifesto 2000) in a society determined to use
force only as an absolutely last resort; and
Whereas this process of institutionalizing peace could include the establishment of peace
committees, departments, and programs at all levels of government;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to establish a
Department or Ministry of Peace and Non-Violence, with a mandate that includes the creation of
a permanent Canadian Civilian Service of professionally trained men and women working for (i)
the prevention of violent conflict and war, and (ii) the non-violent resolution of conflict, at every
level of society, both within Canada and overseas, through such means as:
detection of early warning signs

structured mediation
non-violent intervention
citizen diplomacy
protection of human rights, and
Humanitarian and development assistance.
46

C-04 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Whereas the PNP is a collaborative and cooperative effort between the federal government and
other provinces of Canada;
Whereas the PNP is conducted against fundamental criteria designed for Canadian immigration;
Whereas the PNP provides for varying degrees of autonomy for provincial engagement in
immigration;
Whereas provinces of Canada can utilize the PNP to facilitate provincial population growth
strategies, quicker access to skilled workers shortages, international graduates who have postgraduate job offers from provincial employers and significant investment from candidates who
have signaled a genuine interest in immigrating to respective areas of Canada;
Whereas the PNP has experienced a significant degree of variance in application among
provinces, which has led to underutilization and dysfunctional application; and
Whereas a national generic and streamlined approach can bring vastly improved functionality to
the PNP.
Be it resolved the Liberal governments of Canada take immediate steps to work with all
provinces and territories to streamline and harmonize the PNP; and
Be it further resolved the Liberal government of Canada take proactive steps, in concert with
provinces and territories, to prioritize the PNP as a key instrument of national immigration,
which is linked to skills gaps, investment strategies and overall population growth strategy across
all regions of Canada.
47

C-05 Reducing the Voting Age

Whereas early engagement in civic affairs is believed to lead to the establishment of a pattern of
engagement that endures throughout life;
Whereas by the age of 16, Canadian citizens are legally permitted to be employed on a full-time
basis, to pay employment insurance and Canada Pension Plan premiums, and to be married with
or without parental consent;
Whereas by the age of 16, Canadian citizens are legally permitted to enroll in the Canadian
Reserves and at age 17 can enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces;
Whereas by the age of 16, Canadian citizens may apply for a license to operate a motor vehicle
on a public highway;
Whereas by the age of 16, Canadian citizens may, if appropriate, be tried as adults for offences
under the Criminal Code;
Whereas given the foregoing, there is no justifiable reason for the continued exclusion of
Canadian citizens aged 16 or older but less than 18 years from full participation in the electoral
process;
Be it resolved that the Cumberland Colchester Federal Liberal Association (the Association)
calls upon the Liberal Party of Canada to adopt as a policy that the age for eligibility of a
Canadian citizen to be an elector in future federal elections, beginning in 2019, be lowered from
eighteen (18) years to sixteen (16) years.
Be it further resolved that the age to stand as a candidate remain eighteen (18) years.
Be it further resolved that the Association calls upon the Liberal Party of Canada to promote
compulsory secondary school education in the area of civics and political organization directed
at informing future electors of the basic mechanisms by which our parliamentary democracy
works, and in particular addressing such topics as comparative electoral methods, division of
constitutional powers (ss. 91 and 92 of the Constitution Act 1867), the role of parliament, the
government and the judiciary.
48

C-06 Improving Access to Justice for all Canadians

Whereas equal access to the justice system is essential to Canadian democracy;
Whereas a report by the Canadian Bar Association found that middle and lower income Canadians are
finding it increasingly difficult to properly access Canada's justice system due, in part, to the high cost of
legal representation;
Whereas research for the Department of Justice found that the legal difficulties of economicallydisadvantaged Canadians often create further socio-economic and health problems for these individuals;
Whereasthe federal government's funding for legal aid has decreased significantly over the past 25 years;
Whereas provincial and territorial justice ministers have unanimously called for increased federal funding
for legal aid.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada ask the Canadian Government to:
increase the federal government's contributions to legal aid funding;
increase the access of legal aid to the middle class by increasing the financial eligibility;
establish a dedicated civil legal aid contribution, in consultation with provinces and territories;
take a leadership role in supporting innovative approaches to improving access to justice for
Canadians.
49

C-07 Canada and a Nuclear-Weapon-Free World

Whereas there are still at least 17,000 nuclear weapons in the world, whos very existence
constitutes an unprecedented threat to the continuation of life on Earth as we know it;
Whereas nuclear weapons are the only weapons of mass destruction not yet banned by
international agreement;
Whereas as a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)(1970),
Canada has an international treaty obligation to pursue negotiations for the total elimination of
nuclear weapons (NPT, Article VI);
WHEREAS the International Court of Justice ruled on July 8, 1996: i) that this NPT commitment
is a legal obligation under international law, and ii) that it is generally illegal to use nuclear
weapons, or even threaten to use them;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the government of Canada to:
comply more fully both with its international treaty obligations under the nuclear NonProliferation Treaty, and with the International Court of Justice ruling of July 8, 1996, by playing
a pro-active role in achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world;
Emulate the Ottawa Process (which led to the banning of land mines) by convening an
international conference to commence negotiations for a Nuclear Weapons Convention that
would ban nuclear weapons akin to the Biological Weapons Convention (1975) and the
Chemical Weapons Convention (1997).
50

C-08 Condemning All Forms of Islamophobia

Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada Constitution states that the Liberal Party subscribes to the
protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons under the rule of law;
Whereas the Liberal Party of Canadas core values statement affirms that we believe in the
dignity of every person;
Whereas the 42nd General Election saw a sharp increase in the politics of fear and division,
including Islamophobic acts, such as the Peterborough Mosque fire;
Whereas there has been a significant increase in recorded Islamophobic acts committed in 2015
that have included harassment, violent attacks, murders, arson, graffiti, property damage and
death threats against Muslims;
Whereas the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau has repeatedly declared he is deeply disturbed by the
increasing Islamophobia in Canada, and joining governments from around the world in
condemning such heinous acts towards Muslim communities.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada makes a concerted effort to counter prejudice and
hate and develop policies specific to the reduction and elimination of Islamophobia in all of its
forms;
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada strike a Task Force for the Elimination of
All Forms of Islamophobia;
Be it further resolved that the recommendations of the Task Force be forwarded to the Rt. Hon.
Prime Minister, Cabinet and all MPs to be used as the Government of Canadas strategic vision
to eliminate all forms of discrimination and hatred.
51

