Issues
Healthcare
Five million Canadians do not have a family doctor. One million patients are on waiting lists for care.
In some parts of Canada, private for-profit corporations are allowed to undermine our public health care system.
It’s time for a change.
We must improve health care so no-one is left behind. We must be innovative. And you and your family must not be forced to wait because someone with more money is jumping the queue.
The Arts
Lewis Cardinal and the New Democrats are strong supporters of the arts. Lewis believes in strong investment in arts and culture as means towards a strong and diverse economy, a major contributor to social determinents of health and the recognition of local artists on a national and international level.
We will promote the production and broadcast of Canadian content on Canadian television and in Canadian theatres, and will strongly support Canada’s performing arts, cultural institutions, and creators.
We will ensure Canadian TV and telecom networks remain Canadian-owned by maintaining effective regulations on foreign ownership;
We will re-focus the mandate of the CRTC to promote and protect Canadian cultural industries;
We will provide sustained funding for the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada, enhance federal film incentives and develop a targeted strategy for the promotion of domestic films in Canada;
We will set license requirements for broadcasters based on clear, binding and enforced performance standards for broadcasters, including increased Canadian drama.
We will increase public funding for the Canada Council and implement tax averaging for artists and cultural workers;
We will explore the creation of a new international arts touring fund to replace the now-defunct Trade Routes and PromArt programs;
We will implement a matching grant for Canadian museums, historic buildings and heritage lighthouses;
We will introduce tax incentives to ensure the restoration and preservation of historic buildings;
We will strengthen public broadcasting with long-term stable funding for CBC, Radio-Canada and other public broadcasters, including capacity to deliver superior regional production and internet services;
We will reform the CRTC and also ensure it better reflects Quebec’s cultural and linguistic reality and that of the francophone community;
We will develop a digital on-line culture service to broaden access to Canadian content.
Environment
For our children and grandchildren, we must change the way things are done in Ottawa. We must act now so we don’t leave them a vastly degraded Canada, and a very inhospitable world.
Jack Layton and the New Democrats will tackle the challenge of climate change – not with Mr. Harper’s idle words or by taxing you and your family – but with tough laws that force polluters to clean up the mess they’ve made.
We will stop the tax giveaways that reward corporate polluters. We will seize the opportunity to build a new energy economy – new industries, new jobs for Canadians, new environmental solutions.
The Economy
The Conservatives promised to put jobs first.
They didn’t.
While they stand by, good jobs are disappearing, and many of our jobs are being shipped overseas.
Thousands of hard-working Canadians are struggling to pay the bills and support their families because they are forced to rely on a succession of insecure, low-wage jobs.
We can do better. Every worker deserves a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, respect in the workplace, and a secure pension.
Jack Layton and the New Democrats will act on your priorities:
- We will provide leadership to keep jobs in Canada, encourage innovation, and help you balance your budget by putting a stop to consumer gouging.
- We will invest in new energy solutions, affordable housing, and education and training for workers and young people.
- We will ensure that opportunities are shared with working families and individuals, not taken away through tax giveaways to those who need them least.
Canadian workers have the ingenuity, work ethic and desire to be successful.
Jack Layton and the New Democrats will ensure that every Canadian can share in our country’s opportunities and potential. We will put you and your family first.
For information on the NDP position on other issues, visit here: http://www.ndp.ca/platform
