FEDERAL ELECTION 2015 Comparison of the Four Major Political Party Platforms September 2015- DRAFT as of October 14, 2015

The following table compares the platform positions of the four major federal political parties with RNAO‘s key expectations for the next federal government, as set out in RNAO's platform, Why Health Matters .1 Commitments of the parties included in the table are based on the policies available from the parties' campaign websites (August 2, 2015- October 14, 2015), as well as their answers to RNAO's questionnaire2. Only those commitments that address aspects of RNAO‘s own platform are included. This document will continue to be updated as more information from the above sources becomes available.

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PARTY POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

A. Medicare Protect and strengthen Canada‘s universally accessible, publicly funded and not-for-profit health system

1. Enforce the principles "The Harper Government supports a publicly- "New Democrats are strong "A new Liberal government will re- "Defend single-payer universal health of the Canada Health funded, universally accessible and sustainable defenders of our cherished public engage on Canadian health care and care. Bring all parties back to the table 12 Act and negotiate a new health care system. Since 2006, the Harper healthcare system...We will restore negotiate a new Health Accord with for a renewal of the Health Accord." government has increased the Canada Health the federal leadership role that has provinces and territories, including a Health Accord Transfer by 70% while balancing the budget been lacking under the long-term agreement on funding."8 "Greens fully support the Canada including increased and keeping taxes low. Under a re-elected Conservatives. New Democrats have Health Act (CHA) and all its principles health transfers Harper Government, health transfers will committed to reverse Stephen "A Liberal government‘s additional – the five guiding criteria of the CHA continue to grow on a sustainable and Harper‘s reckless, unilateral cuts to priorities for a new Health Accord will are non-negotiable...To facilitate predictable basis. In particular, beginning in healthcare funding and work include: federal leadership in health care and 2017–18, health transfers will increase in line collaboratively with the provinces  Improving access and reducing the negotiate the principles of increased with the growth of the economy or at a and territories on developing a new cost of prescription medications health transfers, a Council of Canadian minimum of 3 per cent annually. As a result, set of health care agreements. We  Pan-Canadian collaboration on Governments – representing the health transfers will rise from $32.1 billion in also believe the federal government health innovation. provinces, territories, municipalities 2014–15 to $40.9 billion in 2019–20 – an has an important role to play in  Increasing the availability of high- and Indigenous governments – could increase of nearly $27 billion over the next upholding the Canada Health Act and quality mental health services"9 create a working committee on health five years. This will ensure that the in working with the provinces and care." 13

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PARTY POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

Government‘s long-term fiscal position is territories to adapt Medicare to the sustainable, while also providing certainty and challenges of the 21st century." 5 ―Liberals know we need a conversation "[The Council]... will facilitate this stability to the provinces and territories."3 that goes beyond simply mirroring intergovernmental cooperation. The "...we will enforce the principles of commitments made in previous decades. Council would promote collaboration ―Our government is committed to a publicly- the Canada Health Act. We will We need a federal government between federal, provincial, and funded, universally accessible and sustainable [work] cooperatively with the committed to innovation, collaboration, municipal governments." 14 health care system... as well as consistent, provinces and territories to negotiate and partnering with provinces and sustainable increases to the Canada Health a new health accord. New Democrats territories to achieve a modern, efficient, "The Green Party believes that Ottawa Transfer."4 will put innovation, patient-centred equitable system of universal health must provide adequate funding and care, value for money and care. We need a partner who firm national leadership to guide the accountability at the heart of our understands that our population is aging. effective collaboration needed to commitment to health care."6 We need a partner who understands that strengthen our health care system and to get Canadians the health care they to develop national standards for more "...the NDP will reverse Stephen need, we require a serious and equitable coverage..."15 Harper‘s cuts to the Canada Health substantial response from the federal 10 Transfer. To provide stability, we government.‖ "Increase the Canada Health Transfer will ensure the transfer increases by to account for the age of a province‘s at least 6% per year. This will put "... the federal government has a vital population, so they can afford to over $5 billion back into health care role to play [in health care]. The absence provide health care with a in the next four years to address the of a federal-provincial partnership, and demographic that is weighted with priorities that provinces and lack of engagement on the expired seniors"16 Canadians have identified," 7 federal-provincial Health Accord, was a missed opportunity. A Liberal government will call a federal-provincial meeting to reach a long-term agreement on health care funding. In addition to re- engaging in areas where there is direct federal responsibility – including health promotion, support to caregivers, and First Nations‘ health – we have

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PARTY POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

committed to meeting with the Premiers to strengthen our health care. Together, we can make measurable progress on the issues that matter to Canadians..."11 2. Expand our universally "... invest $2.6 billion in new federal "We will improve access to necessary "Green MPs will call for a universal accessible, publicly funding to initiate universal public prescription medications. We will join pharmacare program that ensures all funded, not-for-profit drug coverage, to be phased in over provincial and territorial governments to Canadians can access the medication health-care system to the next four years and reaching $1.5 negotiate better prices for prescription they need....A national pharmacare include pharmacare billion annually in 2019/2020. This medications and to buy them in bulk – program will enable Canada to commitment does not depend on reducing the cost governments pay to negotiate purchases in bulk and matching funds from the provinces purchase drugs.... We will continue to combine administration costs, saving and territories. The NDP will work ensure timely approvals for new billions. We will establish, in with provinces, pool our resources medicines, many of which not only cooperation with the provinces, a new and leverage our combined strength improve patient health, but reduce crown corporation to bulk purchase so that together we can: overall health care costs as well. We will and dispense prescription drugs, based  Negotiate lower drug prices consult with industry and review the on a rigorous evidence-based model. that are more in line with rules used by the Patented Medicine This program should adopt the four other developed countries; Prices Review Board to ensure value for key recommendations of the 23  Bulk purchase prescription the money governments and individual Pharmacare 2020 Report..." Canadians spend on brand name drugs." drugs at better prices; and 20  Streamline the drug review "... we have committed to meeting with "... National Pharmacare would also and listing process, reducing the Premiers to strengthen our health ensure screening of all drugs for safety duplication and overhead care. Together, we can make measurable and effectiveness by requiring that all costs for the provincial and progress on the issues that matter to provinces participate in the Common Canadians – like wait times, the Drug Review to address drug federal governments. 21 24 To support this partnership, we will affordability of prescription drugs..." safety..." dedicate a further $80 million over four years to improve provincial- "We will also develop a pan-Canadian federal capacity for drug reviews, collaboration on health innovation, and listing, joint pricing negotiations and will improve access to necessary

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PARTY POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

improving safety by reducing prescription medications. We will join inappropriate prescribing."17 with provincial and territorial governments to buy drugs in bulk, "New Democrats have for years reducing the cost Canadian governments advocated for the goal of universal pay for these drugs, and making them drug coverage in the best interest of more affordable for Canadians."22 Canadians... Canadians continue to pay more for prescription drugs than those in other OECD countries with costs varying depending on where you live. New Democrats are committed to re-engaging with provinces and territories to create a new health accord and to working collaboratively on a national plan within our public health system to lower Canadians‘ costly output on drugs." 18 "NDP Leader...announced ... his plan to work with provinces to make prescription drugs more affordable, by supporting universal prescription drug coverage and controlling drug costs through bulk purchasing..." 19 3. Expand our universally "Expand homecare to support 41,000 "...we will invest $3 billion over the next ...[expand] the public investment at the accessible, publicly seniors – freeing up hospital beds and four years to prioritize additional and primary healthcare level to include funded, not-for-profit reducing overcrowding in emergency improved home care services for all home care and long-term care in the health-care system to rooms." 25 Canadians...We will work with the community, out patient rehabilitation include home care provinces and territories to ensure all services, dental and vision care, and "Home care has been on the NDP‘s Canadians have access to high-quality services needed to address Autism

