Made in BC Agenda for Change SPRING 2011bc.liberal.ca/.../2011/04/Made-in-BC-Agenda-for-Change-Spring-2011.pdfCanada Pension Plan so everyone can retire in security and dignity

Liberal Party of Canada in

British Columbia

SPRING 2011

Made in BC Agenda for Change www.teambc.ca

Table of Contents

Our BC Team 1

Summary 11

Leadership 9 - 10

Protecting BC’s Natural Environment 7 - 8

Creating Jobs & Economic Growth in BC 5 - 6

Healthy BC Families & Communities 3 - 4

Introduction 2


British Columbia

The Liberal Party of Canada’s national platform includes a number of measures that can benefit every family in British Columbia, including commitments to:

» Strengthen universally accessible health care for all and build on the Canada Pension Plan so everyone can retire in security and dignity

» Help families take time off from work to look after sick loved ones at home

» Help every family with the costs of college or university so young British Columbia residents can be ready for the jobs of tomorrow

» Introduce a new tax credit to help BC home-owners with the up-front costs of renovations to make homes more energy-efficient

» Invest in quality, affordable child care for every young BC family that needs it Download the Liberal Party of Canada’s national platform at www.liberal.ca.

NATIONAL VISION

Authorized by the Official Agent of the Liberal Party of Canada (British Columbia)

Made in BC Agenda for Change - Spring 2011


British Columbia

Our BC Team

1

Surrey North Shinder Purewal

Vancouver Centre Dr. Hedy Fry

Vancouver EastRoma Ahi

Vancouver Island North Mike Holland

Vancouver KingswayWendy Yuan

Vancouver QuadraJoyce Murray

Vancouver SouthUjjal Dosanjh

VictoriaChristopher Causton

West Vancouver- Sunshine Coast- Sea to Sky Country Dan Veniez

Okanagan - ShuswapJanna Francis

Okanagan - CoquihallaJohn Kidder

Pitt Meadows - MapleRidge - MissionMadeep Bhuller

Port Moody - Westwood- Port Coquitlam Stewart McGillivray

Prince George - Peace RiverBen Levine

RichmondJoe Peschisolido

Saanich - Gulf Islands Renee Hetherington

Skeena - Bulkley ValleyKyle Warwick

South Surrey - WhiteRock - CloverdaleHardy Staub

AbbotsfordMadeleine Hardin

BC Southern InteriorShan Lavell

Burnaby - DouglasKen Low

Burnaby- New WestminsterGarth Evans

Cariboo - Prince GeorgeSangeeta Lalli

Chilliwack - Fraser CanyonDiane Janzen

Delta - Richmond East Alan Beesley

Esquimalt - Juan de FucaLillian Szpak

Fleetwood - Port KellsPam Dhanoa

Kamloops- Thompson - CaribooMurray Todd

Kelowna- Lake CountryKris Stewart

Kootenay - ColumbiaBetty Aitchison

LangleyRebecca Darnell

Nanaimo - AlberniRenee Miller

Nanaimo - Cowichan Brian Fillmore

Newton - North DeltaSukh Dhaliwal

New Westminster - CoquitlamKen Beck Lee

North VancouverTaleeb Noormohamed


British Columbians are very likely to determine the outcome of the 2011 federal election. Every vote will count and the choice is clear:

» A tired federal Conservative government that is abusing their power and out of ideas, OR

» A renewed Liberal Party of Canada ready to focus on the real concerns of BC families and protect the future of our public health care system

This BC Agenda represents a fresh alternative to a federal Conservative government and NDP MPs that have led BC in the wrong direction. It highlights key components of the national Liberal platform and identifies a focused set of objectives BC Liberal MPs will fight for, including:

» Seismic upgrading of at-risk BC hospitals and schools as priority under renewed national infrastructure program

» National centre for multi-cultural health that would include: a strong presence in BC; special emphasis on cancer prevention, heart health and diabetes within our multi-cultural populations; and recognition of foreign trained health care professionals

» Fair share of new $550 million national housing strategy over next two years to address homelessness, our aging society and lack of affordable housing for middle and low income families

» New federal regional economic development agency for BC to focus on job creation in key BC sectors, Asia-Pacific trade, Pacific Gateway, municipal and First Nations partnerships

» Reduced inter-provincial trade barriers that restrict the sale/distribution of BC food & beverage products to other provinces

» Regional public transit priorities in Greater Victoria, Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver

» Community partnerships to protect wild salmon habitat & promote stream conservation

» New liability limits to ensure taxpayers are not left to pay for the clean-up of a major oil spill

» Ongoing command of Pacific Naval fleet on west coast

» Multi-party task force to coordinate strategies that can reduce gang violence in BC

» Criminal Code changes that would require provincial review boards to give paramount consideration to public safety before recommending releases of dangerous offenders

» Unfinished redress for descendants of deceased Chinese Head Taxpayers

» Formal Kamagata Maru apology from the Prime Minister in the House of Commons


British Columbia

Introduction: Made in BC Agenda for Change

2



British Columbia

Healthy Families, Healthy Communities

Healthy Families, Healthy Com-munities

British Columbians place great value in our public health care system, but we are all worried about our ability to maintain and improve it in the future - particularly with our aging society.

