Political Parties & Policy

Focus Question: What values shape the economic policies of political parties on social programs and taxation?

Political Platforms The description of a political

party's policies is called their political platform

These platforms reflect the values and beliefs of the party members

They also may reflect issues which concern their constituents

Platforms are not rigid – they change constantly

Changes occur if issues are no longer important to voters

They may change in response to particular current event issues

Local, national or world events

Values and Policy

Values influence economic policy vastly

The policies within a party platform usually tell where the party sits on the economic continuum

Where would you place these imaginary parties?

Political Parties &

Social Programs:

Canada

Political Parties & Social Programs:Canada Continued

Political Parties & Social Programs: United States

Political Platforms: United States

Historical Context – Public Health Care

Tommy Douglas is known as the “father” of Canada's health care system

He campaigned for universal healthcare while a Saskatchewan premier and leader of the NDP

Many were opposed to the idea at first

Doctors in Saskatchewan went on strike

The federal NDP only won 16 seats after Douglas became its leader

Other federal leaders supported the idea

John Diefenbaker (PCP)

Lester Pearson (LP)

Public health care was implemented in 1966 by the Medical Care Act

Douglas was voted Canada's “Greatest Canadian” in 2004

Joining/Creating a Political Party Most political parties have the following criteria to accept

members: Resident of Canada At least 14 years old Believe in the principles of the party Not a member of another political party

If you wanted to create your own political party, the following is the criteria:

At least 18 years old Have the support of at least 250 eligible voters in

Canada The party must have a name Run at least one candidate during an election

Political Parties of Canada

• The following link takes you to an in-depth list of federal political parties in Canada

• http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?dir=par&document=index&lang=e&section=pol

Vote CompassWhich party would you support?

• Go to the following link and answer the questions to see which party you should vote for if you could vote

• http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/votecompass/alberta2015.html