C-09 Early Childhood Development Programs

Work with the provinces to develop a National Childhood Educational Development Strategy
that will ensure that all provinces have equal access to affordable high quality, and accessible
childhood development programs.
Rationale:
In countries such as Finland, where every child born has the right to quality early childhood
development space, the outcomes on international achievement tests, happiness surveys and
measures of national productivity are among the highest in the world.
In 2005, the Liberal government represented by Ken Dryden negotiated a National Daycare
Strategy which all the provinces endorsed. This was replaced by the incoming Conservative
government with designer tax breaks and allowances that favoured upper middle class Canadians
over single parent families and Canadian families in the lowest income brackets.
Daycare costs in this country range from $7.00 a day to $900 / month. The qualifications and
quality of programs and accessibility of day care spaces continue to be a challenge to most
Canadian parents.
Canadians should be able to move from province to province with assurance that their children
will receive high quality early childhood development opportunities.
Research has proven that high quality early childhood programs greatly benefit the development
of cognitive and social skills of our young children.
52

C-10 Visa-Free Business and Tourism Travel for Ukrainian Citizens

Whereas Canada has a deep and long-standing relationship with Ukraine, including 1.3 million
Canadians of Ukrainian descent after 125 years of Ukrainian immigration to Canada, several
bilateral programs and, most recently, the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA);
Whereas Ukraine unilaterally eliminated the need for short-term visas for Canadian citizens in
2005, while Ukrainian citizens still require Canadian visas for short-term stays (not longer than
90 days);
Whereas Canadian-Ukrainian bilateral trade represents nearly $360 million/year7, and is
expected to increase 19% with the signing of CUFTA8, Ukrainian business leaders still require
cumbersome visas to engage in business activities in Canada;
Whereas the EU has decided to eliminate the need for visas for Ukrainian citizens in 2016 and
the Liberal Party of Canada announced during the 2015 that a Liberal government would work
to achieve this goal [abolition of visas for short-term travel];
Be it resolved that the Liberal Government of Canada eliminate the need for business and tourist
visas for Ukrainian citizens with biometric passports for stays of no longer than 90 days;
Be it further resolved the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to enact this
legislation before August 24th, 2016 to mark the 25th anniversary of Ukrainian independence and
125 years of Ukrainian immigration to Canada.
Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (Government of Canada): http://www.international.gc.ca/tradeagreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/ukraine/canada-ukraine.aspx?lang=eng

8
Yatsenyuk signs free-trade agreement with Canadas Harper (UkrWeekly.com):

http://www.ukrweekly.com/uwwp/yatsenyuk-signs-free-trade-deal-with-canadas-harper/
53

C-11 Improving Youth Participation in Democracy

Whereas significant
steps could still be taken to enhance democracy in Canada such as improving

accessibility to voting, and extending the right to vote to youth aged 16 and older;
Whereas there
are substantial benefits to extending the right to vote to those aged 16 and above,
with increased opportunities to engage and include youth in the democratic process, including
the increased participation in the democratic process throughout their entire lifetime; and
Whereas indigenous
youth are the fastest growing population demographic in Canada, and the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission final report recommendation #66 calls for a role in
reconciliation that specifically involves youth;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to introduce
legislation that extends the right to vote in federal elections to those aged 16 and older;
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to ensure
Elections Canada is given an increased mandate to educate youth regarding voting, the rights and
obligations of citizenship, and how to inform oneself about the democratic process, and to
implement additional measures to improve accessibility to voting, including online voting, and
voting on secondary and post-secondary campuses;
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Prime Minister to ensure
the Prime Ministers Youth Council has equitable representation from the national Indigenous
organizations and their affiliates, and where membership strives toward proximate alignment
with the provinces and territories.
54

C-12 Expanding Access to Post-Secondary Education

Whereas a strong post-secondary education system is the requisite backbone of a strong
economy that can adapt to dynamic global needs and provides individuals with an enhanced
standard of living;
Whereas post-secondary education graduates contribute more to the public treasury through
higher income taxes from higher wages, are less likely to partake in criminal activity, and are
predisposed to adapt to challenges of the knowledge-based economy;
Whereas indigenous youth are the fastest growing demographic in Canada, and will soon makeup a significant portion of Canadas labour market, having a major impact on the Canadian
economy;
Whereas, as of the 2011 National Household Survey, only 48.4% of indigenous people in
Canada aged 25 - 64 had any post-secondary qualification, compared to 64.7% of nonindigenous Canadians;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to harmonize and
simplify post-secondary assistance programs across all levels of government;
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to meet with
provincial and territorial governments, indigenous communities and organizations to combat the
non-financial barriers to post-secondary education for indigenous students;
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to re-evaluate
its processes for funding indigenous studies programs and post-secondary education; and
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to convert the
federal portion of the Canada Student Loans to a non-repayable grant for low-income families in
Budget 2017, and for middle-income families in Budget 2018.
55