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PARTY POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

‗to do‘ list as a missing piece of the in-home caregivers, financial supports Spectrum Disorder;"31 health care mosaic ever since the for family care, and, when necessary, Canada Health Act was established. palliative care." 27 "...Green MPs will advocate for a It is an essential part of the health National Home Care Policy that care continuum both on its own "Given our aging population...improving improves upon existing eldercare merits and, increasingly, as a cost homecare will need to be a key issue policies and establishes guidelines for saving option to institutional that is discussed as the federal and the care of seniors who have special environments. We look forward to provincial governments negotiate a needs and require care by geriatric being in a position, as government, to long-term agreement on health care specialists. While we applaud the further integrate home care into our funding." 28 provinces for taking the lead on national public health system...We continuing care, we are in desperate will continue to consult with ―We will work with the provinces and need of federal leadership to provincial and territorial territories to ensure all Canadians have harmonize the provincial plans and governments and other stakeholders access to high-quality in-home give the kind of nation-wide support on this and other options as we move caregivers, financial supports for family that only the federal government can 26 forward on this important file." care, and, when necessary, palliative provide." 32 care.‖29 "We will work through the Council of ―Other countries with successful, Canadian Governments to develop a universal health systems have made the National Seniors Strategy with the necessary shift from physician-and following elements: hospital-based care to an integrated,  A Housing plan, with primary-care system that incorporates affordable, predictable home community, home, and long-term care. care support;... Home care must become an even more  An approach that supports important part of our own health care ―aging in place‖33 system. We know that many Canadians would choose to receive care at home. A patient-centered approach adapts to Canadians‘ lifestyles and needs –

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PARTY POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

enabling them to have independence and dignity. We also know that this helps reduce cost burdens within our health care system, allowing additional resources to be brought to bear to improve quality.‖30

4. Reject efforts to "Under both the Conservatives and "Every Canadian deserves access to "The federal government must reassert privatize and/or the Liberals that preceded them, New timely, publicly-funded, quality, its mandate to protect the Canada commercialize the Democrats have been waging a universal health care – regardless of Health Act. The Green Party proposes concerted battle to stop the background, physical need, where they to measure and identify the extent of delivery of health care hemorrhaging of our public health live, or how much they make." 35 the multi-tiered system in Canada with – including user fees, services to private, for-profit an eye to completely eliminating all copayments, means businesses. In government, we will ―Liberals believe that the quality of our the current scheme‘s inequalities... testing, and medical continue that struggle with renewed health care system must be improved Only a single-payer system can tourism vigor." 34 while maintaining its universality. provide Canadians with the quality Attempts to privatize our health care healthcare that we need." 37 system undermine the principles of universality and the Canada Health Act.‖36 5. Resurrect a "Inter-professional teams have long "Our commitment is nothing less than "The Green Party of Canada believes commitment made by been a core part of the New ensuring an integrated primary care that we should embrace the vision of the First Ministers in Democrat vision for health care, as system in Canada that is ‗Patient-Centered Primary Care‘ as evidenced in our support for multidisciplinary, patient-centered, and developed by the College of Family 2003 to achieve 24/7 community health centres. Working committed to managing chronic disease Physicians of Canada. The health care access to primary care to their full scope, such collaborative within community, home, and long-term team that centres on the patient delivered by teams offer Canadians a thorough care settings." 41 includes a large number of trained interprofessional teams and efficient health delivery professionals and moves away from a working to their full alternative...New Democrats will physician-centric model of health care

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PARTY POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

scope initiate new health accord delivery. The Green Party will work to negotiations with the provinces and shift our focus from hospital-based territories that will encompass such care to community-based primary care previous goals and commitments delivered by teams." 42 with a view to the future." 38

"Helping five million Canadians get better access to family doctors and primary care teams by building 200 clinics across Canada, including community health clinics and mobile rural clinics." 39

"As Prime Minister, Tom will... get back to working collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve primary care and expand access to long-term and primary care."40 6. Reverse cuts made to "...A New Democrat government will ―A Liberal government will fully restore "The Green Party agrees with the the Interim Federal not balance its budgets on the backs the Interim Federal Health Program Federal Court that these cuts constitute Health Program, which of refugees and will move as quickly (IFHP).The Conservative government ―cruel and unusual treatment‖ and are as possible to fully restore refugee shamelessly cut basic health care unconstitutional. We are turning our provides limited health services." 43 services for the most vulnerable. We backs on Canada‘s long history of temporary healthcare agree with the Supreme Court that this compassionate refugee resettlement benefits to refugee attack on basic health care services for policies. Greens will swiftly reverse claimants the most vulnerable is unconstitutional these cuts." 45 and have been calling on the government to reverse these cuts since the government first announced them.

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PARTY POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

Our party believes that vulnerable people who travel to Canada from abroad in search of opportunity deserve a real and fair chance at success.‖44 7. Reinstate the Health "...A New Democratic government is ―A Liberal government will work with "Greens believe that a strong national Council of Canada committed to negotiating a new provinces and territories to overcome health care system must be (HCC) health accord with the provinces and obstacles to innovation in health care underwritten not just with federal cash, territories. The Health Council of delivery and to disseminate and scale up but also with a substantial dose of Canada was a child of the 2004 successful new practices, such as ways federal government leadership. To this Health Accord and we would include to use genomics in precision medicine. end, the Health Council of Canada the resurrection or reformulation of a This includes supporting initiatives that could be reinstated, or a Council of HCC-style body as part of that new help health care providers collaborate, Canadian Governments could create a intergovernmental discussion." 46 across Canada, to ensure the most standing council on health care, as has appropriate and effective treatments and been done in Australia. Either of these practices for their patients. By using the bodies, purposed with the task of best available evidence, governments renewing the Canada Health Accord, can increasingly work together to would send a clear message that the support front-line health providers as federal government has an important they deliver high-quality and effective role to play in our health care system." care to Canadians.‖47 48

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

B. Access to Care Improve access to quality, person-centred care

1. Earmark funding to increase "...We will make every effort to ―Nurses are going to be essential, "Canada needs more nurses but registered nurse- and nurse ensure that adequate nurse-to- front-line parts of executing this Canada also needs nurses doing practitioner-to-population population ratios and the increased strategy. The $3 billion dollar more. The Green Party will work to ratios use of nurse practitioners are a investment in health by a Liberal increase the role of nurse significant part of this roadmap." 49 government will increase the practitioners in providing medical number of nurse and nurse care and shift our focus from "Providing funding to the provinces practitioners in Canada.‖51 hospital-based care to community- and territories to hire over 7,000 based primary care delivered by doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses teams." 52 and other health professionals." 50

