[R-G] Liberal and New Democrat Coalition Accord and Economic Policy

[Richard Menec]

(what a very general, bland document!  Still, an interesting situation, and 
offering more possibilities than, say, the two-party system in the USA)

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

---------------------------------------------

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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.

Agreed on December 1, 2008

Hon. Stéphane Dion Leader, the Liberal Party of Canada

Hon. Jack Layton Leader, the New Democratic Party of Canada

Gilles Duceppe Leader, le Bloc Québécois

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