Workshop D: Environment, Energy

D-01 Combating Climate Change and Establishing Environmental Rights
Whereas the United Nations recognize environmental rights as a basic human right, and on the
seventh day of March, the UN CESCR concluded that Canada has failed to provide adequate
environmental protections or take action on climate change;
Whereas the single largest impact to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and a global
average temperature increase is the elimination of coal-fired plants;
Whereas forced migration due to climate change will be one of the greatest humanitarian and
security challenges for current and future generations, with the number of forced migrants
expected to reach between 200 million and as high as 1 billion by the year 2050;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to take all necessary
measures to combat climate change, including collaborating with provincial and territorial
governments to eliminate coal-fired energy generation in Canada by 2030.
Be it further resolved that Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to introduce
legislation to establish the right to an ecologically balanced environment, clean drinking water
and soil, breathable air, and healthy ecosystems is a basic human right;
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to offer the
right of protection to people being displaced due to climate change whom would be defined as
climate refugees.
56

D-02 Improving the Health of the Lake Winnipeg Watershed

Foster co-operative remedial action among the provinces in the Lake Winnipeg watershed
(Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario) and the relevant US jurisdictions and
authorities. This action should be focused on the reduction of nutrient loading and run-offs.
This action will result in the remediation of the lake by 2024 as described in Biennial Convention
Policy 2012.
Make the necessary changes to legislation: the Canada Water Act, International Boundary
Waters Treaty and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999).
Rationale:
The Lake Winnipeg watershed has a population of 6 million people.
Lake Winnipeg drains a sub-basin which includes portions of four Canadian provinces and
four US states and stretches from the Rocky Mountains to Lake Superior and south to South
Dakota making it an inter provincial/international concern.
The watershed covers most of the agricultural land on the Canadian prairies and a large
component of agricultural land in the US.
Extensive research has identified that nutrient loading is responsible for the growth of bluegreen algae. The resulting toxins reduce healthy algae and lower dissolved oxygen levels.
Half of the nutrient load arises from outside the Manitoba borders.
(193 Words) Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba)
www.lakewinnipegresearch.org
57

D-03 A National Sustainable Clean Energy Strategy for Canada

In consultation with provincial, territorial and municipal governments establish
a comprehensive national sustainable clean energy strategy (following the United Kingdom
and Australia energy strategies and models as outlined in the Building Consensus report); and a
National Clean Energy Agency dedicated to the development and implementation of
sustainable initiatives that shall include, but are not limited to the:
Development of an east-west clean energy power grid and corridor that will eliminate
interprovincial trade barriers, strengthen the federation and foster the Canadian national
identity;
Development of environmental stewardship based on biodiversity, land use, air and water
quality indicators measured through continuous monitoring;
Implementation of clean energy projects and training programs that improve quality of life
and economic opportunities for all Canadians;
Reviewing and, where appropriate, implementation of existing clean energy report
recommendations;
Development of strict guidelines and targets for reduced emissions, and timelines to ensure
that these targets are met; and
Implementation of financial incentives dedicated to encouraging a sustainable clean energy
economy.
Expansion of the mandate of the National Energy Board, or establish a separate regulatory
board under the auspices of a Clean Energy Agency to ensure the implementation of and
compliance to, the strategy.
Rationale:
A national clean energy strategy is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions responsible
for global warming and for achieving a decarbonised economy.
Canada is seventh amongst G20 nations in clean energy investment, and lags significantly behind
leaders in clean energy development including the United States and China.
http://cleanenergycanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Tracking-the-Energy-revolution-Canada-.pdf
http://www.businescouncil.mb.ca/images/Publications/EnergyEnvironment/kananaskisreportfinal.pdf
58

D-04 Developing a Coherent Arctic Strategy

Whereas climate change is affecting all aspects of life in the Arctic, with profound
implications for the environment, including all human, plant, and animal life in the
region;
Whereas the effect of climate change means that the impact of any damage can be more
severe than elsewhere in Canada because of the fragility of the Arctic ecosystem;
Whereas the North is a significant contributor to the future of Canada both nationally and
on the international stage;
Whereas the receding sea ice provides the opportunity for increased international use of
waterways of the Northwest Passage;
Whereas there are unique engineering challenges in the north due to climate change,
permafrost and cold conditions;
Whereas investments in infrastructure and the establishment of new technologies
are critical to the advancement of northern communities and economies;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada through government to government
relationships and in consultation with Aboriginal Peoples Communities, develop a
coherent Arctic Strategy that will assist territorial and northern municipal and First
Nations governments in the development of appropriate infrastructures through
significant financial contributions in the following areas: housing, fibre optic cable, road
and airport development and upgrades, and energy infrastructure while recognizing and
protecting its unique environment;
And be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada as government maintain its
sovereign capabilities to respond in terms of regulation, search and rescue, security and
environmental clean-up in the North.
https://www.bulfrogpower.com/remotemicrogrids/presentations/status_of_remote_off_grid_communities_in_canada_2013-118.pdf
An Analysis of Aboriginal Clean Energy Projects & Ventures Across Canada: Identifying Potential Clean Energy Clusters for
Consideration by the Strategic Partnerships Initiative [SPI], Lumos Energy, March 2010
http://www.cwf-fcf.org/iucn/en/news/sistainable-development-in-north-results.html
59

D-05 Value Added Development of Canadas Resources

Whereas Canada is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that have been and will
continue to be an important component of Canadas prosperity;
Whereas value-added processing is, where practical, preferred over shipment of raw product
promoted by the Harper government;
Whereas accelerated capital cost allowance (ACCA) is deferment of tax rather than a general rate
reduction;
Whereas the ACCA has been the most cost-effective means for government to promote value
addition to Canadas resources and to promote investment in manufacturing;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada recommends that the Government of Canada
introduce a form of accelerated capital cost allowance for investment in resource upgrading and
manufacturing.
Be it further resolved that this be a permanent feature of corporate income tax to provide
certainty for the planning of large investments in manufacturing and resource processing.
60

D-06 Ship Source Oil Pollution Fund (SOPF)

