PLATFORM
This platform reflects the themes and ideas that have emerged in many discussion papers, debates, and my many conversations with Canadians in all parts of the country. The four planks of this platform synthesize the ideas that have arisen the most. They represent the policy goals I would pursue as President of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Plank One: Engaging Members
Liberal Values
-- We must abort the internal divisive behaviours of the past and unite to improve the future sustainability of our party and our country.
-- We developed a complacent attitude over the years that helped turn off 1,500,000 Liberals from voting last May. We lost our deposit in 1/3 of the ridings. We need to reconnect with those members and give them a reason to restore their faith and interest in Liberal values and our direction.
Access to membership and voting
-- The party needs an on-line voting system that engages the entire membership in selecting our next Leader. The same system would work in choosing local candidates.
-- Any Canadian citizen 14 and older who wants to join the party should be able to join for free, engage in all party discussions about the party’s direction, and vote online for the local candidate and the Leader.
-- We need to cancel the power of the Leader and National Board to hand-pick candidates and veto the democratic will of riding associations. In order to attract, keep, and engage members, the Liberal Party must show them that their choices are trusted, respected, and valued.
-- We need to re-design our party structure, realizing that our current organization is too cumbersome and outdated. A thorough reorganization is necessary if we are to win the next election.
-- We will set the table for a wide-open leadership race that provides any member who wants to run for Leader with an equal opportunity to do so, in a leadership vote that will engage more members than traditional methods. I further pledge that the office of the president shall be completely neutral throughout any leadership campaign.
Plank Two: Community Outreach
Building Links to Community Groups
-- The party leadership, caucus and riding associations need to connect with citizens through the organizations and events in which Canadian communities engage – from charity events and local sports leagues, to cultural celebrations and the work of our diverse arts communities.
-- The Liberal Party is built on equality, respect, and inclusiveness. We must reach out to community groups and faith-based organizations. We must understand the unique issues facing Canada’s multicultural community and declare unequivocally that the Liberal Party, while standing for a united Canada, remains committed to multiculturalism, a principle inscribed in Canadian law.
-- We are proud Liberals. We are not afraid to let people know what we support, who we support, and why. The “why” is paramount. Liberals can hold the centre of Canadian politics only by taking a clear stand on the issues and explaining transparently the reasons behind our beliefs.
-- We must better integrate the future of our party – the young Liberals. We must include them in our outreach, grassroots organizing and policy development so that we ensure continued voter engagement and consolidate our support base.
-- We should tap into the strength, passion and energy of our Liberal family members to volunteer their support at all times, and not just during campaign periods. We have too many under-used members or prospective members who are otherwise ready, willing, and eager to roll up their sleeves and get to work. We must provide them with the tools for success, open clear communication channels and embrace their efforts.
Online Community
-- We are missing the opportunities presented by modern communications technology. The Liberal Party must connect better with members and improve our outreach online. We must be able to identify our current and potential supporters. In all cases, we must be transparent and operate within a context of fairness.
-- Our policy conventions must engage all members on their ideas, priorities, and concerns, rather than relying on delegates to make policy decisions.
-- Our online tools and social media strategies must enable us to connect better with young Liberals, and to help take their ideas forward into policy. Like our youth, we must thrive online.
Plank Three: Creating a Lean, Mean Fundraising Machine
-- The party can expect members and donors to contribute money only when the party actually includes them, listens to them and gives them reasons to be involved. If we can achieve that, the money will follow. We need to make the party fun and accessible again.
-- As Liberals, we are polite but fearless in letting our supporters know the party needs their help in every way they can give it: practical, organizational, political and financial.
-- We should explore alternate membership and fundraising options, such as providing a free membership in return for monthly contributions to the Victory Fund.
-- We must modernize, streamline and professionalize our fundraising system. Feedback from members is vitally important, and we will listen. We will also seek independent advice so that we invest intelligently and proactively in a new system to fund our campaigns.
Plank Four: Regenerating a Grassroots Movement
Communities and multilingualism
-- We must engage francophones everywhere in our re-building. We must impress upon these communities that the Liberal Party values linguistic duality in our national conversations and our policies.
-- We should reach beyond the two official languages to welcome new Canadians in their own languages. We can make ourselves more accessible to grassroots by bridging relationships within Canada’s cultural communities and organizations.
-- We must also include our First Peoples – the First Nations, Métis and Inuit. In particular, many First Nations people who live on reserve do not see a place for themselves in our party. We must welcome them, and demonstrate that they can achieve their goals through working with the Liberal party. We see aboriginal people as a basic pillar of Liberal strength.
-- We must unite our party and achieve national goals while respecting our urban, rural, northern and regional diversity. Everywhere, we must break down the cultural, regional, and social status barriers – and welcome every Canadian into the Liberal Party.
Empower and Unify Every EDA Across the Nation
-- Every riding association needs to be connected to the central party. No riding association can be permitted to feel neglected or cut off. The party’s central organization must provide the tools and support to foster an active, productive, and self-sustainable Liberal association in every riding.
-- Create a dedicated department within the Liberal party structure to assist and support every EDA across the country, ensuring that every voice is heard, even in ridings that are not held by Liberal MPs.
-- Canadians from every walk of life, and every political stripe, need to see that there is a place for them at the Liberal table, and that we respect their views and contributions.
-- We will establish this task of rebuilding our riding associations as a national project. It will provide local Liberals with the opportunity to network locally, to plan, and to grow the party. This strategic project will reach into every community in the country.
-- By remembering our core values, and reaching out to all of Canada’s diverse communities and regions with a willingness to engage, listen and act together based on what we learn, then we will restore the Liberal brand and win the next election.
-- Bonus: We can also have a lot of fun!