Canada's Federal Election: A Few Things to Know
The Liberal Party
SOURCE: The Edmonton Journal
The Liberals are lead by our current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He has been in office since 2015, and the leader of the Liberals since 2012, a spot that he literally fought for, in a boxing ring. It’s a whole story.
Health
Some key aspects of the LIberal’s plan for Canada’s healthcare system include ensuring all Canadians have access to a family doctor and mental health services, continue to implement their plan for universal pharmacare, and create a National Institute for Women’s Health Research.
Education
The main focus of the Liberals is to make paying student loans easier by allowing graduates two years after graduating before paying them, as well as delaying the payments until graduates make at least $35 000 a year.
Climate
As far as climate action goes, Trudeau and his party look to ban single-use plastics by 2021, plant two billion trees over the course of ten years, and install up to 5 000 charging stations for electric vehicles.
The Arts
The Liberal party plans to implement a “Culture Pass”, which is a $200 credit that Canadians would receive at the age of 12 to experience theater, museums, and other cultural venues.
The Conservative Party
SOURCE: Conservative Party of Canada
Led by Andrew Scheer, the Conservatives are seen as the Liberal’s biggest opponent in this election. Scheer has been involved in politics since 2004, and has been the leader of the official opposition since 2017. He is 6’4”, which is taller than the Toronto Raptors’ starting point guard, Kyle Lowry. I suppose that leaves career options open if the election doesn’t pan out.
Note: At this time, the Conservatives have chosen not to release their platform
Health
If elected, Andrew Scheer wants to focus on purchasing MRI and CT machines for hospitals across Canada, as well as committing $50 million over 5 years to help lower the costs of services and resources for Canadians living with autism.
Education
So far there have been no specific plans released from the Conservatives in regards to education.
Climate
The Conservatives would like to require major-emitters to invest in green technology, create a green homes tax credit to help pay for green renovations on homes, and ban the practice of dumping raw sewage into waterways.
The Arts
In relation to the arts, the Conservatives plan to eliminate admission fees to all national museums.
The New Democratic Party (NDP)
SOURCE: www.nationalobserver.com
Leading the NDPs is Jagmeet Singh, who has been the leader of his party since 2017. He was previously involved in provincial politics from 2011-2017. Before his time in politics, Jagmeet Singh was a criminal defence lawyer.
Health
Jagmeet Singh and the NDPs are looking to implement a universal pharmacare system, establish a national suicide prevention plan, and declare a national medical emergency in regards to the opiod crisis.
Education
The NDPs plan on investing in schools on reserves to bring them up to provincial standards, as well as move away from student loans by boosting access to Canada Student Grants.
Climate
Some key aspects of the NDP’s climate action plan include modernizing and building more public transit in communities across Canada with an emphasis on reducing emissions, as well as make all new automotive sales zero-emission vehicles by 2040.
The Arts
Singh and his party look to provide financial support for Indigenous theater at the National Arts Centre, and increase funding to CBC and Radio-Canada.
The Green Party
SOURCE: www.greenparty.ca
The Green Party is led by Elizabeth May. She has been the leader of the Green Party since 2006 and has been a Member of Parliament since 2011. Other than being involved in politics, Elizabeth May is also the author of eight books.
Health
If elected, Elizabeth May hopes to include dental care in the universal healthcare system, ban medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children, and fund a new program to support community-based mental health support for LGBTQ2 youth.
Education
The main action that the Green Party hopes to take is to eliminate post-secondary tuition fees.
Climate
A few key points from the Green Party climate action plan include halting all new fossil fuel development projects, have 100% of Canada’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2030, and phase out the practice of exporting solid waste to other countries.
The Arts
If elected, the Greens would increase funding to the CBC, Radio-Canada, The National Film Board, and a few other Canadian arts organisations.
Of course, these are not all the parties running, or every issue that there are platforms on. Whether you’re voting or not, it’s important to stay informed about our country’s politics. Find out more here.
