2015 Federal Election Guide

National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) Š 2015

Summary of Key Issues in Canada’s 2015 Federal Elections The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) is pleased to be launching “Election Energized: Activating Canada’s Muslim Voters”. This civic engagement campaign has a simple goal: to encourage informed voting in the upcoming federal election.

It is considered both a civic and religious duty to vote, as our elected representatives make critical decisions in the lives of Canadians, as well as in the lives of fellow global citizens.

Canadian Muslims, like all Canadians, are deeply invested in the future of our country and have a moral duty to take part in the democratic system. Canadian citizens pay taxes, and as such, they should also have a say in how their financial contributions are utilized for the betterment of our communities.

The following pages provide a brief summary of some of the key issues that the NCCM has identified as of particular interest to Canadian Muslims. This summary is NOT exhaustive. It is up to you to find out more: by asking your local candidates, visiting party websites, and by keeping up with the news. The parties are making new announcements almost daily and the political parties will be unveiling full platforms during the course of this election.

Finally, it is important to remember that the NCCM is a civil liberties and advocacy organization. We exercise our right to criticize and challenge policies which we believe are potentially harmful to Canadians.

However, we are strictly non-partisan – meaning, we don’t take sides. We do not endorse any political party or candidate. Thanks to supporters like you, the NCCM does its best to represent the interests of Canadian Muslims.

Please visit our website today and sign up to our mailing list to stay informed.

The NCCM would like to express its sincere thanks to the dedicated group of young Canadian Muslim professionals and students who partnered with us to both produce this valuable guide, and to promote community engagement.

Sincerely,

Ihsaan Gardee, NCCM Executive Director

Summary of Key Issues in 2015 Elections

Introduction

Law & Order

• Crime has significant decreased in Canada, hitting its lowest record in 2013 since 1969.

• However, there are more innocent people in jail than convicted ones due to a huge backlog in hearings, according to The Globe and Mail.

• The number of visible minority inmates has risen by 75% over a period of ten years, according to the federal prison ombudsman.

• Experts say far too many people are being held in jail when they could be serving bail outside of prison, which is better for reintegration and helps save money.

• The Conservative government cut funding to part-time chaplains in 2012 which primarily affected chaplains for minority faiths, including Muslim inmates.

• Chaplaincy was privatized in 2013 and inmates from minority faiths have complained of discriminatory treatment.

• The federal prison’s only full-time Muslim chaplain resigned in protest in 2014.

The Issues: • Inmates are entitled to human rights; however, there are concerns that freedom of religion is being curtailed in federal penitentiaries.

• The current government refuses to sign on to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture; Some experts say this would result in greater scrutiny of Canada’s use of solitary confinement.

• Black, Aboriginal, and mentally-ill inmates, are more likely to be placed in solitary confinement than other inmates, according to Canada’s prison ombudsman.

The Parties: Conservatives: • Cuts to chaplain services affecting minority faiths.

• Privatized chaplaincy.

• Won’t sign on to Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture.

• Dismissed calls to limit use of solitary confinement.

Liberals: • The Liberals criticized the current government for cutting chaplaincy services in prisons for non-Christian inmates as “clearly discriminatory”.

NDP |

Green:

No public statements but have both criticized Conservative policies.

Questions to ask candidates: • How would you resolve the backlog in the courts?

• What sort of support do you think there should be for inmates seeking religious counseling in prisons?

• Would you restore funding towards chaplaincy services that would ensure equal access to spiritual services for all faith groups?

Law & Order

The Facts:

Healthcare

The Facts: The Canadian healthcare system covers Canadians living in the 10 provinces and three territories. It is funded and administered by the federal and provincial governments.

Healthcare is provided free to all residents of Canada.

The most recent funding agreement was called the Canada Health Accord. The Conservative government did not agree to renew it after it expired in 2014.

The Parties: Conservatives: • Reduce annual health funding to provinces to 3% each year (instead of current increases of 6% annually).

• Promises incentives for doctors and nurses to practise in rural and remote areas.

• Has been criticized for making it very difficult for some refugee claimants, including children, to access health care in Canada, downloading the costs on to the provinces in a bid to prevent “bogus” claimants from coming to Canada. A Federal Court has found this policy to be discriminatory and unconstitutional. The Conservative government is currently appealing this Federal Court Decision.

• Cut major funding to Aboriginal health research.

• Refuse to renew the Canada Health Accord, or meet with provincial leaders as a group to negotiate a new agreement.