2. Develop a national palliative "In 2006, the Harper government "Invest $1.8 billion over four years ―Canadians are looking for a real "The Green Party will establish and care strategy that provides launched the Canadian Partnership to help provinces improve palliative conversation about strengthening fund a special program to provide universally accessible Against Cancer (CPAC), an end-of-life care, home care and end-of-life care and support, grants to non-profit societies setting services across the country independent, not-for-profit long-term care. This includes including palliative care. It falls on up palliative care hospices and work organization which works to reduce establishing a $30 million palliative us, as legislators, to act, and that with the Council of Canadian cancer cases, minimize cancer care innovation fund to help means leading a broad and inclusive Governments to ensure we put a deaths and improve patient quality provinces improve access to end-of- discussion with all Canadians. We strategy in place that guarantees of life...a re-elected Harper life resources, services and support." recognize the need for a respectful accessibility and affordability of government would renew the 55 and responsible conversation about palliative care." 60 Partnership for a further five years strengthening end-of-life care and when its current mandate expires in "A national palliative care strategy support, including palliative care. 2017. The Partnership will focus in has been and continues to be an We support federal collaboration the following areas in its renewed essential component of the New with provincial and territorial mandate: Palliative care and Democratic Party vision of health partners to tackle critical needs survivorship – to help people and care. In government, we will follow- including end-of-life care, their families touched by cancer..."53 community-based care and elder

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

up on actions that we have taken care‖57 "... [fund] further research into how while in opposition. These actions palliative care is best provided to included [Bill C-545] on continuing ―A Liberal government will make a Canadians. This research, carried out care (palliative, home, and long-term new, ten-year investment of nearly in conjunction with the Canadian care)...[this bill] would have $20 billion in social infrastructure Hospice Palliative Care Association, required the setting up of a special … We will prioritize significant, will focus on veterans, through the advisory committee to conduct a new investment in seniors‘ facilities Canadian Institute for Military and panCanadian assessment of – including long-term care facilities Veteran Health Research at Queen‘s Canadians‘ palliative care needs and palliative care facilities‖58 University, and First Nations, leading to the establishment, within through the Improving End-of-Life two years, of national standards for ―We will also expand access to the Care in First Nations Communities delivering continuing care services Employment Insurance project at Lakehead University"54 based on an integrated model of Compassionate Care Benefit, so that health care delivery with transitions it is available for more than only between different types of care and end-of-life care.‖59 the provision of federal funding to help meet those standards. Also, last year [the NDP called for]... a panCanadian strategy for palliative and end-of-life care...There are currently no minimum or common standards for palliative care services. As government, we will work to address this issue." 56

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

3. Develop a principled " We established a panel of eminent "An NDP government under Tom ―A Liberal government will "The Green Party is the only federal regulatory framework to Canadians in July to consult with Mulcair will make increased access immediately begin consultations for party supporting changes to the implement the Supreme medical authorities and with to palliative care a priority, while physician-assisted death, respecting Criminal Code to allow physician- Court of Canada‘s decision interveners in the Supreme Court taking immediate steps to implement the Supreme Court of Canada‘s assisted death. With increased on assisted death case to assist the government in the Supreme Court of Canada‘s ruling in the Carter v. Canada case funding for palliative care hospices, formulating a legislative response to historic and unanimous Carter and in accordance with the Supreme ―living-will‖ legislation that the court‘s decision. The panel is decision swiftly with balance, Court‘s deadline. We will guarantees people the right to limit scheduled to provide its final report respect and sensitivity." 62 immediately appoint a special or refuse medical intervention and by late Fall 2015. A re-elected committee to consider the ruling of treatment and investment in Conservative Government will the Supreme Court, consult with educating the public about end-of- consider the panel‘s report as it experts and Canadians, and make life issues we can balance the determines how best to respond to recommendations for a legislative implementation of this complex the Supreme Court decision. Any framework that respects the change. The unanimous Supreme legislation will be subject to a free Constitution, the Charter of Rights Court decision was clear: we must vote in Parliament." 61 and Freedoms, and the priorities of act now to protect Canadians‘ Canadians.‖63 dignity." 65

―Physician -assisted dying is a complex and emotional issue that touches the lives of a great number of Canadians. Canadians expect their elected representatives to take a leadership role on this issue. They also expect a respectful and responsible conversation about strengthening end-of-life care and support, including palliative care.‖64

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

C. Social determinants of Health

1. Support affordable housing "A re-elected Conservative "...An NDP government would make "The Green Party will develop a programs by increasing Government will build on its record housing more affordable by National Housing Strategy through federal spending on those of supporting affordable, responsible sustaining investment in Canada‘s the Council of Canadian programs by $2 billion homeownership for families by: affordable housing agreements and Governments. Canada is the only annually  Expanding the Home Buyers‘ by providing incentives for the country in the OECD without a Plan from $25,000 to $35,000 construction of 10,000 affordable housing strategy. Any coherent plan so first-time home buyers can and market rental housing units. We must include concrete funding for a withdraw savings tax-free to have already announced significant seniors‘ housing plan, a First make their down payments and investments in affordable housing – Nations plan, a plan for social reduce their mortgages and more than $2 billion over 4 years for housing, and for affordable market interest payments. capital repairs, rent-geared-to- housing." income subsidies, and construction  Maintaining the 2015 67 enhancement to Tax-Free of new affordable housing." "We will implement a National Savings Accounts that allow ―A Liberal government will make Housing Strategy based on Housing annual contributions of up to "Invest in affordable housing additional investments to ensure that First principles. Housing First is a $10,000... programs so that women and it is easier for Canadians to find an proven, recovery-oriented approach children fleeing violence can find a affordable place to call home.‖71 that centres on quickly moving  Establishing a new permanent 68 Home Renovation Tax Credit new place to call home." people experiencing homelessness for home renovation expenses ―We will invest in a National into independent, permanent between $1,000 and $5,000. "Restoring and reinvesting in Housing Strategy that makes direct housing, and then providing  Collecting data on foreign affordable housing programs investments in affordable housing, additional supports and services as buyer activity in Canada‘s abandoned by Liberal and provides tax incentives to expand needed. This strategy will guarantee housing market and taking Conservative governments. affordable rental housing, improves dignity and support for Canadians at concrete action to address Bringing in legislation to protect the data collection, reviews policies on the margins of our society, and will foreign non-resident real estate improvements in affordable housing housing in high-priced markets, and help address homelessness while at speculation in coordination that will ensure safe, adequate, offers more flexibility for new home the same time reducing the burden 72 with provinces."66 accessible and affordable housing buyers.‖ on our emergency and health

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

for Canadians – safe from future services. Liberal and Conservative ...we will prioritize significant new Our Housing Strategy will address governments. A National Housing investment in affordable housing the continuum of needs – from Strategy will include the restoration and seniors facilities. This social housing for those in poverty of federal government investments investment will renew federal or dealing with mental health and dedicated to social housing and co- leadership in housing, help build addiction problems, to First Nations, ops, reinvestment of funding from more housing units and refurbish Metis, and Inuit housing crises, to expiring agreements back into existing ones, renew current co- the market failures depriving those operating agreements, repairs and operative agreements, and provide with even a decent income of access the construction of new units, and a operational funding support for to the affordable housing they need. boost in funding for homelessness municipalities, including renewing We can ensure that all housing needs initiatives. This legislation will also are met – whether seniors, youth, or support for Housing First initiatives 80 mandate that the redevelopment of that help homeless Canadians find the stressed middle class." federal lands include affordable stable housing housing and housing cooperatives...