Whereas the SOPF provides the primary means of compensation for oil spill clean-up and
remediation in Canadian waters;
Whereas it is the owners responsibility for clean-up of ship sources oil pollution;
Whereas the SOPF provides clean-up funds in situations where the owners is unable to pay or
appropriate insurance runs out;
Whereas the SOPF is currently enriched with funds in excess of $405 million (2014 Year End
Financial Report);
Whereas the SOPF has statutory limitation of 5 years to give effect to a claim for compensation
or clean-up of oil pollution;
Whereas the majority of historical ship wrecks exceed the 5-year limitation entrenched in the act
and regulations governing the SOPF;
Whereas the SOPF is govern by the Marine Liabilities Act, Statutes of Canada 2009, Chapter 21.
Be it resolved the Liberal Government of Canada amend the appropriate sections of the Marine
Liabilities Act to provide for enabling legislation that gives effect to the SOPF impacted by ship
wrecks polluting or at risk of polluting in Canadian Waters, regardless of time lines and without
any statute of time limitation on claims.
61

D-07 Registry of Ship Wrecks

Whereas Global News program 16 X 9 investigation of thousands of ship wreck data in
Canadian Waters over the last century identified over 700 ships at risk of polluting;
Whereas many of these ship wrecks have leaked oil in the past and are in a high risk of leaking
again due to excessive corrosion under the waters adjacent to Canadian coast lines;
Whereas the government of Canada has expended millions of dollars in recent years towards ship
wreck remediation on vessels like the Brigadier General Zalinski on the BC coast, Sunken
Tanker SS Arrow and Irving Whale off the Nova Scotia Coast;
Whereas a preliminary allocation of $6 million has been announced in budget 2016 for a RFP
designed to identify clean-up plans for the M/V Manolis L of the coast of NL;
(200 words)Liberal Party of Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador)
62

D-08 Transition to a Global Zero-Emission Vehicle Fleet

Whereas Governments around the world are implementing policies to promote electric vehicles
to reduce oil consumption, climate-related emissions, and local air pollution and to stake out an
industrial leadership position in the new advanced technology.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada invite the Government of Canada to take the
necessary steps, in conjunction with the regional development agencies, provincial governments
and private sector partners to prepare during year 2016 an electric vehicle (EV) development
plan which will include:
By year 2020, 500 000 new electric vehicle sales;
Incentives up to 2020 or later of up to $15 000, to defray incremental up front cost for EV
acquisition and at-home fast charging station;
Extensive deployment of public and private fast charging networks;
Effective benefits to electric vehicle users such as preferential road lanes, preferential
parking spaces, free parking spaces equipped with fast charging capacity, etc;
The deployment of an industrial sector of the electric vehicle mainly Canadian

ownership;
The conclusion of a strategic agreement with a company in the electric vehicle industry
whose performance is recognized worldwide;
The distribution between the various industrial areas of Canada, of the production of
batteries, charging stations, vehicle assembly, lithium oxide production and graphite
powders;
Enacting legislation securing Canada's strategic reserves of rare metals such as lithium
and graphite.
63

D-09 Geothermal Subsidies

Whereas one of the Prime Ministers mandate to the Minister of Natural Resources is to explore
opportunities to enhance existing tax measures to generate more clean technology investments,
and engage with provinces and territories to make Canada the worlds most competitive tax
jurisdiction for investments in the research, development, and manufacturing of clean
technology9; and
Whereas that have stymied Canadian development as compared to Wind and Solar projects;
Whereas Geothermal does not have access to the Canadian Exploration Expense (CEE) and
Canadian Development Expense (CDE) programs and so does not have the same geoscience
insurance against failed exploration (dry wells) that the Natural Gas industry does; and
Whereas the Canada Revenue Agency allows mineral exploration, as well as oil and gas companies
the use of flow through shares (FTS) to mitigate risk and raise start-up capital but Geothermal
developments are currently not included;
Be it resolved that the above tax programs be modified so that Geothermal can compete with other
green technologies on an equal footing through the inclusion of Geothermal in the CDE, CEE, and
FTS programs. With those three amendments to the tax code, Geothermal can become the powerful
industry that Canada requires.10
Be it further resolved that the cap be removed on the size of geothermal plants to allow a scaling
up of geothermal industry. 11
http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-natural-resources-mandate-letter
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mining-materials/taxation/mining-taxation-regime/8892
11
http://www.cangea.ca
10
64

D-10 Energy Transition Training

Whereas Canada has committed to help keep global warming well below two degrees Celsius at
the 2015 Paris Climate Conference;
Whereas this goal has led the Government of Canada to take a leadership role with provinces and
territories to put a price on carbon and reduce carbon emissions;
Whereas the petroleum industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions and petroleum
products are non-renewable resources;
Whereas Provincial and Territorial Action to reduce carbon emissions may result in a transition to
an alternative energy based economy;
Whereas the petroleum industry is a significant employer in certain regions of Canada;
Whereas many of the workers in these industries are highly skilled and with retraining could be a
great asset to a nascent alternative energy economy;
Be it resolved that if an energy transition leads to job losses then the Liberal Government will
commit to introduce grants for retraining programs for those affected;
Be it further resolved that these training programs utilize the capacity of local universities and
colleges, and that this training will be provided, if possible, where the workers currently reside in
an attempt to foster stability in their communities.
65

D-11 Economic Infrastructure for Rural Communities

Whereas lack of access to basic economic infrastructure such as identification cards, high-speed
internet services and banking services is a barrier to an individuals full participation in the modern
Canadian economy;
Whereas remote rural communities and remote indigenous populations are more likely to have
difficulty accessing such services because of lack of proximity to necessary infrastructure provided
by banks and government offices with the power to issue identification cards;
Whereas Canada Post currently has infrastructure in place to serve rural and remote communities
throughout Canada;
Be it resolved that the federal government instruct Canada Post to partner with financial
institutions, provincial governments and telecommunication providers to become a single point of
contact in remote communities to provide identification cards, banking services and other
necessary economic infrastructure in communities who would otherwise not have access to such
services;
Be it further resolved that Canada Post commit to providing banking and identification services
and high-speed internet through any postal outlet where no such services are publicly offered
within a maximum 50 km radius and to maintain a level of service quality consistent with the
responsibility for conducting financial services transactions and the handling of sensitive
documents.
66