Liberals: • Strengthen the federal government’s role in safeguarding the national health-care system; meet with the premiers on how to improve the system in areas such as wait times, affordability of prescription drugs, and availability of homecare.

• Want a Canadian health promotion strategy to reduce obesity.

• Creation of national food policy to encourage healthier eating, and clearer food labelling.

• Offers incentives for doctors and nurses to practise in rural and remote areas.

• Would work with the provinces to lower the cost of prescription drugs.

The Issues: Free and accessible health care is highly valued by Canadians. However, concerns around wait times, special procedures, and the high cost of medication emerge as key issues. Furthermore, some private health care providers have challenged the public system in court.

Aboriginal communities have historically had less access to quality healthcare than the general population. Health care advocates say the Conservative government has downloaded the cost of health care onto the provinces and are not sharing the responsibility or establishing best practices.

NDP: • Restore the 6% annual increase to health-care transfers to the provinces.

• Support mental health programs in prisons.

Where do Canadians Stand?

• Pledge support for senior’s health care and palliative care.

• Would create a Children’s Nutrition Initiative to provide healthy food in schools.

• Pledge to create a Canadian Food Strategy to encourage healthier eating.

Green: • Create a Canadian Disabilities Act and basic income program for the disabled.

• Would create a national food plan that focuses on local grown, health choices.

• Would create a national drug plan.

• Introduce dental plans.

A majority of Canadians have consistently expressed support for a publicly-funded health care system, and are concerned it may be falling behind.

Questions to ask candidates: • Would your party aim to negotiate a new Health Accord with the provinces?

• Do you believe there are any circumstances when health care should be paid for?

• Should refugee claimants have full access to medical care while waiting for their claims to be processed?

Healthcare

• Pledges $165 million to hire more doctors and nurses, repatriate Canadian health care workers practising abroad and fix credential recognition system for foreign doctors.

National Security

The Facts: •

Anti-terrorism laws were passed in Canada for the first time in 2001 by the then-Liberal government. The controversial legislation included a sunset clause for particularly contentious measures.

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New security laws were passed at various times since then.

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The most recent law, the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2015 (commonly known as Bill C-51), was passed into law in June 2015.

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Dozens of experts and civil society representatives, including NCCM, appeared before parliamentary hearings to make recommendations about the bill. Almost none of the recommendations were accepted.

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The current government has specifically said it would accept information that could have been obtained through torture, and could share information with countries that torture.

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Very little funding has been made available towards grassroots, madein-Canada, efforts to combat violent extremism, or to strengthen mental health, and social services targeting the vulnerable and marginalized.

Veterans have complained about a lack of support by the Conservative government, with the cutting of staff, and closure of offices.

The Issues: The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM), along with legal experts & human rights organizations, identified the following problems with Bill C-51: • Lack of independent oversight in national security coupled with increased discretion and powers.

• Insufficient judicial review of no-fly lists, which are notoriously prone to error.

• No response to the recommendations of the Maher Arar Inquiry.

• Addition of unnecessarily broad and vague provisions relating to terrorism.

• Chill on free expression with criminalization of speech.

• Judicial sanctioning of Charter violations.

• E nhanced information sharing provisions which include accepting information which may have come from torture and sharing information with partners those who may use or subcontract torture.

The Parties: Conservatives: • Proposed and passed Bill C-51 as necessary to protect national security; have officially and consistently identified the threat as “jihadi terrorism”, terminology which Canadian security agencies say is problematic; have publicly drawn links between violent extremism and Canadian mosques.

NDP: • Voted against Bill C-51 and vow to repeal the entire law. They suggest focusing on putting resources into preventing violent radicalization.

Liberals: • Supported Bill C-51. However, the party says it will make amendments to strengthen oversight of security agencies, as well as remove measures which authorize violations of the Charter. They support informationsharing. They would include a sunset clause in the law.

Green: • Would repeal Bill C-51, called for building bridges and increasing funding for mental health, addiction counselling and outreach antiradicalization programs.

According to the most recent polling, a majority of Canadians oppose Bill C-51.

Bill C-51 was criticized by four former Prime Ministers, former Supreme Court Justices, Ministers of Justice, and former members of the Intelligence Review Committee.

Questions to ask candidates: • How do you think the government can help keep Canadians safe?

• Why do you think Bill C-51 is/isn’t helpful?

• H ow much money would your government commit to supporting grassroots programs aimed at supporting marginalized youth?

• How important do you think it is to work with Canadian Muslim communities as partners?

