An Accord on a Cooperative Government
Newsbot @ Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:38 pm
Title: An Accord on a Cooperative Government
Category: Political
Posted By: SprCForr
Date: 2008-12-03 18:25:57
Canadian
SprCForr @ Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:38 pm
Frankly, there are some things in that document that concern me.
Such as:
Is a new crown corporation really needed needed?
How does social spending solve the economic woes?
E: Add article
$1:
December 1, 2008
An Accord on a Cooperative Government to Address the Present Economic Crisis
This document outlines the key understandings between the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party of Canada regarding a new cooperative government.
1. Role of caucuses
The Liberal and NDP caucuses will continue to meet as distinct caucuses. They will receive briefings and be consulted as appropriate. Both are entitled to offer advice to the government. The two caucuses may meet jointly as agreed from time to time to jointly address issues. The caucuses will sit next to each other on the government benches.
2. Cabinet
Nothing in this Accord is intended to diminish or alter the power and prerogatives of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister will be the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
The Minister of Finance will be appointed from the Liberal caucus.
The cabinet will be composed of 24 ministers plus the Prime Minister.
Eighteen of these ministers will be appointed from within the Liberal caucus.
Six of these ministers will be appointed from within the NDP caucus, plus six Parliamentary Secretaries, sworn in as Privy Councillors, will also be named from the NDP caucus. In the event the Prime Minister chooses to appoint a larger cabinet, the NDP proportion will be maintained.
The specifics of these cabinet appointments will be made by the Prime Minister in appropriate consultation with the Leader of the NDP.
The rules and practices of cabinet confidentiality and solidarity will be strictly maintained. Normal processes of cabinet appointments and governance in the Canadian federal government will be respected. The cabinet is jointly and collectively accountable to Parliament for its work, including in daily question period.
3. A "no surprises" approach
Within the limits of common sense and the needs of cabinet government, the two parties agree they will work together on a "no surprises" basis.
Furthermore, upon its formation, the government will put in place a permanent consultation mechanism with the Bloc Québécois.
4. Appointments
Both parties are committed to restoring the integrity, transparency and efficiency of the appointments process in the Public Service and in federal bodies like the Supreme Court, the Senate and Commissions like the CRTC.
The Prime Minister will consult the Leader of the NDP as appropriate on appointments.
5. A standing managing committee of the Accord
A standing managing committee of the Accord, chaired by the Prime Minister, will be struck.
It will be composed of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the NDP, and such other persons as the leaders deem appropriate from time to time.
The committee will meet regularly to ensure the good order of the Accord; to deal with key issues that have arisen; to consult on key appointments; and to resolve any disputes which might arise from the Accord (for example, by referring issues relating to the Accord to a trusted committee of experienced, distinguished Canadians).
6. Term of this Accord
This Accord will expire on June 30, 2011 unless renewed.
Agreed on December 1, 2008.
Hon. Stéphane Dion
Leader, Liberal Party of Canada
Hon. Jack Layton
Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Policy Accord to Address the Present Economic Crisis
Preamble
The new Government is supported by parties that share a commitment to fiscal responsibility, a progressive agenda and a belief in the role of Government to act as a partner with Canadians and Quebecers. Where appropriate, these goals should be pursued in full partnership and consultation with the provincial and territorial governments.
Fiscal Principles
This policy accord is built on a foundation of fiscal responsibility. All three parties agree that the Canadian economy and the fiscal framework of the federal government have severely weakened since the last federal budget.
As the Parliamentary Budget Officer concluded, due to the policy choices of the Conservative government, the starting point of the federal government is deficit. This new reality does not reduce the necessity to stimulate the economy consistent with the understandings arrived at by all nations in the G20.
The following plan describes common goals and sets out an outline to provide active stimulus for the economy over the next two years, with a shared commitment to return to surplus within four years.
Economic Stimulus Package
The top priority of the new Government is an economic stimulus package designed to boost the domestic economy beginning with (but not limited to):
- Accelerating existing infrastructure funding and substantial new investments, including municipal and inter-provincial projects (such as
- transit, clean energy, water, corridors and gateways). This would certainly include addressing the urgent infrastructure needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit;
- Housing construction and retrofitting; and
- Investing in key sector strategies (like manufacturing, forestry and automotive) designed to create and save jobs, with any aid contingent on a plan to transform these industries and return them to profitability and sustainability.
Rapid Support for those affected by the Economic Crisis
The new Government is committed to ensuring that the federal government has the appropriate programs in place to assist those most affected by the economic crisis so that all citizens will be in a position to fully participate in the economic recovery to follow, including the following measures:
- Facilitate skills training to help ensure Canadian workers are properly equipped to keep pace with the rapidly changing economy, while respecting provincial jurisdiction and existing agreements;
- Amend the current law establishing a new crown corporation for employment insurance in order to guarantee that all revenue from EI premiums provides benefits and training for workers. Eliminate the current two week waiting period;
- Lower the minimum required RRIF withdrawal for 2008 by 50 per cent;
- Reform bankruptcy and insolvency laws to better protect pensions; and
- Implement an income support program for older workers who have lost their jobs in order to help them make the transition from work to receiving retirement benefits.