We will mandate the Canada "...increase the new residential rental Mortgage and Housing Corporation property rebate on the GST to 100 to provide grants and loans to percent...This will end the tax construct at least 10,000 affordable penalty on developers interested in and market rental units with any building new, modestly priced rental revenues to be reinvested back into properties, as well as provide $125 rental housing supports. This is a million per year in tax incentives to concrete step towards solving the 69 increase and substantially renovate crisis. " the supply of rental housing across Canada."74

"...direct the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the new Canada Infrastructure Bank to provide financing to support

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

construction by the private sector, social enterprises, co-ops, and the not-for-profit sector of new, affordable rental housing for middle- and low-income Canadians." 75

"... conduct an inventory of all available federal lands and buildings that could be repurposed, and make some of these available at low cost for affordable housing in communities where there is a pressing need. This work would be done in partnership with municipalities, provinces, and territories as they develop their urban growth plans." 76

"...modernize the existing Home Buyers‘ Plan so that it helps more Canadians finance the purchase of a home. We will allow Canadians impacted by sudden and significant life changes...to access the program and use money from their RRSP to buy a house without tax penalty." 77

"...undertake a review of escalating home prices in high-priced markets – like Vancouver and Toronto – to

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

determine whether speculation is driving up the cost of housing, and survey the policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach for more Canadians." 78 2. Launch a comprehensive "The NDP has a long commitment ―A Liberal government will remain "Poverty is perhaps the greatest national poverty reduction to a federal poverty reduction committed to service to Canadians social determinant of health strategy, with targets, strategy. We are the only party to and particularly to helping those outcomes. That 1 in 7 Canadian timelines and sufficient have proposed legislation to create who need it most. The persistence of children and a shocking 1 in 2 First investments such a strategy – legislation that was poverty across Canada remains an Nations children live in poverty is a developed in consultation with low- unmet challenge, robbing national scandal. The Green Party income Canadians and anti-poverty individuals of dignity and equal will implement a comprehensive groups. New Democrats will work opportunity and sapping plan to eliminate poverty that begins with the provinces and territories to productivity from the economy. with a Guaranteed Livable Income set goals and timelines for the Canadians deserve a high quality of (GLI). A GLI will provide a regular strategy. We will make important life where everyone is given a real payment to every Canadian, at a federal investments to reduce and fair chance to succeed; Liberals level above the poverty line, to meet poverty, including an increase in are strongly committed to poverty basic needs while encouraging benefits such as the National Child reduction.‖84 additional income generation. It Benefit Supplement and the does not require needs testing, Working Income Tax Benefit. We ―To fight poverty, a Liberal surveillance, or additional follow up. will also reform the Employment government will engage with the For higher-income Canadians, the Insurance program to expand access provinces and territories, experts, amount of the GLI is merely taxed so that workers don‘t have to turn to individuals, businesses, and civil back in whole. A GLI will ensure no social assistance when they are society to address the causes of Canadian‘s income falls below what unemployed, restore the federal poverty. So far, the Liberal Party of is necessary for health, life, and minimum wage and progressively Canada has announced a number of dignity." raise it to $15 an hour, and create a measures to this end, including: national affordable childcare  The Canadian Child Benefit program that ensures parents pay no (CCB) which will lift 315,000

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

more than $15 a day."81 children out of poverty;  Support of expanding Nutrition "The NDP will: North to the communities that  Introduce An Act to Eliminate need it and ensuring that Poverty in Canada. In savings are being passed on to consultation with provincial, Northerners; territorial, municipal and  A total new investment of $2.6 Indigenous governments and billion for core First Nations with non-governmental education over the next four organizations, this Act will set years to improve both targets and include regular education and economic reports to Parliament and all opportunities for First Nations Canadians on the country‘s to address the growing progress towards this important disparity between Aboriginal milestone. and non-Aboriginal Canadians;  Increase the government‘s and investment in the Working  Reversing the Conservatives‘ Income Tax Benefit by over OAS claw back and returning 15% to provide additional the OAS qualifying age to 65 financial support to Canadians years, ensuring our lowest who work but still live below income seniors receive close to the poverty line. $32,000 more than under the  Boost the National Child Conservatives.‖85 Benefit Supplement by $300 million annually. This change ―We have also committed to shoring will provide additional financial up the social security supports that supports to the most vulnerable the Conservative government has families with children and is a undermined over the past decade, direct way to reduce child such as affordable housing and poverty. Employment Insurance.‖86

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RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

 Create a National Council on ―For newcomers to Canada, a Poverty Elimination. This Liberal government will be council will engage the committed to ensuring inclusivity expertise and experience of and will pursue an immigration Canadians in finding workable, policy that encourages newcomers to sustainable solutions to help Canada to put down roots and invest Canada eliminate poverty. This in our country by ensuring a independent advisory council pathway to permanent citizenship will be modelled after the for those who choose to come to 87 National Council of Welfare." 82 Canada to work.‖

"The NDP plan to protect retirement ―We know that income security is security and address seniors‘ poverty intimately linked with the quality of includes: life and health in retirement, and  Reversing the Conservatives‘ middle class Canadians are reckless decision to raise the increasingly feeling insecure about age of retirement from 65 to 67. their senior years. That is why we This will give Canadians will start working with the provinces access to up to $13,000 in to expand the Canada Pension Plan additional retirement income. within three months of forming  Increasing the Canada/Quebec government, and restore the age of Pension Plan benefit. The OAS/GIS eligibility to 65, putting an provinces have long expressed average of $13,000 annually into the interest in expanding the pockets of the lowest income Canadians as they become CPP/QPP, so the NDP will call 88 a First Ministers‘ Meeting seniors.‖ within the first 100 days of our government to get started on ―We will immediately increase the this initiative. Guaranteed Income Supplement for single, lower income seniors by ten  Increasing the Guaranteed

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 17

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

Income Supplement to help lift percent, providing up to an 200,000 seniors out of poverty." additional $920 per year for 83 Canada‘s lowest income seniors. While current benefits generally ensure that couple families are able to stay out of poverty, more than one in four single seniors live in low- income, as defined by the international after-tax low-income measure. Our Liberal investment will reach $840 million by 2019 and benefit 1.25 million seniors, including 900,000 single women.‖89

―Further to this, we will develop a new measure for the cost of living faced by seniors: the Seniors Price Index. OAS and GIS will be indexed to this new, more accurate, and more generous measure, rather than to the Consumer Price Index that reflects the wider population. In periods when the Consumer Price Index grows faster than the Seniors Price Index, the traditional Consumer Price Index will be used.‖90

―The Liberal Party of Canada also recognizes that the current Employment Insurance system is not

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 18

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

working for those who need it, and we are committed to change that will ensure that the federal governments supports Canadians when they need it most. A Liberal government will be committed to ensuring those who need EI benefits can access them quickly and reliably.‖91

―We will reduce the waiting period for Employment Insurance benefits to one week from two and end the higher 910-hour eligibility penalty for new workers and those re- entering the workforce, stopping the discrimination that makes it harder for some of Canada‘s most precarious workers—including people who have left the workforce due to illness—from accessing the benefits that help them get back into the workforce.‖92 3. Adopt the recommendations "Take action on the Truth and "We will support the work of "The Green Party will immediately of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission‘s reconciliation and continue the adopt all recommendations of the Reconciliation Commission recommendations on a priority basis necessary process of truth telling TRC Commission of Canada that of Canada to address the established in consultation with and healing, we will work with First fall within federal jurisdiction. As legacy of residential schools provinces, Indigenous communities Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples to Elizabeth May stated upon the and advance the process of and others, starting with a funding enact the recommendations of the release of the TRC‘s report: reconciliation contribution of $8 million over four Truth and Reconciliation 'Canada‘s great shame has been laid years to the National Centre for Commission, starting with the before us in harrowing detail. It may