• How would your government seek to build bridges with diverse communities, and challenge racism and xenophobia?

• How would you support Canada’s troops when they return home?

National Security

Where do Canadians Stand?

Immigration & Refugees

The Facts: •

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hen establishing immigration W levels to Canada, the Conservative government has focused on 70% economic immigration. This has come at the expense of family class sponsorships and refugees.

F amily reunification has decreased by 15 % between 2010 and 2013, with less newcomers coming to Canada under the Family Class.

Recently passed legislation (Bill C-24) means that a dual citizen can be stripped of his or her citizenship if convicted of certain criminal offences abroad, even in countries with dubious legal systems.

This also includes Canadian born citizens.

In Ontario alone, the Conservative government cut $14 million dollars to settlement services in 2015 and close to $100 million dollars in the last five years.

Refugee Crisis: •

The Conservative government created a two-tier refugee system making it harder for refugees coming from certain countries to seek asylum in Canada.

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The two-tier system also reduced and eliminated medical coverage to some refugees, a decision that the Federal Court said is unconstitutional. The Conservative government is currently challenging the Federal Court decision.

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UNHCR is asking Canada to commit to resettling thousands of Syrian refugees by the end of 2016. So far, around 2,500 Syrian refugees have arrived in Canada.

The Issues: • Only 26 per cent of permanent residents who settled in Canada in 2008 acquired Canadian citizenship, compared with 44% for immigrant who arrived in 2007 and 79 percent for those who arrived in 2000.

• Bill C-24 allows the Canadian government to revoke citizenship of dual citizens for certain criminal offenses (including those who could apply for dual citizenship in another country).

Legal experts have suggested that Bill C-24 creates “second class citizenship”.

• I n January 2015, the Canadian government did promise to resettle an additional 10,000 Syrian refugees. However, 60% of the sponsorships would be private sponsorships through organizations like churches, synagogues, and mosques, and 40% would be government sponsored.

• In 2015, a Federal Court of Appeal found that the federal government discriminates against parents and grandparents in family sponsorship because of the longer processing time of these cases.

Conservatives: • The Conservatives proposed and passed Bill C-24 based on the threat of socalled “jihadi terrorism”; the law is currently being challenged in court by civil liberties & legal advocacy organizations.

• The Conservative government says it will focus on resettling only refugees from Syria’s religious minorities, contrary to international human rights norms which say that refugees should be assessed based on need, not religious background.

• The Conservative government says it will resettle a further 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next three years if elected, bringing the total eventually to 20,000 refugees resettled in Canada.

Liberals: • The Liberals voted against Bill C-24, pledged to repeal it.

• A Liberal government has pledged to accept 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of 2015.

NDP: • T he NDP voted against Bill C-24, would repeal it.

• The NDP called for the Conservative government to increase governmentsponsored refugee numbers and accelerate Syrian refugee application processing.

• The NDP has pledged to accept 9,000 refugees by the end of 2015, and 15,000 over the next 3 years.

• Allow Canadians a one-time opportunity to sponsor a relative who is not a member of the family class to Canada

Green: • Make it easier for foreign-trained professionals to join the labour force.

• Provide more funding for training in official languages (ESL and FSL) for new immigrants.

• Amend the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Public Safety Act to require that, after a reasonable length of time, formal charges be brought against all those detained.

• Repeal recent changes that encourage rapid deportation, ignoring rules of due process and natural justice.

• Open an investigation into allegations by the United Nations Human Rights Committee of Canadian officials cooperating with foreign agencies known to use torture.

• Reverse the Conservative government’s policies to place barriers on family reunification.

• Pledged to grant asylum to 25,000 Syrian refugees immediately.

Where do Canadians Stand?

According to a recent poll, over half of those surveyed believe Canada should take in more refugees (54%).

64% say private groups should sponsor more refugees. Support for bringing in over 10,000 refugees was strongest among NDP and Liberal supporters.

Questions to ask candidates: • How will you support the immigrant and refugee serving-sector to deliver appropriate settlement services to immigrants and refugees, and support them to reach their full social, political and economic potential?

• How will you ensure access to citizenship and exercise of citizenship is equal for all Canadians?

• What will you do to remove barriers to family reunification and allow all categories of family members to reunite in Canada?

• D o you feel the religious background of a refugee claimant should be a determining factor in assessing their claim for asylum?

Immigration & Refugees

The Parties:

Women’s Issues

The Issues: •

The Facts: •

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67% of all Canadians say they personally know at least one woman who has been sexually or physically assaulted.