Other Priorities to Stimulate the Economy
- Support for culture, including the cancellation of budget cuts announced by the Conservative government.
- Support for Canadian Wheat Board and Supply Management
- Immigration Reform
- Reinstate regional development agency funding to non-profit economic development organizations.
Families
As finances permit, we are committed to moving forward with improved child benefits and an early learning and childcare program in partnership with each province, and respectful of their role and jurisdiction, including the possibility to opt out with full compensation.
Working with our North American Partners
We will work with our North American Partners to pursue a North American cap-and-trade market with absolute emission targets, using 1990 as the base year.
Working with our International Partners
The new Government is committed to working with the international community, particularly with G-20 partners, in pursuit of an effective new global financial architecture.
Confidence Votes
The Government will not request a dissolution of Parliament during the term of this agreement, except following defeat on an explicitly-framed motion of non-confidence presented by the Opposition; or any vote pertaining to the speech from the throne; or on a budget vote at on any stage in the House; or on any bill to implement a budget at any stage in the House; or on any motion in the House to concur in, restore or reinstate any Estimates; or on any supply bill at any stage in the House.
The Bloc Québécois will neither move nor will it support any motions of non-confidence in the Government during the term of its support for this agreement, and will vote in favour of the Government's position with respect to all matters referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
Term of this agreement
The Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party of Canada will adhere to this agreement until June 30, 2011 unless renewed.
The Bloc Québécois will adhere to this agreement until June 30, 2010 unless renewed.
An Accord on a Cooperative Government to Address the Present Economic Crisis
This document outlines the key understandings between the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party of Canada regarding a new cooperative government.
1. Role of caucuses
The Liberal and NDP caucuses will continue to meet as distinct caucuses. They will receive briefings and be consulted as appropriate. Both are entitled to offer advice to the government. The two caucuses may meet jointly as agreed from time to time to jointly address issues. The caucuses will sit next to each other on the government benches.
2. Cabinet
Nothing in this Accord is intended to diminish or alter the power and prerogatives of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister will be the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
The Minister of Finance will be appointed from the Liberal caucus.
The cabinet will be composed of 24 ministers plus the Prime Minister.
Eighteen of these ministers will be appointed from within the Liberal caucus.
Six of these ministers will be appointed from within the NDP caucus, plus six Parliamentary Secretaries, sworn in as Privy Councillors, will also be named from the NDP caucus. In the event the Prime Minister chooses to appoint a larger cabinet, the NDP proportion will be maintained.
The specifics of these cabinet appointments will be made by the Prime Minister in appropriate consultation with the Leader of the NDP.
The rules and practices of cabinet confidentiality and solidarity will be strictly maintained. Normal processes of cabinet appointments and governance in the Canadian federal government will be respected. The cabinet is jointly and collectively accountable to Parliament for its work, including in daily question period.
3. A "no surprises" approach
Within the limits of common sense and the needs of cabinet government, the two parties agree they will work together on a "no surprises" basis.
Furthermore, upon its formation, the government will put in place a permanent consultation mechanism with the Bloc Québécois.
4. Appointments
Both parties are committed to restoring the integrity, transparency and efficiency of the appointments process in the Public Service and in federal bodies like the Supreme Court, the Senate and Commissions like the CRTC.
The Prime Minister will consult the Leader of the NDP as appropriate on appointments.
5. A standing managing committee of the Accord
A standing managing committee of the Accord, chaired by the Prime Minister, will be struck.
It will be composed of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the NDP, and such other persons as the leaders deem appropriate from time to time.
The committee will meet regularly to ensure the good order of the Accord; to deal with key issues that have arisen; to consult on key appointments; and to resolve any disputes which might arise from the Accord (for example, by referring issues relating to the Accord to a trusted committee of experienced, distinguished Canadians).
6. Term of this Accord
This Accord will expire on June 30, 2011 unless renewed.
Agreed on December 1, 2008.
Hon. Stéphane Dion
Leader, Liberal Party of Canada
Hon. Jack Layton
Leader, New Democratic Party of Canada
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Policy Accord to Address the Present Economic Crisis
Preamble
The new Government is supported by parties that share a commitment to fiscal responsibility, a progressive agenda and a belief in the role of Government to act as a partner with Canadians and Quebecers. Where appropriate, these goals should be pursued in full partnership and consultation with the provincial and territorial governments.
Fiscal Principles
This policy accord is built on a foundation of fiscal responsibility. All three parties agree that the Canadian economy and the fiscal framework of the federal government have severely weakened since the last federal budget.
As the Parliamentary Budget Officer concluded, due to the policy choices of the Conservative government, the starting point of the federal government is deficit. This new reality does not reduce the necessity to stimulate the economy consistent with the understandings arrived at by all nations in the G20.
The following plan describes common goals and sets out an outline to provide active stimulus for the economy over the next two years, with a shared commitment to return to surplus within four years.