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 19

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

Truth and Reconciliation." 94 implementation of the United be history, but it is not only of the Nations Declaration on the Rights of past. The searing pain inflicted by "Call an Inquiry into Murdered and Indigenous Peoples."96 the residential school system is Missing Indigenous Women within crippling lives today. Let us not the first 100 days of an NDP "...develop a Federal Reconciliation stand idle. It is our collective moral government taking office."95 Framework, created in full responsibility to walk together on a partnership with Indigenous Peoples. path to truth, justice, love and 101 Reconciliation starts with reconciliation.' " recognizing and respecting Aboriginal title and rights, including "The ongoing crisis of missing and treaty rights. A Liberal government murdered indigenous women must will do just that. Not only in be urgently addressed. We will accordance with Constitutional launch a national inquiry and work obligations, but also with those to ensure that structural violence enshrined in the UN Declaration on against indigenous communities is the Rights of Indigenous Peoples addressed."102 ..."97

"A Liberal government will immediately launch a national public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. The process by which it is established will be fully inclusive, designed to find justice for the victims and healing for their families. An inquiry would seek to recommend concrete actions that governments, law enforcement, and others can take to solve these crimes

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 20

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

and prevent future ones..."98

―In addition, we will ensure all Canadians understand our historical relationship with Indigenous Peoples by working with residential school survivors, First Nations, the Métis Nation, Inuit communities, provinces, territories, and educators to find ways for educational curricula across the country to incorporate teaching about Aboriginal and Treaty rights, residential schools, and the past and present contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada.‖99

―However, Liberals understand that meaningful reconciliation will only come when we live up to our past promises and ensure the equality of opportunity required to create a fair and prosperous shared future. That is why we will also immediately re-engage with Indigenous communities in a renewed, respectful, and inclusive nation-to-nation process to advance progress on critical issues such as housing, infrastructure,

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 21

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

health and mental health care, community safety and policing, child welfare, and education. We will make sure the Kelowna Accord and the spirit of reconciliation that drove it is embraced and that its objectives are met in the context of today‘s challenges.‖100

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

D. Protect the environment

1. Implement aggressive "The solution to the climate change "A price on carbon is an important ―Liberals know Canada needs to "The Green Party will take swift and national carbon pricing challenge must come from part of taking the action on climate have a price on carbon. The good concrete action to reduce greenhouse innovation...not by closing down our change that is necessary for Canada news is that – due to the efforts of gas emissions, and return Canada to vital natural resources industries or to do its fair share to reduce provincial governments - we‘re a global leadership role in the fight imposing job-killing carbon taxes." greenhouse gas emissions. That‘s already on our way. In spite of Mr. against climate change. Carbon Fee 103 why the NDP has promised to make Harper‘s hostility to the idea, British and Dividend will put a clear price polluters pay for the pollution they Columbia, Alberta, Quebec – and on carbon pollution, and every dollar create, through a cap and trade soon, Ontario – have all committed, generated by the carbon fee will be system that would help transition to in various forms, to a price on returned to Canadians through an a cleaner energy future. The global carbon. Combined, those equal, per-capita dividend payment." community is going to hammer out a jurisdictions represent over 85 109 climate deal at the Paris Climate percent of the Canadian "Partnering with the provinces to Conference this December, and economy.‖105 price carbon, implement a Canadian

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 22

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

Canada has to be there with a plan to Fee and Dividend Plan, rapidly reduce our emissions— a plan that ―The problem is that the provincial phase out coal-fired electricity, and will be unifying for the whole approaches are uncoordinated, and transition to a prosperous, country. Tom Mulcair will...attend limited by a lack of federal decarbonized economy." 110 Paris 2015 with national targets for leadership. We know the problems greenhouse gas reductions, and a that Canada faces cannot be solved 104 plan to fight climate change." by Ottawa alone. Making progress on the things that matter to us requires real engagement with provincial, territorial, municipal, and Aboriginal governments – and a healthy respect for regional differences.‖106

"We will ensure that the provinces and territories have adequate tools to design their own policies to meet these [emission reduction] commitments, including their own carbon pricing policies."107

"We will provide national leadership and join with the provinces and territories to take action on climate change, put a price on carbon, and reduce carbon pollution." 108 2. Commit to comprehensive "...we've committed to ambitious "As set out in Jack Layton‘s Climate ―As Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau "At COP21 in Paris this December, greenhouse gas targets, greenhouse gas emission reductions Change Accountability Act, which will attend the December 2015 Canada should commit to cut including reductions to at by 2030, in advance of the upcoming was reintroduced in this Parliament, United Nations Climate Change greenhouse gas emissions of at least least 25 per cent below 1990 United Nations Climate Change the NDP‘s target for Canada‘s Conference in Paris, and will invite 40% below 2005 levels by 2025. To

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 23

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

levels by 2020, and at least Conference in Paris later this year." greenhouse gas reductions is 80% all Premiers to join him. Within 90 accomplish these reductions, we will 80 per cent below 1990 111 below 1990 levels by 2050, and 34% days of the conference, a First establish a revenue-neutral Carbon levels by 2050 by 2025. We are proud to have the Ministers meeting will be held to Fee and Dividend system to phase "A re-elected Conservative strongest targets of any party, and work together on a framework to out carbon emissions and promote 117 Government will continue to support the NDP has a concrete plan for combat climate change.‖ renewable energy. Canada can also Sustainable Development Canada to meet our international realize significant emissions Technology Canada‘s work to obligation to address Climate ―As part of the comprehensive reductions by increasing the 113 finance the development and Change." emissions reduction agreement with efficiency of existing housing and demonstration of new, clean provinces and territories, we will building stock. We will unleash an technologies that create efficiencies "... remove incentives for activities provide targeted federal funding to army of carpenters, electricians, and for businesses and contribute to that cause pollution, like the $1.2 help them achieve these goals.‖118 contractors to plug the leaks in sustainable economic development." billion subsidies for fossil fuels." 114 Canada's buildings, where energy 112 ―A portfolio of actions appropriate waste makes up 30 per cent of our "Meeting Canada‘s G-20 for the diverse economies of each national carbon pollution. The Green commitment to cut subsidies to non- jurisdiction is the only way to commitment to infrastructure renewable energy and end the significantly reduce Canada‘s includes huge investment in energy- federal bias towards non-renewable emissions; there is no one-size-fits- savings in public transit and water 125 energy production." 115 all solution. But the cost of inaction systems." is too high and the federal "The NDP understands that government has a responsibility to "...cancel the $1.3 billion dollar developing Canada‘s clean energy lead, create the conditions and annual subsidy to fossil fuel 126 sector will stimulate the economy, provide the support required for companies." create jobs and reduce greenhouse Canada to meet its climate gases. In addition to the NDP‘s targets.‖119 "Our plan is to move to the virtual Better Transit Plan and investing in elimination of fossil fuel use in local infrastructure such as ―We will fulfill Canada‘s G-20 Canada by mid-century." 127 community energy systems, the commitment to phase out subsidies NDP will make strategic for the fossil fuel industry. The next "We need to invest in an investments totaling $1.5 billion step will be to allow for the use of infrastructure that promotes over four years to tackle climate the Canadian Exploration Expenses renewable energy, and a more robust