Within the next 15 years over 20% of BC’s population will be over 65. Conservative MPs have no plan to address it because their approach to health care is every family and every province for themselves.

With the federal-provincial Health Accord expiring in 2014, the next Prime Minister will make crucial decisions about the future of health care. In this election, British Columbians are asking who they can trust to speak for them as these decisions are made. BC Liberal MPs and our Leader Michael Ignatieff will be at the health care table with a collaborative approach, stable funding and a specific set of objectives, including:

» Increased access to home care

» Measurable, long-term improvements in health outcomes

» Improve quality in the healthcare system

» Contain costs over the long-term – particularly as it relates to prescription drugs

Other elements of the national platform BC Liberal MPs will work for to improve the health of BC families and communities include:

» $1 billion Family Care Plan to help families with costs of caring for sick or aging loved ones

» Boost the GIS benefit for low-income seniors

» New Canadian Health Promotion Strategy

» Improved access to care in rural communities through direct investments, health promotion and incentives for doctors and nurses to practice in underserved communities

» National strategy to help BC families cope with Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and other prevailing diseases

» Stable and sustained funding for Own the Podium & Sport Canada

3



British Columbia

Healthy Families, Healthy Communities

In addition to these national health measures, BC Liberal MPs will fight for:

» National centre for multi-cultural health that would include: a strong presence in BC; special emphasis on cancer prevention, heart health, diabetes within our multi-cultural populations; and recognition of foreign trained health care professionals

» Strengthened ‘Prenatal Nutrition’ and ‘Aboriginal Head Start’ programs in BC & establishment of a new initiative to help thousands of BC children access healthy foods

» Investments in BC health research and biosciences sector to enhance our province’s role as international leader in health research excellence

» Seismic upgrading of at-risk BC hospitals

One of the most significant determinants of community health is access to affordable housing – particularly in British Columbia. Our province has many housing challenges in addition to high real estate prices. These include homelessness, seniors care and low supply of affordable housing & new rental units.

Provincial and municipal governments in BC are doing more than their fair share to address these challenges. The federal government needs to do its part too. The Conservative Party’s response is more corporate tax cuts and $1 billion G20 photo-op in Toronto.

BC federal Liberal candidates welcomed Michael Ignatieff’s commitment to a new national housing strategy and a $550 million funding increase in the Liberal platform. Our team will fight to ensure BC receives a fair share of new funding over next two years for:

» Renewing existing affordable housing stock & stimulating new construction

» Seniors housing options

» Supportive housing for people with drug addiction & mental illness - particularly in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Surrey, Prince George and the Capital Region

» Other community partnerships to prevent homelessness

ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING

4



British Columbia

Creating Jobs and Economic Growth in British Columbia

BC Liberal MPs will base their economic priorities on the concerns of the middle-class families. As Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has stated during his numerous visits to our province, a thriving middle class means a more competitive and productive Canada.

The national Liberal platform supports BC families that struggle with financial pressures of day-to-day life. It offers British Columbians a very different approach to the economy than the Conservatives and NDP. Among other things we will:

» Have a prudent plan to tackle the Conservative deficit & return to sound fiscal management

» Establish the Canadian Learning Passport to provide every BC high school student with $1,000-$1,500/year over four years for college or university

» Cancel tax cuts for large corporations and the mismanaged $30 billion deal for F-35 fighter jets

This national plan will not require an increase in income, sales or small business taxes.

Other elements of the Liberal Party of Canada’s platform that present opportunities for the BC economy include:

» Pursuit of new bilateral agreements with China & India – particularly to expand value-added forestry exports

» Improved support for BC agriculture producers through the National Food Strategy

» Significant investments to expand BC green industries, digital technology, health and biosciences sectors as part of “Canadian Champion Sectors” initiative

» Commitment to increase family class visas, expand language training and improve rapid credential recognition/integration for new Canadians

» Doubling the annual budget of the Canada Council for the Arts & increased funding for the Promart and Trade Routes cultural promotion programs

» Promotion of Canadian culture as top priority in new international Branding Canada initiative

5



British Columbia

Creating Jobs and Economic Growth in British Columbia

In addition to supporting these initiatives, BC Liberal MPs, in partnership with municipalities and the provincial government, will advance BC priorities within the proposed Canadian Transportation and Infrastructure Strategy. Priorities will include:

