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

2. 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

4. 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?

5. Political Parties & Social Programs: Canada

6. Political Parties & Social Programs: Canada Continued

7. Political Parties & Social Programs: United States

8. Political Platforms: United States

9. 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

10. 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

11. Political Parties of Canada
The following link takes you to an in-depth list of federal political parties in Canada
document=index&lang=e&section=pol

12. 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
pass/alberta2015.html