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 24

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

change and adapt our communities, tax deduction only in cases of east-west electricity grid to promote including: unsuccessful exploration. The renewable energy transmission  Improving energy security, savings will be re-directed to between provinces, while reducing affordability and reducing investments in new and clean the enormous waste in our energy 120 pollution by investing $100 technologies.‖ systems. We still waste more than million in renewable energy half the energy we use. It‘s time to development in northern and ―We will work with the United save money and reduce pollution by 128 remote communities. States and Mexico to develop an going after waste."  Supporting local sustainable ambitious North American clean development leaders by energy and environment agreement. investing $150 million in our North America can and should be communities through the Green the world‘s most efficient and Municipal Fund... responsible energy producer. Key ...Making the federal government a goals of this agreement should leader in electric transportation and include the continental coordination energy efficiency. The NDP will of climate mitigation and resilience create federal targets for the policies, as well as the appropriate electrification of federal fleets and alignment of international 121 strengthen Canada‘s green negotiation positions.‖ procurement policy to reduce long- term fuel and maintenance costs, "Partnering with the provinces and including the installation of 150 territories, we will create a new Low electric vehicle charging stations on Carbon Economy Trust. The Trust federal properties across Canada. will provide funding to projects that In addition, recognizing the materially reduce carbon emissions leadership taken by provinces and under the new pan-Canadian efforts already underway, the NDP framework. We will endow the Low will work with provinces, territories, Carbon Economy Trust with $2 municipalities and Indigenous billion in our mandate." 122 governments to: Introduce Green

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 25

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

Bonds so that Canadians can invest ―Further, we will invest in clean in a cleaner economy. Green Bonds technology producers so that they will provide low-risk financing of up can tackle Canada‘s most pressing to $4.5 billion for clean energy environmental challenges whether in development, climate resilient our air, in our water, or on our land. infrastructure, commercial and This means we will invest $100 industrial energy retrofits, and other million more per year in sustainable development projects. organizations that have been Green Bonds will be independently successful at supporting the invested and managed, while emergence of clean technology firms providing Canadians with a in Canada, including Sustainable government-backed, reasonable rate Development Technology Canada. of return. We will also work in partnership Tom Mulcair knows that the right with the private sector to enhance choice – the only responsible choice the availability of venture capital for – is for Canada to commit to an new, clean technology.‖123 approach based on sustainable development." 116 ―We will work with provinces, territories, universities, and colleges to put in place a full range of support for emerging clean tech companies. This includes research, commercialization of new products, and training to ensure Canadians are properly skilled for the industries of the future, with the goal of accelerating Canadian innovation and entrepreneurship. We will also create Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technology.‖124

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 26

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

3. Develop an aggressive "New Democrats will strengthen ―Safeguarding Canadians from the "Greens will make multiple program to reduce the regulations to prohibit the use and hazards of toxic substances is of amendments to the Canadian emission of toxic import of potentially harmful utmost importance to the Liberal Environmental Protection Act to substances, and ensure that chemical substances in consumer Party of Canada.‖130 strengthen protection against toxic people are made aware of items such as food and personal care chemicals. We will also establish a toxics in their homes, products. We will expedite the re- "We will work with the provinces to Toxic Chemical Tax on harmful workplaces and the products assessment and regulation of priority set stronger air quality standards, chemicals to make industry they consume toxins and pollutants to the most creating incentives for investments accountable for chemicals in stringent international standards. We that lead to cleaner air, healthier production and to push industry to will adopt a precautionary approach communities, and better quality of reduce and eliminate the production to the future use of any new such life for all Canadians. This will of toxic substances registered under 129 132 substances." include new Ambient Air Quality CEPA." Standards to reduce the pollutants that cause smog, haze, and acid rain "As part of the big picture project of and working with the United States creating healthy communities, we to strengthen the Air Quality will adopt stricter regulations to Agreement. We will also improve prohibit cancer-causing chemicals in monitoring and reporting of air our food and consumer products." 133 pollutants emissions." 131

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

E. Build fiscal capacity 1. Ensure that all people and Proposed tax credits and tax cuts: "After years of fighting...corporate "A Liberal government will conduct "The Green Party will eliminate corporations pay their fair 1. Lower taxes on small tax cuts and the consequent losses in a review of all tax expenditures to personal taxes on incomes below the share of taxes businesses134,135 federal programs and health care target tax loopholes that particularly low-income cut-off of $20,000. We 2. Payroll tax cut136 innovation opportunities, New benefit Canada‘s top one percent. will also raise corporate taxes over

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 27

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

3. Mining tax credit137 Democrats will stop the corporate ―We will direct the CRA to four years from the current level of 4. "...service club membership tax giveaway. We will also actively immediately begin an analysis and 15% back to the level set in 2009 pursue those who try to dodge their stronger enforcement of tax evasion. (19%) while the small business fees can be included under legal tax obligations and apply As we reduce the small business tax corporate tax rate must remain low the annual Charitable recovered funds where they are rate to 9 percent from 11 percent, we to stimulate growth in SMEs. 138 Donations Tax Credit" needed most. As an example, the will ensure that Canadian-Controlled Corporations are not using their 5. Single Seniors Tax Credit139 NDP will close a tax loophole Private Corporation (CCPC) status is extra cash to create jobs: by 2014, an 6. " increasing the value of the currently enjoyed by CEOs on stock not used to reduce personal income astonishing $629 billion was Adoption Expense Tax options and use the additional tax obligations for high-income stagnating in corporate accounts - 35 federal revenues to increase both the earners rather than supporting small per cent of Canada‘s GDP. Credit and making it fully 152 140 Working Income Tax Benefit and businesses.‖ Restoring the corporate tax rate to refundable" the National Child Benefit 19 per cent is a fiscally responsible 7. "Establishing a new Supplement."148 ―In addition, we will introduce a choice while keeping Canada permanent Home significant overhaul of the Canada competitive internationally." 159 Renovation Tax Credit"141 "...reduce the small business tax rate Revenue Agency (CRA) operating 8. Increase limit on The Home from 11% to 9%. And a small practices to develop a client 142 increase in the corporate tax rate, relationship rather than that of Buyers' Plan from 15% to 17%, will keep the simply a taxpayer. Elements include: 9. "Raising the Lifetime Canadian rate well below the United proactively contacting Canadians Capital Gains Exemption States..."149 when they are entitled to, but are from $500,000 to 750,000 to not, receiving tax benefits; offering $800,000 and indexing "The culture of tax breaks for the to create returns for clients, it."143 wealthiest Canadians ends now. The particularly lower income Canadians and those on fixed incomes whose 10. "equivalent-to spouse‖ Pension interests of middleclass families need to start coming first. The NDP situations are unchanged year to Income Credit for single and plan will restore balance and fairness year; supporting more Canadians widowed seniors...$2,000 to the Canadian tax system by: who want to file taxes with no paper 144 Single Seniors Tax Credit" Rolling back Conservative tax forms; ensuring CRA 11. Canada Disability Savings measures that benefit the wealthy, correspondence is user-friendly; Grant "...will increase the not middleclass families. The NDP combating [sic] international tax