D-12 Ocean Acidification and CO2 Emissions

Whereas increased atmospheric CO2 increases dissolved oceanic CO2, thereby increasing ocean
acidity concurrently with other chemical and thermal oceanic changes related to
anthropogenically generated CO2;
Whereas due to the higher solubility of CO2 in cold water, the oceans near Canada undergo
acidification at faster rate than do warmer oceans;
Whereas these combined chemical and thermal changes to our oceans may impact biodiversity,
commercial harvesting, and ecosystem services, particularly with respect to calcareous marine
organisms (corals, molluscs, crustaceans, urchins, stars) due to the chemical interaction between
their calcareous shells and acidic water;
Whereas 300,000 Canadians work in ocean-based industries contributing $26 billion to the
economy and 2001 census data found 38.3% (11.5 M) of Canadas population inhabit the area 20
km from its coastline;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party ask the Government of Canada to officially recognize that
there is a clear and definite link between anthropogenic CO2 emissions and ocean acidification;
harmonize ocean and atmospheric monitoring efforts between multiple levels of government,
industry groups, public stakeholder organizations, academic bodies, and international agencies,
and make the data and information gathered publically available in real time; and, provide
investment for the installation, operation, and maintenance of long-term, real-time ocean and
atmospheric monitoring stations in ecologically representative areas, and utilize the amassed data
to inform domestic and international emissions policy decisions.
Co-sponsor: Liberal Party of Canada (British Columbia)
67

D-13 Off-shoring of Taxable Income

Whereas the Canadian Government loses individual and corporate income tax revenue from the
shifting of profits and income from Canada into low-tax countries to an estimated $67.8 billion
each year;
Whereas Canada currently neither measures the revenue lost nor publishes tax gap estimates;
Whereas the Mandate Letter of the Minister of National Revenue calls for investing additional
resources to help the CRA crack down on tax evaders and work with international partners to
adopt strategies to combat tax avoidance;
Whereas the 2016 federal budget increased Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) funds, but it is not
clear if funds will be earmarked for special units to track offshore accounts;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada call on the Government of Canada to take strong
action to ensure that Canadians and Canadian companies no longer use tax havens to avoid
paying their fair share of taxes, by such means as: revisiting Bill S-226 to mandate transparency
from the Canadian Revenue Agency on the data required to estimate Canadas tax gap and to
report findings to the Parliamentary Budget Office; establishing special units to identify tax
loopholes that enable tax off-shoring and to investigate Canadian corporations and individuals
hiding income taxable in Canada in offshore accounts; reviewing Whistleblower Protection
Policy; and, publicizing Offshore Tax Informant Program 2013 and improving phone service for
all Canadian Time Zones on the CRA Hotline 1-855-345-9042.
68

D-14 Climate Change

Whereas
Canada has committed to a long-term goal of keeping the increase in global average
temperature to well below 2C (Paris 2015).
A price on carbon is a known effective tool to facilitate the transition away from burning fossil
fuels.
Canadas previous government cut funding for climate research and monitoring.
The IMF has called on all countries to eliminate subsidies to the oil and gas sector.
Development of green energy technology will lead to the creation of permanent, full time jobs
for Canadians, lower GHG emissions, and develop greater local economic prosperity for Canada,
We ask the federal Liberal government to:

1. Continue a strong leadership role with the provinces in taking action to mitigate, adapt to, and
manage risks of climate change
2. Create national standards for carbon pricing within which provinces and territories can establish
a price on carbon in the best way for their regions.
3. Phase out all subsidies to the oil and gas sector over the next five years.
4. Promote renewable energy technologies and initiatives, invest in green energy infrastructure,
and fund research and development in this sector
5. Reinstate our scientists and restore funding for climate research and environmental monitoring.
6. Reinstate the Canadas National Science Advisor and Advisory Board.
7. Communicate with the public to educate about climate change and the steps needed for
transitioning to renewable energy.
69

Workshop E: Health
E-01 Health Care Strategy
Be it resolved:
That the Liberal Party of Canada:
Resume its efforts to re-establish the federal leadership role in strategic areas of concern,
including:
Review of the appropriate roles and authorities of the Public Health Agency of Canada that
would permit the Agency to take decisive and effective action to protect and promote the health
of Canadians, in areas including but not limited to reportable diseases, immunization strategies,
adherence to internally accepted standards of information sharing and collaboration.
Hasten the development of a national electronic health record based on national standards and
compatibility, one which addresses the broad spectrum of health services of importance to
patient care and population health service planning.
Rationale:
Canadians are best served by requiring federal leadership roles that increase efficiency,
coordinate innovation and guaranteed equity of services and standards across the provinces.
Canadians can only by adequately served through the development of robust health approaches,
orchestrated and effective national public health strategies and measures, and redoubled efforts
to innovate and advance health care practices in Canada.
70

E-02 Addressing the Poverty Gap

Adopt a number of initiatives that simultaneously eliminate measures that benefit only 20% of
Canadians in the higher income levels, and
Take steps to reduce the cost of childcare and housing for Canadians in the poorest quintile, and
In partnership with the provinces and territories, introduce accessible and affordable daycare the
cost of which is means-tested against the current income tax system, and
Renews funding for social housing agreements and creates a long-term plan to address social
housing needs like other G8 countries.12
Rationale:
The tax and transfer system was designed, in part, to reduce income inequality.
The Conference Board of Canada has observed that the restructuring of the employment
insurance and other programs has eroded and weakened the impact of the transfer system.
Children, single-parent families (particularly female single-parent families), women, single
individuals, seniors, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, recent immigrants, visible
minorities, and low-wage workers are the most vulnerable and most likely to experience low
income and poverty.
The Conservative Government has persisted in supporting boutique tax measures favoring highincome Canadians.
A 2015 IMF discussion paper questioning trickle-down economics suggests that policies
favoring wealthy citizens cause the GDP to decline in the ensuing five years.
Policies allowing the income of the poorest quintile to increase by 1% cause the GDP to increase
over the same period.
(227 Words) Liberal Party of Canada (Manitoba)
12
(Notes: 1. IMF Staff Discussion Note https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/sdn/2015/sdn1513.pdf
71