» Seismic upgrading of at-risk BC hospitals and schools as priority under a renewed national infrastructure program

» Regional public transit initiatives in Greater Victoria, Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver

» Major roads that support international trade, regional commerce and economic development

To further strengthen our provincial economy, BC Liberal MPs will fight for:

» Establishment of a new federal regional development agency for BC focused on:

» Asia-Pacific trade & Pacific Gateway

» A renewed partnerships with municipalities & First Nations

» Collaboration with BC colleges & universities

» Film industry, tourism and marketing opportunities – including support for Greater Victoria 2014 JUNO Awards bid & 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George

» Forestry, transportation, mining & agriculture sector councils

» Reduced inter-provincial trade barriers that restrict the sale/distribution of BC food & beverage products to other provinces

BC is one of the most small-business, service oriented economies in Canada - accounting for just over 75% of all economic activity originating from BC’s service sector. There are a number of elements of the national Liberal platform that will benefit BC small business across the province:

» Employment Insurance premium holiday for BC small business on all new youth hires

» Tax credits for investment in BC start-ups in emerging sectors

» 100% coverage of high-speed internet across rural Canada

» New training investments in the knowledge-based workforce

» Voluntary, low-cost option within the CPP that small businesses can choose for affordable pensions

SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS

6



British Columbia

Protecting British Columbia’s Natural Environment

British Columbia’s oceans, rivers, forests and other natural riches are unparalleled. They have shaped our province’s history, our economy and our sense of identity. As we saw more than ever during the 2010 Olympics, all Canadians take pride in BC’s natural heritage. British Columbians want their MPs to be advocates for its protection.

The Liberal Party of Canada has a rich history of protecting the environment. We also have a track record of securing the economic opportunities associated with an effective blueprint for a green economy.

Unfortunately, Stephen Harper and his BC Conservative MPs have set us back on the environment. In addition to ignoring international climate change agreements and the threat of oil spills off our Pacific Coast, they have failed to realize the full economic benefits of green BC innovation.

Our BC Team of candidates will fight to make sure the environment returns to the national agenda and continue the federal Liberal tradition of environmental leadership in our province.

» Green Renovation Tax Credit of up to $13,500 for families to retrofit their home by 2017

» Innovation incentives for BC clean resources sector & renewable power production to accelerate near market-ready renewable technologies in BC such as solar, wind and tidal power

» Expand Canada’s marine protected areas network & integrated oceans management

» Engage coastal communities, First Nations, provincial governments, tourism operators, ocean industries & other stakeholders in decisions about how to reduce risks to ocean health

7

In addition to building on our historic commitment to the environment, our national Liberal platform will help BC families, communities and innovators do their part for a healthy environment.



British Columbia

Protecting British Columbia’s Natural Environment

In addition to these national measures, BC Liberal MPs will fight for:

» Inclusion of BC rivers and watersheds within new Canadian Freshwater Strategy to address ground water quality, flood protection and efficient water consumption

» Incentives for agriculture producers to reduce water consumption through stronger environmental farm plans and improving fertilizer and pesticide management

» UNESCO designation for Metro Vancouver’s Burns Bog

» More responsive environmental assessment process for large scale projects – including proposal to expand jet-fuel pipeline in Richmond

» Application of science-based approach to BC aquaculture sector and greater access for BC fisheries to the growing market for eco-certified seafood

» Community partnerships to promote wild salmon habitat protection & stream conservation

During his many visits to BC, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has recognized the fundamental importance of wild Pacific Salmon to our BC economy, culture and way of life. BC Liberal MPs will fight to put fish first and ensure conservation is the top priority for all fishery management decisions.

At the same time, a Liberal government will work with the fishing industry on a range of measures including fleet rationalization, license retirement programs for fisheries in crisis and older worker retirement and retraining programs.

The disaster we all watched last year in the Gulf of Mexico was a grim reminder that we must always be vigilant to protect our natural environment from the threat of oil spills. BC Liberal MPs will work with the provincial government to conduct an independent review of Canada’s offshore oil spill prevention and response capability. Drawing on this review, BC Liberal MPs will fight for:

» Creation of a world-leading oil spill contingency plan for Canada to ensure the very best emergency and safety measures are part of the cost of doing business

» New liability limits to ensure taxpayers are not left to pay for the clean-up of a major spill and fishermen, tourist operators, coastal communities and others have access to compensation for loss of income and the cost of clean-up activities in the event of a major oil spill - without having to spend years in court fighting for it

» Legislated moratorium on all crude oil tanker traffic in BC’s Dixon Entrance, Hecate Strait, and Queen Charlotte Sound

PROTECTING OUR BC COAST FROM OIL SPILLS

8



British Columbia

Leadership

Like federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff, our BC candidates believe the job of being a Member of Parliament comes down to bringing Canadians together. Divisive politics have made our country smaller. It’s time to show leadership by returning to a respectful relationship between the federal government and civil society.