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 28

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

maximum annual grant for will crack down on those who evasion; and ending the CRA low- and middle-income actively seek to avoid or cheat on political harassment of charities, as families from $3,500 to their taxes. The NDP will roll back well as clarifying rules to affirm the 145 the expansion of income splitting, important role that charities can and $4,000." while protecting seniors‘ ability to should play in developing and 12. "...increase the Child Care split their pension income. The advocating for public policy in Expense Deduction by doubling of tax-free savings Canada.‖153 $1,000"146 accounts proposed by the Conservatives in 2015 will also be ―Further, a Liberal government will "...will pass legislation imposing a reversed." 150 introduce a new federal tax bracket ―tax lock‖ that prohibits increases to of 33% on income over $200,000 in federal income tax rates and sales "Cracking down on tax avoidance, order to cut the middle class tax cut tax rates, and new, discretionary tax evasion and the use of offshore from 22 to 20.5 percent. This will payroll taxes. Tax lock legislation tax havens. The NDP will create a result in a $3 billion reduction in will prevent any increase to personal task force within government, taxes for those who need it the most. or business income tax rates, the including the Department of Justice We will ask the wealthiest one GST, and discretionary payroll tax and Canada Revenue Agency, to percent to pay a little more so the 147 increases for the next four years." crack down on tax cheats. We will middle class can pay less.‖154 proceed with concrete steps to limit tax evasion and avoidance by "...The Canada Child Benefit, which passing legislation that will require provides more help to low- and corporations to demonstrate that a middle-income families, and less for transaction has an economic purpose wealthy families. For a typical beyond reducing the amount of tax family earning $90,000 per year, owed. We will also strengthen rules they will receive $2,500 more tax- around transfer pricing." 151 free each year..."155

"A middle class tax cut, which reduces the personal income tax rate on incomes between $44,701 and

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 29

RNAO PLATFORM CONSERVATIVE PARTY NDP PLATFORM LIBERAL PARTY GREEN PLATFORM POSITION COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS COMMITMENTS

$89,401 per year to 20.5 percent from 22 percent. We are going to give a tax break to over eight million middle class Canadians by asking the top one percent to give a little more." 156

"We'll cancel income splitting and other tax breaks and benefits for the wealthy."157

"Liberals... will...grow the middle class by raising taxes on the wealthiest one percent and cutting taxes for middle class Canadians"158 2. Rely more heavily on green "... enforce the polluter-pay "The Green Party will institute a full taxes that impose user fees principle, including making big range of 'polluter pays' taxes, on any activity that damages emitters pay for the greenhouse designed to reduce the use of fossil the environment gases they emit."160 fuels by sending a market signal to producers..." 162 "...Taking action to ensure Canadian taxpayers don‘t pay the cost of dealing with toxins. We will adopt the principles from the European Union‘s REACH regulation to make industry responsible for assessing and managing the risks posed by chemicals produced or imported into Canada, instead of imposing the burden on the taxpayer." 161

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 30

References:

1 Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario. (2015). Why Health Matters: Federal Election 2015. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Platform_2015_Aug_12.pdf 2Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario. (2015). Get informed: Educate yourself on the issues that matter. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/policy/reports/why-health-matters/informed 3Conservative Party of Canada. (Aug. 29, 2015). Harper Announces Long-Term Support For The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/harper-announces-long-term- support-for-the-canadian-partnership-against-cancer-2/ 4 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Harper Commits To New Funding To Continue Terry Fox’s Fight Against Cancer. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/harper-commits-to-new-funding-to-continue- terry-foxs-fight-against-cancer/ 5 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 6 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 7 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 8 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Real Change Investing in Health and Home Care. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Investing-in-health-and-home-care.pdf. 9 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Real Change Investing in Health and Home Care. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Investing-in-health-and-home-care.pdf. 10 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 11 Liberal Party of Canada. (Sept. 7, 2015). Letter from Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau to Premier Gallant. Retrieved from: http://www.liberal.ca/letter-from-liberal-party-of-canada-leader-justin- trudeau-to-premier-gallant/ 12 Green Party of Canada. (2015). Building a Canada That Works. Together. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/sites/default/files/platform_english_web.pdf 13 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 14 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 15Green Party of Canada. (2015) A prescription for healthier health care. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy-background-2015/part-e 16 Green Party of Canada. (Sept. 29, 2015). Elizabeth May calls for Implementation of Green Party’s National Seniors Strategy. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/en/media-release/2015-09-29/elizabeth- may-calls-implementation-green-party%E2%80%99s-national-seniors-strategy 17 New Democratic Party of Canada. (Sept. 22, 2015). NDP Responds. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_092215.pdf 18 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 19 New Democratic Party of Canada. (Sept. 22, 2015). NDP Responds. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_092215.pdf 20 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Real Change Investing in Health and Home Care. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Investing-in-health-and-home-care.pdf. 21 Liberal Party of Canada. (Sept. 7, 2015). Letter from Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau to Premier Gallant. Retrieved from: http://www.liberal.ca/letter-from-liberal-party-of-canada-leader-justin- trudeau-to-premier-gallant/ 22 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015) Real Change: A new plan for a strong middle class. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/10/New-plan-for-a-strong-middle-class.pdf 23 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 24 http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy-background-2015/part-e

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 31

25 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Tom's Plan. Retrieved from: http://www.ndp.ca/plan 26 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 27 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Real Change Investing in Health and Home Care. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Investing-in-health-and-home-care.pdf. 28 Liberal Party of Canada. (Sept. 7, 2015). Letter from Liberal Party of Canada Leader Justin Trudeau to Premier Gallant. Retrieved from: http://www.liberal.ca/letter-from-liberal-party-of-canada-leader-justin- trudeau-to-premier-gallant/ 29 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 30 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 31 http://www.greenparty.ca/en/policy-background-2015/part-e 32 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 33 Green Party of Canada. (2015). Strong Communities Because Canada Depends On It. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform/strong-communities 34 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 35 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Real Change Investing in Health and Home Care. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Investing-in-health-and-home-care.pdf. 36 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 37 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 38 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 39 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 40 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Improving Public Health Care. Retrieved from: http://www.ndp.ca/plan#healthcare-issue 41 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Real Change Investing in Health and Home Care. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Investing-in-health-and-home-care.pdf. 42 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 43 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 44 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 45 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 46 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 47 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 48 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 49 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 32

50 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 51 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 52 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 53 Conservative Party of Canada. (Aug. 29, 2015). Harper Announces Long-Term Support For The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/harper-announces-long-term- support-for-the-canadian-partnership-against-cancer-2/ 54 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Our Conservative plan to protect the economy. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/conservative-platform-en.pdf 55 New Democratic Party of Canada. (Sept. 22, 2015). NDP Responds. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_092215.pdf 56 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 57 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 58 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 59 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 60 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 61 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Our Conservative plan to protect the economy. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/conservative-platform-en.pdf 62 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 63 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 64 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 65 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 66 Conservative Party of Canada. (Sept. 29, 2015). Harper Aims To Add More Than 700,000 New Canadian Homeowners By 2020. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/harper-aims-to-add-more-than-700000- new-canadian-homeowners-by-2020/ 67 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 68 New Democratic Party of Canada. (Aug. 31, 2015). Up to 500 abused women & children are turned away from shelters each day—read Tom’s plan for change. Retrieved from: http://www.ndp.ca/up-to-500- abused-women-children-turned-away 69 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 70 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 71 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 33

