Introduction
In Canada a multi-party system is operating, however, throughout all of its history, there were only two power parties that replace each other- liberals and conservatives. This paper is discussing the Liberal Party of Canada providing a brief overview, the promises that are given, and its leader Stephen Dion.
Overview
The Liberal Party of Canada was established nationwide in 1873. Originally it united the defenders of the rights of provinces, supporters of free trade, and bigger independence in relation to Great Britain; leaned against a theoretical heritage of English Manchester liberalism, North American radicalism, and the French revolution in 1848.
Starting from 1930 The Liberal Party of Canada has gone to more active social policy, including the help to the unemployed, payments of grants to farmers and etc. Continuing to protect free business, liberals allowed the state economic regulation, “Canadianization” of the economy, and the introduction of government programs of social security.
The Liberal Party of Canada declares the adherence to liberal principles of individual freedom, responsibility, and the dignity of the person within the limits of a fair society and political freedom within the limits of original participation for all, as well as a lawful state. Liberals proclaim the equality of chances for all members of the society, encouragement of a cultural variety, and bilingual rights. The Liberal Party of Canada was in the power in 1873-1878, 1896-1911, 1921-1926, 1926-1930, 1935-1957, 1963-1979, 1980-1984, and since 1993.
The Promises
The promises of The Liberal Party of Canada according to the campaign platform for 2008 focused around three concepts that can be expressed as richer, fairer, and greener. Accordingly, these concepts are made to help to face the three challenges that Canada faces which are: “growing our economy, fighting the climate change crisis, and helping our fellow Canadians”. The “richer” concept includes such steps as:
- Lowering income taxes.
- New annual child tax credit
- Reformation of the tax system
- Additional assistance to rural and northern Canadians
- Reducing the federal corporate tax rates
- Reduce taxes for small businesses
- Smart tax incentives
In general, these steps are few from a more detailed plan that includes balanced budgets, long-term infrastructure investment programs, creation of Advanced Manufacturing Prosperity Fund to support major investments in manufacturing and R&D facilities.
The concept of “greener” as the name implies is concerned about ecology and pollution reduction. The steps that are promised to be taken to solve the ecology and pollution problems are:
- Fighting climate change crisis – which consists of reducing industrial emissions, and clean energy.
- Clean air – passing new pass tough National Ambient Air Quality Standards
- Protecting the water resources
- Protecting health
The concept of “fairer” is concerned mostly with social problems such as children, health care, poverty, and immigration. Some of the promises include implementing such steps as:
- Income support
- New funds for child care
- Enforcing Canada Health Act
- New immigration plan
Stephen Dion
Stephane Maurice Dion (born September 28, 1955, in Quebec) before being elected as a leader for the Liberal party of Canada served as Foreign Affairs critic in Interim Leader Bill Graham’s cabinet. Dion was elected as the leader of the Liberal Party in 1996 and re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004, and 2006. The accomplishments of Dion include:
- Extending the Kyoto protocol
- Protection of Canada’s heritage sites
- Developing the federal government’s case against unilateral secession which was later turned into law through the Clarity Act, passed in 2000
Works Cited
The Liberal Party of Canada. Richer, Fairer, Greener : An Action Plan for the 21st Century. 2008. Web.
The Liberal Party of Canada. Stephane Dion In Depth. 2008.