E-03 Homelessness
Whereas homelessness is an endemic problem that affects Canadians from coast to coast to
Coast;
Whereas the housing system is complex, multi-faceted and requires collaborative effort between
all levels of government to effectively tackle complex issues related to home ownership, renting,
social housing, homelessness, and housing stock quality;
Whereas providing basic housing is demonstrably less expensive than the alternatives" such as
homelessness and living in shelters;
Whereas Canada is a founding signatory to the 1948 United Nation's "Universal Declaration on
Human Rights" wherein it states: Article 25. (1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living...
including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services;
Whereas the Liberal Party of Canada has underscored the importance of fighting poverty and
affordable housing in its 2015 Election Platform;
Be it resolved the federal government will play the lead role in developing a national housing
plan that takes a holistic system-level approach to the challenge of housing affordability in
Canada; while operating on the basis of consultation and co-operation with other levels of
governments.
Be it further resolved the federal government financially invest in creating new supply of
housing.
Be it further resolved the federal government will, as part of the national housing plan,
immediately halt the decline in subsidies for co-op, public and social housing to at least maintain
existing housing.
Be it further resolved the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to remain
accountable to Canadian citizens with an annual report of number of homeless housed and the
number of homeless not yet settled into housing across Canada.
72

E-04 Medicare Coverage for the Treatment of Autism

Whereas the rate of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among Canadian children is now a
shocking 1 in 68, constituting a national epidemic and, for reasons unknown, continues to rise;
Whereas Canadas universal health care system currently excludes from coverage the
recognized, effective, science-based treatment for ASD called Applied Behavioural Analysis
(ABA), despite the deplorable incidence of this neurological condition and advocacy from
numerous citizen groups;
Whereas the BC Supreme Court, in 2000, found that ABA was medically necessary treatment
and that there were no effective competing therapies, a decision which was upheld on appeal to
the BC Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada;
Whereas funding in Canada respecting ABA for ASD currently is not only grossly insufficient, it
varies widely between provinces;
Whereas the lifetime cost of an individual receiving inadequate treatment (or none) for ASD is
reliably estimated between $2.4-$3.2 million, excluding indirect costs to society;
Whereas the US Government requires all states to provide treatment for ASD as part of statewide Medicaid programs and 43 out of 50 states require private health insurers to provide
coverage for the ASD treatment;
Be it resolved the Canada Health Act be amended to include Medicare coverage for Applied
Behavioural Analysis (ABA) for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or, alternatively, the
Government of Canada work with all provincial and territorial governments to ensure inclusion
of ABA for ASD within their respective Medical Services Plans.
Be it further resolved the Government of Canada provide funding to each province and territory
to fully cover the costs associated with the provision of ABA treatment of ASD.
73

E-05 National Framework for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Health

Whereas a primary objective of Health Canada is to reduce health inequalities in Canadian
society;
Whereas LGBT Canadians are disproportionately burdened by health concerns, including mental
illness and suicide, substance misuse, disability, and sexually transmitted infections;
Whereas LGBT Canadians continue lack access to safe and culturally-competent healthcare
services, and in particular, transgender Canadians face unique challenges accessing surgical care;
Whereas population data to inform policymakers on the socio-demographics and health
outcomes of LGBT Canadians is scarce and incomplete;
Be it resolved the Liberal Party of Canada commit to developing a national Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) health strategy that considers the social determinants of health
and the unique health concerns faced by this population.
Be it further resolved a Liberal government will commit to improving the quality of population
data collected on LGBT Canadians.
Be it further resolved a Liberal government consult with provinces, territories and key
stakeholder groups to address inconsistencies across provinces and territories with respect to
access to care for LGBT Canadians, with particular attention given to access to surgical care for
transgender Canadians.
Be it further resolved a Liberal government reinvest in the Public Health Agency of Canada to
better support community health groups whose primary mission is to the address the health needs
of LGBT Canadians.
74

E-06 Expanding Access to Health Services

Whereas, youth, women, LGBTQ2+ Canadians, HIV+ Canadians, vulnerable communities,
narcotic injection users and patients suffering from mental illness, disproportionately experience
high costs for health service, societal healthcare-based stigma and a lack of affordable access to
gender affirming surgeries, preventative and therapeutic health services;
Be it resolved that, the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to provide expanded
access without cost or payment to gender affirming surgeries, preventative, and therapeutic
health services to youth, women, LGBTQ2+ Canadians, and vulnerable communities;
Be it further resolved, the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to provide
expanded access without cost or payment to clinically approved oral contraceptives and
specialized preventative pharmaceuticals to youth, women, LGBTQ2+ Canadians, and
vulnerable communities;
Be it further resolved, the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to reinvest in the
Public Health Agency of Canada, with a focus on preventive health education and awareness
programs targeted at youth, women, LGBTQ2+ Canadians, and vulnerable communities;
Be it further resolved, the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to ensure all
health services are free of discrimination and are based on scientific evidence, including an end
to the discriminatory and stigmatizing blood donor-screening policies;
Be it further resolved, the Liberal Party of Canada encourages the Government to introduce
legislation to decriminalize HIV non-disclosure, and work in consultation with health and patient
groups to update Canadas HIV regulations based on the recommendations of UNAIDS, with an
increased focus on preventative health education, awareness, and scientific evidence.
(78 words) Young Liberals of Canada
Liberal Party of Canada in British Columbia
75

E-07 Mandatory Labelling of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and Foods