72 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 73 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. Affordable Housing for Canadians. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Affordable-housing-for-Canadians.pdf 74 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. Affordable Housing for Canadians. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Affordable-housing-for-Canadians.pdf 75 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. Affordable Housing for Canadians. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Affordable-housing-for-Canadians.pdf 76 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. Affordable Housing for Canadians. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Affordable-housing-for-Canadians.pdf 77 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. Affordable Housing for Canadians. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Affordable-housing-for-Canadians.pdf 78 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. Affordable Housing for Canadians. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/09/Affordable-housing-for-Canadians.pdf 79 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 80 Green Party of Canada. (2015). Strong Communities Because Canada Depends On It. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform/strong-communities 81 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 82 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 83 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 84 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 85 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 86 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 87 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 88 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 89 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 90 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 91 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 92 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 93 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 94 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 34

95 New Democratic Party of Canada. (Aug. 31, 2015). Up to 500 abused women & children are turned away from shelters each day—read Tom’s plan for change. Retrieved from: http://www.ndp.ca/up-to-500- abused-women-children-turned-away 96 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Truth and Reconciliation. Retrieved from: http://www.liberal.ca/realchange/truth-and-reconciliation/ 97 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Renewed Relationship. Retrieved from: http://www.liberal.ca/realchange/renewed-relationship/ 98 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Retrieved from: http://www.liberal.ca/realchange/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women/ 99 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 100 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 101 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 102 Green Party of Canada. (2015). Strong Communities Because Canada Depends On It. Retrieved from http://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform/strong-communities 103 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Our Conservative plan to protect the economy. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/conservative-platform-en.pdf 104 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 105 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 106 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 107 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. A New Plan For Canada's Environment and Economy. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/08/A-new-plan-for-Canadas-environment-and- economy.pdf 108 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015) Real Change: A new plan for a strong middle class. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/10/New-plan-for-a-strong-middle-class.pdf 109 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 110 Green Party of Canada. (2015). Building a Canada That Works. Together. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/sites/default/files/platform_english_web.pdf 111 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Our Conservative plan to protect the economy. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/conservative-platform-en.pdf 112 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Our Conservative plan to protect the economy. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/conservative-platform-en.pdf 113 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 114 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 115 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 116 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 117 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 118 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 119 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf

Federal Election 2015 Comparison of Four Major Political Party Platforms 35

120 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 121 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 122 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015) Real Change: A new plan for a strong middle class. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/10/New-plan-for-a-strong-middle-class.pdf 123 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 124 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 125 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 126 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 127 Green Party of Canada. (2015). Building a Canada That Works. Together. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/sites/default/files/platform_english_web.pdf 128 Green Party of Canada. (2015). Building a Canada That Works. Together. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/sites/default/files/platform_english_web.pdf 129 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 130 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 131 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. A New Plan For Canada's Environment and Economy. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/08/A-new-plan-for-Canadas-environment-and- economy.pdf 132 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 133 Green Party of Canada. (2015). Building a Canada That Works. Together. Retrieved from: http://www.greenparty.ca/sites/default/files/platform_english_web.pdf 134 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Cutting Taxes for Small Businesses. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/cpc/cutting-small-business-taxes/ 135 Conservative Party of Canada. (Sept. 13, 2015). Harper Sets Out Plan To Lower Taxes On Job-Creating Small Businesses. Retrieved from:http://www.conservative.ca/harper-sets-out-plan-to- lower-taxes-on-job-creating-small-businesses-2/ 136 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Keeping More Money in Your Pocket. . Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/cpc/keeping-more-money-in-your-pocket/ 137Conservative Party of Canada. (Sept. 2, 2015). Harper Announces Support For Resource Development Through An Extended And Enhanced Mining Tax Credit. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/harper-announces-support-for-resource-development-through-an-extended-and-enhanced-mining-tax-credit/ 138Conservative Party of Canada. (Aug. 23, 2015). Harper Announces Tax Relief for Service Club Members. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/harper-announces-tax-relief-for-service-club-members/ 139 Conservative Party of Canada. (Sept. 15, 2015). Harper Announces New Support For Canadian Seniors. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/harper-announces-new-support-for-canadian-seniors/ 140 Conservative Party of Canada. (Aug. 20, 2015). Prime Minister Harper Announces Tax Relief for Adoptive Families. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/prime-minister-harper-announces-tax-relief-for- adoptive-families/ 141Conservative Party of Canada. (Aug. 16, 2015). Prime Minister Harper Highlights Conservative Plan For Affordable Home Ownership. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/prime-minister-harper- highlights-conservative-plan-for-affordable-home-ownership/

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142 Conservative Party of Canada. (Aug. 12, 2015). Prime Minister Harper Announces Help For Aspiring Homeowners. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/prime-minister-harper-announces-help-for- aspiring-homeowners/ 143 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Saving for a secure retirement. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/saving-for-a-secure-retirement.pdf 144 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Tax relief for single and widowed seniors. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/tax-relief-for-single-and-widowed-seniors.pdf 145 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Help for Canadians with disabilities. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/help-for-canadians-with-disabilities.pdf 146 Conservative Party of Canada. (2015). Supporting Every Family. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/media/plan/supporting-every-family.pdf 147 Conservative Party of Canada. (Sept. 25, 2015). Prime Minister Harper Announces New "Tax Lock" Law. Retrieved from: http://www.conservative.ca/prime-minister-harper-announces-new-tax-lock-law-2/ 148 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 149 New Democratic Party of Canada. (Sept. 16, 2015). A Message from Tom: Our Balanced Plan. Retrieved from: http://www.ndp.ca/a-message-from-tom-our-balanced-plan 150 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 151 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 152 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 153 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 154 Liberal Party of Canada (2015). Liberal Party Response to RNAO Questionnaire. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/LPC_Response_Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_- _Reponse_du_PLC_LAssociation_des_infirmieres_et_infirmiers_autorises_de_lOntario.pdf 155 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. An Historic Investment Plant to Strengthen the Middle Class, Create Jobs and Grow our Economy. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/08/An-historic- investment-plan.pdf 156 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Real Change. An Historic Investment Plant to Strengthen the Middle Class, Create Jobs and Grow our Economy. Retrieved from: https://www.liberal.ca/files/2015/08/An-historic- investment-plan.pdf 157 Liberal Party of Canada. (2015). Cancelling Tax Breaks and Benefits for the-Wealthy. Retrieved from: http://www.liberal.ca/realchange/cancelling-tax-breaks-and-benefits-for-the-wealthy/ 158 Liberal Party of Canada. (Sept. 17, 2015). Trudeau continues sharing plan for real change in second Leaders’ Debate. Retrieved from: http://www.liberal.ca/trudeau-continues-sharing-plan-for-real-change-in- second-leaders-debate/ 159 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf 160 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). NDP Response: Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/Registered_Nurses_Association_of_Ontario_-_083115.pdf 161 New Democratic Party of Canada. (2015). Building the country of our dreams. Tom Mulcair's plan to bring change to Ottawa. Retrieved from: http://xfer.ndp.ca/2015/2015-Full-Platform-EN.pdf 162 Green Party of Canada. (2015). RNAO Questionnaire to Party Leaders. Retrieved from: http://rnao.ca/sites/rnao-ca/files/RNAO_Questionnaire_Party_Leaders_- _Elizabeth_May_and_the_Green_Party_of_Canada.pdf

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