Economic Stimulus Package
The top priority of the new Government is an economic stimulus package designed to boost the domestic economy beginning with (but not limited to):
- Accelerating existing infrastructure funding and substantial new investments, including municipal and inter-provincial projects (such as
- transit, clean energy, water, corridors and gateways). This would certainly include addressing the urgent infrastructure needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit;
- Housing construction and retrofitting; and
- Investing in key sector strategies (like manufacturing, forestry and automotive) designed to create and save jobs, with any aid contingent on a plan to transform these industries and return them to profitability and sustainability.
Rapid Support for those affected by the Economic Crisis
The new Government is committed to ensuring that the federal government has the appropriate programs in place to assist those most affected by the economic crisis so that all citizens will be in a position to fully participate in the economic recovery to follow, including the following measures:
- Facilitate skills training to help ensure Canadian workers are properly equipped to keep pace with the rapidly changing economy, while respecting provincial jurisdiction and existing agreements;
- Amend the current law establishing a new crown corporation for employment insurance in order to guarantee that all revenue from EI premiums provides benefits and training for workers. Eliminate the current two week waiting period;
- Lower the minimum required RRIF withdrawal for 2008 by 50 per cent;
- Reform bankruptcy and insolvency laws to better protect pensions; and
- Implement an income support program for older workers who have lost their jobs in order to help them make the transition from work to receiving retirement benefits.
Other Priorities to Stimulate the Economy
- Support for culture, including the cancellation of budget cuts announced by the Conservative government.
- Support for Canadian Wheat Board and Supply Management
- Immigration Reform
- Reinstate regional development agency funding to non-profit economic development organizations.
Families
As finances permit, we are committed to moving forward with improved child benefits and an early learning and childcare program in partnership with each province, and respectful of their role and jurisdiction, including the possibility to opt out with full compensation.
Working with our North American Partners
We will work with our North American Partners to pursue a North American cap-and-trade market with absolute emission targets, using 1990 as the base year.
Working with our International Partners
The new Government is committed to working with the international community, particularly with G-20 partners, in pursuit of an effective new global financial architecture.
Confidence Votes
The Government will not request a dissolution of Parliament during the term of this agreement, except following defeat on an explicitly-framed motion of non-confidence presented by the Opposition; or any vote pertaining to the speech from the throne; or on a budget vote at on any stage in the House; or on any bill to implement a budget at any stage in the House; or on any motion in the House to concur in, restore or reinstate any Estimates; or on any supply bill at any stage in the House.
The Bloc Québécois will neither move nor will it support any motions of non-confidence in the Government during the term of its support for this agreement, and will vote in favour of the Government's position with respect to all matters referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph.
Term of this agreement
The Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party of Canada will adhere to this agreement until June 30, 2011 unless renewed.
The Bloc Québécois will adhere to this agreement until June 30, 2010 unless renewed.
poquas @ Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:47 pm
SprCForr SprCForr:
Frankly, there are some things in that document that concern me.
Such as:
Is a new crown corporation really needed needed?
How does social spending solve the economic woes?
Such as:
Is a new crown corporation really needed needed?
How does social spending solve the economic woes?
I can't believe that whole document ever became necessary.
The damn Conservatives/Harper never should have let it go this far and after tonight's "speech" I'm not holding my breath that they're even going to try and resolve this.
For the most part I read this and see that the Libs and NDP have at least put some effort into this. Good or bad, at least they seem to be able to work together and the Bloc agrees not to turf 'em on confidence matters for the next year and a half. They might even be better than the jerks I voted in.
ridenrain @ Wed Dec 03, 2008 11:29 pm
"Furthermore, upon its formation, the government will put in place a permanent consultation mechanism with the Bloc Québécois."
All open and transparant... as a secret seditious cabal can be.
SprCForr @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:29 am
Are the members here that comfortable with this accord?
martin14 @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:37 am
Interesting to see they have carved up the cabinet jobs..
I would like to see what it cost to buy off the BQ,
they dont seem to declare that..
and it is just a lot Dion and Jack will spend money now,
and we will pay for it later.
and, as ususal, no specifics whatsoever.
Wada @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:42 am
I certainly am. 
ziggy @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:44 am
SprCForr SprCForr:
Are the members here that comfortable with this accord?
Nope,but I dont think we have a choice anymore or a say in the matter.
No matter what happens it will be all Harpers fault,the new buzz saying of the coalition.
SprCForr @ Thu Dec 04, 2008 10:09 am
Wada Wada:
I certainly am.
Could you maybe clarify a couple things then?
How is the establishment of another crown corporation going to help? Wouldn't money thrown down that hole be better used elsewhere? Can you explain to me how all the social spending is the answer to the economic down turn? Aren't Quebecers Canadian too? Does permanent consultation mechanisms with the Bloc mean that the LPC and NDP will maintain those mechanisms after their requested mandate and that their policy and plans will need to be vetted first? Where is the Bloc signature on this? Surely there are concerns from the Liberal and NDP camp on this. What are they? Where are the Conservative responses to this?
It isn't directed at you specifically Wada, I'm looking for something more indepth to help explain the stance, and you were one that indicated you were comfortable with it.
There's been a lot of BS slagging going on lately. Now that something of substance is released I find it annoying that it gets passed over in favour of school yard shit like "Harper has squid lips" and "Dion is a bumbling idiot".
Is the partisan hackery too entrenched here?