Whereas The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety of 2003, signed by Canada, enshrines a
"precautionary approach" regarding the transboundary movement of GMOs;
Whereas the protocol takes into account possible risks of genetically modified foods to human
health, also negative effects on biodiversity;
Whereas few independent studies have been carried out monitoring long term, cumulative risks
of GMO consumption and use; the burden of proof showing there are no adverse health effects is
upon those who are modifying the genetic material but also on independent research;
Whereas in Canada, GMO foods remain unidentified while, per environmentalist David Suzuki
,"The safety of GMO foods is unproven and a growing body of research connects these foods
with health concerns and environmental damage. Most developed nations have policies requiring
mandatory labelling of GMO foods; some have issued bans on GMO food production and
imports";
Whereas Bill C-287, An Act to amend the Food and Drugs Act, introduced in September 2002,
supports mandatory identification of GMO foods and for 20 years, over 80% of Canadians
support labelling;
Whereas despite lack of clear conclusive proof that long term use of genetically engineered
products are safe, there are no Canadian guidelines for mandatory identification which would
allow freedom of choice to consumers.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the government of Canada to implement
recommendations made in Private Members Bill C-287, an act to amend the Food and Drugs
Act, thus making identification of genetically modified foods mandatory.
76

E-08 Sugar as a Public Health Concern

Whereas there are compelling health and economic reasons why reducing sugar consumption
should be a priority public health objective, including:
due to the way it is metabolized in the body, sugar should be considered a dose dependent
toxin, similar to alcohol and other drugs;
excessive sugar consumption causes diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease and tooth
decay and is strongly correlated to cancer and dementia;
treating chronic diseases in increasingly young people will present a growing, unsustainable
burden on Canadas social services, especially health care;
two major financial institutions (Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse) have called attention to
the threat to economic growth posed by sugar consumption driving diabetes;
Whereas refined carbohydrates, present in processed food, are quickly converted into sugar by
the body;
Whereas blame for diet related chronic diseases and obesity is attributed to individual failings,
ignoring the role played by:
outdated and misleading nutritional advice from health professionals;
the food industry;
lack of government regulation.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Canadian Government to prioritize,
within the Public Health Agency of Canada, the development of a national strategy to reduce the
excess consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, one that:
incorporates the 21 recommendations contained in the Senates report Obesity in Canada:

A Whole-of-Society Approach for a Healthier Canada (published March 2016);
Reduces the recommended daily value of added sugar to 5% of total daily energy intake (6-9
teaspoons per day), as recommended by the World Health Organization.
77

E-09 Pharmacare - To Serve the Public and Save Billions of Dollars for Governments
Whereas many Canadians cannot afford the drugs they need to maintain their health;
Health outcomes are diminished when Canadians cannot afford to buy the pharmaceutical
products they need;
Whereas Canada is the only industrialized country with a universal health plan, but no
PharmaCare plan; (C. D. Howe Institute, 2013)
Whereas Canada has the second highest per capita spending on prescription drugs among
members of OECD; (OECD, 2013)
Whereas Canadian taxpayers can potentially save up to $11.4 billion/year if their prescription
drugs get procured through a Pharmacare plan (Canadian Federation of Nurses Union, 2014)
Whereas currently the drug procurement across the country is managed through 46 different
federal, provincial and territorial programs, each with its own administration, bureaucracy and
price regime;
Whereas it is conceivable that the Federal Government agree with a cost-sharing program, if
provinces commit to honour the broad guidelines of a national PharmaCare plan.
Be it resolved that The Liberal Party of Canada officially adopt the support for a nationaluniversal PharmaCare program as one of its policy priorities;
Be it further resolved that The Liberal Party of Canada urge the government of Canada to seize
this unique opportunity for serving the public and all levels of government to:
reconvene the first ministers and the health ministers conferences that had this item on their agendas
before getting unilaterally aborted by Mr. Harper in 2006;
capitalize on its leadership and widespread national support to have a national PharmaCare plan in
place within its first mandate.
Co-sponsored by the Seniors Liberal Commission
78

E-10 Universal Pharmacare

Whereas health is a requirement for productive involvement in the economy of Canada; the wellbeing of citizens, their families and their communities requires an equitable No Co-Pay
Universal Prescription Drug Plan. Roughly 24% of Canadians have no prescription drug
coverage and approximately 8% admit they have not filled prescriptions due to cost.
Whereas it is usually the most vulnerable people in our society who lack drug insurance
coverage. Those with plans have either Public Drug or private workplace coverage. The access
to health has thus become a function of place of employment or of wealth.
Whereas a multitude of research studies have shown that Universal Pharmacare cuts costs
through National purchasing power and lower administrative costs, and Canada has the fastest
rising drug costs among OECD countries, while countries with universal pharmacare, like
France, the U.K., Sweden, and Australia, pay less for their drugs, and their costs increase at a
much lower rate.
Be it resolved that The Liberal Party of Canada, with its partners in Government and after
consultations with the Ministers of Health across the country, enacts into law a Universal
Pharmacare Program for all residents of Canada to cover the full cost of prescription drugs.
Be it further resolved that Canada should institute changes to patent law and our industrial
policies that will serve to keep the cost of any pharmacare program affordable.
Co-sponsored by the Liberal Party of Canada (Qubec), Liberal Party of Canada (Qubec)
79

E-11 Long-Term Care Policy

Whereas insufficient capacity in long-term care has been identified as a current problem and
looming crisis in Canada given Canadas aging population;
Whereas there is no mention of long-term care in the Canada Health Act, the principles of public
administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability and accessibility are not necessarily
adhered to;
Whereas all Canadians regardless of age, income, ethnicity or religion deserve dignity, respect,
adequate care and support during this vulnerable stage of life;
Be it resolved that the Canada Health Act be amended to include long-term care;
Be it further resolved that a national strategy for long-term care be legislated, including but not
limited to national standards for staffing and training, monitoring and evaluation;
Be it further resolved that urgent infrastructure funding be made available as a priority and on an
on-going basis to increase capacity in long-term care, including the building of new, and the
renovating and retrofitting of existing facilities;
Be it further resolved that quality of life parameters be developed for long-term care patients and
that these would include: support through an assigned advocate should reliable personal support
not exist and the provision of basic human needs beyond food and shelter.
80

