Party Platforms—Do you know what you're voting for?

With Federal Election Day approaching on May 2nd, it is important that students know who and what they are voting for. Here are the basic platforms for the parties running:

New Democratic Party: NDP leader Jack Layton plans on a $2.3 billion budget dedicated to job-creation and lowering small business taxes, as well as a tax credit of up to $4,500 for companies who hire new staff members. Layton would raise the corporate tax to 19.5 per cent and pledges $700 million to the Guaranteed Income Supplement to help low-income seniors. He also promises a program to help families who are caring for their elderly parents in their home. He also says he will extend work leaves under the employment insurance from six weeks to six months. The NDP also promises a caregiver benefit for low income to middle income families that would be worth $1,500 per year and would cost the federal treasury $1.3 billion. Layton pledges to reduce energy use through long-term plans.

Liberal Party: Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff promises a three-year pension plan to help Canadians save for retirement. He says the liberals will have a voluntary sector called the Secure Retirement Option that would help people save five to 10 per cent extra through a CPP fund. The liberals promise to raise the Guaranteed Income Supplement by $700 million. They also plan an $8 billion, 94 page platform, “Liberal Family Pack” focused on incentives for homes such as energy programs and caregiver assistance. Corporate tax would increase to 18 per cent from 16.5 per cent and end tax credits for oil sands development. Ignatieff promises a $120 million program which would fund tuitions costs, books, and living expenses for up to four years of post-secondary education or training for military veterans.

Conservative Party: Prime minister and conservative party leader Stephen Harper has announced a budget targeting rural Canada, which includes student loan reductions for family doctors and nurses who work in rural communities. He is also offering a $3000 tax credit for volunteer firefighters. The Tories have promised 2.2 million to Quebec to help taxes meet with the new GST and PST. The conservatives also promise to double the tax-free savings account limit up to $10 000 annually. They also hope to introduce an income-splitting plan for double-income households and new fitness-related tax credits. The party also promises to eliminate the deficit by 2014 and increase healthcare funds by six per cent, thereafter. The party pledges a family tax cut for caregivers and seniors. It also promises for safer streets through support for crime victims, combating human trafficking, and law and order legislation. The party also plans to focus on Arctic protection, the purchase of F-35’s, and fighting terrorism.

Green Party: The Green Party promises to create thousands of jobs through investing in renewable energy and reconstructing buildings to be energy efficient. They offer to expand employment insurance and the security of pension plans. Elizabeth May says they will reconsider current trade agreements to ensure a fair and environmentally healthy future. They promise to assist organic farmers and sustain fisheries and forests in a healthy way. They promise to reduce

the deficit and encourage “Made in Canada” products. May pledges help for married couples and families, lowering income taxes and hiring more people to work less, more flexible hours. The party promises early childhood education and support for working parents. They promise long-term, sustainable funding for local communities and better healthcare. They promise a better climate through stricter and stronger measures. They also promise to review Canada’s role in Afghanistan and ensures the protection of human rights.

Bloc Quebecois: Gilles Duceppe promises to maintain “Québec’s values, identity, and language and culture”, according to his platform. The party pledges to support the independence of Quebec as a French nation. The party promises to put the good of citizens ahead of the regime, working towards clean energy and a strong economy. They promise to ensure equal treatment from Ottawa for Quebec and to maintain justice rather than retribution. They pledge equality for women, aboriginals, and Quebec’s culture and to ensure the respect of all individuals.