Promote the public and political spheres
CONSULTATION ON GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES

Some Problems

The citizens of Canada frequently express a certain disinterest with respect to important societal debates. This phenomenon is in part explained by the fact that these people feel, and legitimately so, that their voice does not count.

During the past few decades, we have witnessed a growing concentration of power in the hands of the Prime Minister's office, a few key ministers and some public servants.

On the other hand, we have seen the government exercise public consultations that are little more than exercises (of public relations). Even more, the government establishes vast consultations, such as the royal commissions, that serve no purpose other than to stall for time. Often times, the recommendations that result from these public consultations are put on the shelf despite their high cost.

Some solutions

During our first mandate, we want to implement clear processes that will define all public consultations pertaining to government policy and priorities. As social-democrats it is not only important to elaborate better policies, but also to ensure that the process of elaboration and the application of these policies be as transparent and democratic as possible.

These consultations must be real consultations, where the contribution of these groups and people shall be fully taken into consideration. The government must however play a leadership role in as much as it is possible.

For this reason we will elaborate policy proposals that will include:

• A declaration that will describe the principles and intentions that are at the base of the policy proposition;
• Clear objectives;
• A summary description of the methods proposed to attain these objectives;

With these consultation documents, all Canadians would be able to express their opinion on the principles, the objectives and on the methods. We want to promote the use of itinerary extra-parliamentarian commissions.

During the first mandate, we would hold such consultations notably on the following priorities:

• The concentration of ownership of the media;
• Political party financing and electoral reform
• Business' social balance sheet;
• Work sharing;
• Universal income and fiscal reform;
• Legalization of drugs;
• Cooperative funds for community investment;
• Investment funds for green technology.