To the BC federal Liberal Team, political leadership also means:

» Responsible fiscal management & environmental stewardship

» Inclusive and effective representation for constituents

» Promoting partnerships with other levels of government, First Nations & community organizations

» Making sure federal programs are responsive and operating effectively on behalf of the taxpayers we serve

Unfortunately, the federal Conservative regime and their BC MPs have failed on all these counts. They have:

» Set new records for appointing Senators

» Delivered the largest national debt and deficits in Canadian history

» Shut down Parliament twice & broken accountability commitments

» Supported plan to spend more than $30 billion on new military fighter jets without public tender

» Introduced massive US-style prison program without any idea of how many billions it will cost taxpayers

» Adopted a take-it-or-leave it approach the BC Harmonized Sales Tax deal – which is one of the main reasons the new tax was introduced so poorly

» Wasted $1 billion on 72 hour G8/G20 photo–op in Toronto and $100s of millions on pro-government advertising

» Reduced services to veterans

...there’s no humanity, no soul, there’s no kindness, there’s no femininity — the things that give people the greatest pleasure in life are absent...Feeling acknowledged, feeling understood, feeling respect, they’re just not there. “ ”

9

Former Vancouver Centre Conservative candidate Rachel Greenfeld on her Party’s campaign management:

Chilliwack – Fraser Canyon Conservative Party member on their Party’s election nomination process:

...they corrupted the proceedings...a tremendously distasteful show of inside corruption...“ ”



British Columbia

Our BC federal Liberal team of candidates believe government must be a positive force in the lives of citizens and address the challenges facing our society. BC Liberal MPs will ensure initiatives proposed in our national platform find a home in British Columbia, including:

» $200 million increase in funding for post-secondary opportunities for Aboriginal students

» New funding to increase capacity, knowledge-sharing and training for BC’s volunteer organizations

» National task force to examine the systemic causes of the problem of missing and murdered Aboriginal women

» Veterans’ Learning Benefit that covers four years of education costs

» Community Heroes benefit of $300,000 for families of fallen officers in BC

» $3,000 refundable tax credit for volunteer firefighters

» Civilian oversight board to address leadership issues in the RCMP

To address other outstanding regional issues, BC Liberal MPs will also work to:

» Maintain command of Pacific Naval fleet on the west coast

» Complete unfinished redress for descendants of deceased Chinese Head Taxpayers

» Secure apology from the Prime Minister in the House of Commons for the Kamagata Maru

» Re-direct pro-government advertising budgets to communicate important public services and health promotion information to new Canadians struggling with English

» Use the Kelowna Accord as basis for all future discussions with BC First Nations

» Promote responsible & flexible approach to negotiations with provincial government regarding the BC harmonized sales tax

» Review of medical marijuana growing regulations in collaboration with municipal governments

10

Leadership

In addition to supporting victims of crime, gun control and crime prevention partnerships, BC Liberal MPs will fight for:

» Establishment of a multi-party task force with provincial government to coordinate strategies that can reduce gang violence in BC

» Criminal Code changes that would require provincial review boards to give paramount consideration to public safety before recommending releases of dangerous offenders

SAFE COMMUNITIES



British Columbia

Conclusion

British Columbians are very likely to determine the outcome of the 2011 election and every vote will count. The choices are clear:

» A tired federal Conservative government that has run out of ideas and respect for the Canadian people, OR

» A renewed Liberal Party of Canada ready to focus on the real concerns of BC families and the future of our public health care system

The Made in BC Agenda for Change represents a fresh alternative to a federal Conservative government and NDP MPs that have led British Columbia – and Canada – in the wrong direction. It also highlights key components of the national Liberal platform and identifies a focused set of concrete objectives BC Liberal MPs will fight for.

Every day more British Columbians are asking questions about the direction Stephen Harper and his BC Conservative Members of Parliament are taking Canada:

» Where is their plan for the future of our public health care system?

» Why are we spending tens-of-billions of dollars on stealth fighter jets and US style mega-prisons instead of investing in jobs, health care and education?

» How did the Harper government turn a multi-billion surplus into the largest deficit in Canadian history?

British Columbians voting in this election are also asking what Jack Layton and the NDP have really accomplished over the past five years besides keeping Stephen Harper and the Conservative government in power by dividing progressive voters.

The election on May 2 offers an opportunity for British Columbians to answer these questions, elect a new Liberal government and choose an inclusive Prime Minister that will protect health care, turn our economy around and focus on the future of all families, rather than just a select few.

11

Documents

Made in BC Agenda for Change SPRING 2011bc.liberal.ca/.../2011/04/Made-in-BC-Agenda-for-Change-Spring-2011.pdfCanada Pension Plan so everyone can retire in security and dignity