Well, isn't that a surprise. The founding agreement actually looks good, with minor picking points. It even includes a statement of some libertarian principles, such as a right to private property. There sure is a long list of beliefs mentioned, though, and it will be hard to balance all of them.
Emphasis mine...
Founding principles
The Conservative Party of Canada will be guided in its constitutional framework and its
policy basis by the following principles:
• A balance between fiscal accountability, progressive social policy and
individual rights and responsibilities;
• Build a national coalition of people who share these beliefs and who
reflect the regional, cultural and socio-economic diversity of Canada;
• Develop this coalition, embracing our differences and respecting our
traditions, yet honoring a concept of Canada as the greater sum of strong
• The Conservative Party of Canada will operate in a manner accountable
and responsive to its members;
• A belief in loyalty to a sovereign and united Canada governed in
accordance with the Constitution of Canada, the supremacy of democratic
parliamentary institutions and the rule of law;
• A belief in the equality of all Canadians;
• A belief in the freedom of the individual, including freedom of speech,
worship and assembly;
• A belief in our constitutional monarchy, the institutions of Parliament and
the democratic process;
• A belief in the federal system of government as the best expression of the
diversity of our country, and in the desirability of strong provincial and
territorial governments;
• A belief that English and French have equality of status, and equal rights
and privileges as to their use in all institutions of the Parliament and
Government of Canada;
• A belief that the best guarantors of the prosperity and well-being of the
people of Canada are:
o The freedom of individual Canadians to pursue their enlightened
and legitimate self-interest within a competitive economy;
o The freedom of individual Canadians to enjoy the fruits of their
labour to the greatest possible extent; and
o The right to own property;
• A belief that a responsible government must be fiscally prudent and
should be limited to those responsibilities which cannot be discharged
reasonably by the individual or others;
• A belief that it is the responsibility of individuals to provide for
themselves, their families and their dependents, while recognizing that
government must respond to those who require assistance and
compassion;
• A belief that the purpose of Canada as a nation state and its government,
guided by reflective and prudent leadership, is to create a climate wherein
individual initiative is rewarded, excellence is pursued, security and
privacy of the individual is provided and prosperity is guaranteed by a free
competitive market economy;
• A belief that the quality of the environment is a vital part of our heritage to
be protected by each generation for the next;
• A belief that Canada should accept its obligations among the nations of the
world;
• A belief that good and responsible government is attentive to the people it
represents and has representatives who at all times conduct themselves in
an ethical manner and display integrity, honesty and concern for the best
interest of all;
• A belief that all Canadians should have reasonable access to quality health
care regardless of their ability to pay; and
• A belief that the greatest potential for achieving social and economic
objectives is under a global trading regime that is free and fair.
canadianalliance.ca
-g |