E-12 Drugs and Addiction as a Healthcare Issue

Whereas drug use and abuse has far reaching implications on society;
Whereas the traditional societal response to misuse of drugs has been traditionally addressed
through justice and criminal enforcement measures;
Whereas emerging evidence points to the need to take a wider approach that considers not only
current laws and societal attitudes, but also the impacts such laws and attitudes have had and
continue to have on the most vulnerable members of society13;
Whereas substance abuse has been shown to be a significant drain on Canadas economy through
its direct impact on the healthcare and criminal justice systems14;
Be it resolved that the Federal Liberal Government undertake a broad policy framework that
underpins the need for appropriate regulation of access to recreational and prescription drugs
reflective of current evidence and research, increased access to treatment and rehabilitation,
reformed criminal justice responses that enshrine treatment and rehabilitation as an operating
principle, and clear differentiation between responsibilities at the Federal, Provincial and
Municipal levels of government relative to the impacts of drug use on society;
Be it further resolved that the Federal Liberal Government include in said policy framework the
legalization of marijuana, harm-reduction programs that provide non-judgmental portals to
treatment, healthcare spending that addresses underlying issues that contribute to addiction and
criminalization, and reforms in prison healthcare that mitigates the role-conflict between security
and inmate health.
13Canadian
Drug Policy Coalition. (2012). Changing the Frame: A New Approach to Drug Policy in Canada. Canadian Drug Policy
Coalition. Retrieved from http://drugpolicy.ca/solutions/publications/changingtheframe/
14Rehm, J. et al. (2006). The Costs of Substance Abuse in Canada 2002. Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Retrieved from
http://www.ccsa. ca/Resource%20Library/ccsa-011332-2006.pdf
81

E-13 Reaffirming Womens Right to Reproductive Health Services

Whereas the LPC in 2012 overwhelming supported Resolution #58, Reaffirming Womens Right
to Reproductive Health Services;
Whereas access to reproductive health services is uneven across Canada, notably in northern,
rural, and Atlantic Canada, despite some welcome changes;
Whereas New Brunswick remains out of step because it offers limited hospital service and does
not pay for services provided in the provinces one clinic;
Whereas all provincial governments government in Atlantic Canada are Liberal, as are all MPs
in the region;
Whereas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau affirms that A womans right to choose is fundamental
in Canada; and
Whereas the Mandate Letters of the Ministers of Health, Justice, and the Status of Women do not
specifically address reproductive health services;
Be it resolved that the LPC urge the Government of Canada to enforce the provisions of the
Canada Health Act and to work with provincial and territorial governments to ensure (i) that
women across the country have fair and timely access to reproductive health services, including
surgical and medical abortions, irrespective of their place of residence, with reciprocal billing for
out-of-province services, and (ii) that those who must travel outside their home communities for
these services are reimbursed for transportation, accommodation, and childcare costs; and,
sanction any province that fails to abide by the provisions of the Canada Health Act with respect
to (i) ensuring fair access to abortion services, and (ii) covering costs related to their provision,
whether in a medical offices, clinics, or hospitals.
82

E-14 Environmental Impacts on Human Health

Whereas:
some of the tens of thousands of chemicals (many of which are cancer causing) used for several
decades in industrial processes and the production of consumer goods now contaminate our air,
water, soil, food, and homes, and they are linked to increasing incidences of chronic diseases,
such as autism, childhood asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, anaphylactic food allergies,
eczema, Crohns disease, Alzheimers, etc;
Recently, new technologies have developed rapidly, such as those that create genetically
modified organisms and nanoparticles which are being released into the atmosphere and used in
the production of consumer goods;
There have been few independent, peer-reviewed studies and no transparent, inclusive, in-depth
discussion of possible environmental and health impacts of these substances and technologies;
Protection of human health and the environment requires rigorous application of the
Precautionary Principle;
Despite the 2009 adoption as Party policy of a resolution calling for a Royal Commission on the
Environment and Health, these issues are not addressed in either the 2015 LPC platform or the
Ministerial Mandate Letters;
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
Apply the Precautionary Principle, which protects public health and the environment from
uncertain risks, to the regulation of industrial processes and the production, distribution, and
availability of consumer goods in Canada;
Initiate a process, including public hearings that will examine all aspects of the environmental
and health impacts of industrial activity in Canada, and make recommendations to be
implemented in the public interest accordingly.
83

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Policy Resolution Handbook

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-02 Infrastructure Spending Long Term Planning and Co-ordination

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-03 Maritime Immigration

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-04 Constructing a Bridge on the eastside of NCR

(Roche-NCE, Background , valuation environnementale des liaisons interprovinciales,

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-05 Poverty Reduction: Minimum Income

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-06 National Water Security Strategy

(166 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Saskatchewan)

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-07 A National Housing Strategy for Canadians

(156 Words) Liberal Party of Canada (Ontario)

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-08 Palliative and Home Care

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-09 Gender Parity on Corporate Boards

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-10 Affordable Housing

(277 Words) Liberal Party of Canada (British Columbia)

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-11 Northern Infrastructure

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-12 Public Library Services in Aboriginal Communities

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

P-13 Protecting LGBTQ2+ Rights & Refugees

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

Workshop A: Economic Growth, Innovation, and Agriculture

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-02 Marine Safety

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-03 Canadian Corporate Responsibility outside Canada

(250 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Qubec)

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-04 Public Hearings on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP)

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-05 Pension Reform

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-06 Elimination of Interprovincial Trade and Non-Trade Barriers

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-07 Agriculture Rail Costing Review

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-08 Farming Business Risk Management Programs

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-09 National Farmland Ownership Investigation

(58 words) Liberal Party of Canada (Saskatchewan)

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-10 Restore Prairie Farming Programs

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention

A-11 Special Committee on Grain Transportation

2016 Liberal Biennial Convention