Political Parties & Policy Focus Question: What values shape the economic policies of political parties on social programs and taxation?

Political Platforms The description of a political party's policies is called their political platform These platforms reflect the values and beliefs of the party members They also may reflect issues which concern their constituents Platforms are not rigid – they change constantly Changes occur if issues are no longer important to voters They may change in response to particular current event issues Local, national or world events

Values and Policy Values influence economic policy vastly The policies within a party platform usually tell where the party sits on the economic continuum Where would you place these imaginary parties?

Political Parties & Social Programs: Canada

Political Parties & Social Programs: Canada Continued

Political Parties & Social Programs: United States

Political Platforms: United States

Historical Context – Public Health Care Tommy Douglas is known as the “father” of Canada's health care system He campaigned for universal healthcare while a Saskatchewan premier and leader of the NDP Many were opposed to the idea at first Doctors in Saskatchewan went on strike The federal NDP only won 16 seats after Douglas became its leader Other federal leaders supported the idea John Diefenbaker (PCP) Lester Pearson (LP) Public health care was implemented in 1966 by the Medical Care Act Douglas was voted Canada's “Greatest Canadian” in 2004

Joining/Creating a Political Party Most political parties have the following criteria to accept members: Resident of Canada At least 14 years old Believe in the principles of the party Not a member of another political party If you wanted to create your own political party, the following is the criteria: At least 18 years old Have the support of at least 250 eligible voters in Canada The party must have a name Run at least one candidate during an election

Political Parties of Canada The following link takes you to an in-depth list of federal political parties in Canada http://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?dir=par& document=index&lang=e&section=pol

Vote Compass Which party would you support? Go to the following link and answer the questions to see which party you should vote for if you could vote http://www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/votecom pass/alberta2015.html