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On average, every six days a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner.

On any given day in Canada, more than 3,300 women (along with their 3,000 children) are forced to sleep in an emergency shelter to escape domestic violence.

Every night, about 200 women are turned away because the shelters are full.

There are approximately 1,200 Aboriginal women who have gone missing or were murdered in the past 30 years in Canada. Both Amnesty International and the United Nations have called upon the Canadian government to take action on this issue. According to the Native Women’s Association of Canada, “if this figure were applied proportionately to the rest of the female population there would be over 18,000 missing Canadian women and girls.”

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The Conservative government passed Bill S-7, Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act in 2015, even though women’s groups and UNICEF decried the language used.

The Conservative government is challenging the right of a woman to wear a face veil (niqab) during a citizenship oath (while fully showing her face to female officials immediately prior to the oath ceremony to confirm her identity) despite a Federal Court ruling which found it was lawful to do so.

The Supreme Court of Canada has also previously ruled that religious freedom guarantees a woman’s right to wear what she wants and that this can only be curtailed in very specific situations.

The Conservative government cut major funding to many women’s causes and organizations that existed to help advance women’s rights and issues.

The Parties: Conservatives: Women nominated (in this federal election): 58/315 Candidates = 18% • The Conservative government instituted policy on banning face coverings in citizenship ceremonies in 2011.

• Ban was found unlawful by the federal courts in 2015; the Conservative government is appealing the decision.

• Conservatives pander to Islamophobia • Conservative MP Larry Miller, when speaking about women wearing face veils in citizenship ceremonies, stated: “stay the hell where you came from”.

• Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander conflated both the hijab (head covering) and niqab (face covering) on Twitter and in a press release during the citizenship oath debate.

• Would continue implementation of the Action Plan for Women Entrepreneurs, which includes a $700-million fund for women to access capital to grow their businesses.

• Would encourage gender diversity on corporate boards.

• Would protect women’s rights abroad by fighting groups like ISIS.

Women nominated: 97/315 Candidates = 31% • Oppose the ban on niqab.

• Criticized some of the rhetoric around the Zero Tolerance for Barbaric Cultural Practices Act, but ultimately voted for it.

• Call for an inquiry into the cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women.

NDP:

Green:

Women nominated: Women nominated: 55/173 119/281 Candidates = 42% Candidates = 32% • Criticized the Zero Tolerance for • Criticized the ban on niqab, said Barbaric Cultural Practices Act the discussion creates a ‘hostile, and voted against it. emotionally charged and difficult environment’ and could hamper • Defended the right of women to anti-radicalization efforts. wear niqab in citizenship oaths.

• Previously criticized the Conservative government’s use of the word “barbaric” in its citizenship guide however Justin Trudeau had to apologize when he was painted as supporting violence against women for his objection to the use of that terminology.

• Would create one million new child care spaces, costing no more than $15 a day.

• Call for an increase the tax-free child benefit payment, to up to $533 per child per month.

• Would draft a national action plan to end violence against women.

• Would appoint an equal number of men and women to cabinet.

• Would ensure equal access to safe, fully funded reproductive health services for all women.

• Would commit to gender parity in government appointments.

• Would call an “immediate” inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

• Would call for an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women within 100 days of taking office.

• Choose women for half of government appointments.

• Would ensure all Liberal MPs support abortion rights.

• P ass equity legislation as recommended by the Pay Equity Task Force, and immediately implement pay equity for women working in the federal sector.

• Call an inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

• Re-establish funding organizations advocating women’s rights.

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• Apply equal opportunity criteria to government appointments.

• Create job re-entry programs for mothers returning to work.

• C reate a universal child care program and provide tax incentives for employers to create more child care spaces.

• Would create more flexible employment benefits. for people caring for sick family members.

Questions to ask candidates: • Why should or shouldn’t there be an inquiry into the cases of and murdered Aboriginal women?

• How will your party work with women’s groups and communities to combat violence against women?

• What will your party do to ensure that Canadians can exercise their religious freedom, even if it means wearing something that is unpopular?

Sources: www.canadianwomen.org/facts-about-violence https://cfuwadvocacy.wordpress. com/2012/05/25/major-federal-government-cutsimpacting-women-in-canada-since-2006/ The Toronto Star

Women’s Issues

Liberals:

Foreign Policy

The Facts: •

Canada’s foreign aid spending has plunged drastically over the past 10 years.

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Canada was once seen as a balanced voice in Middle East politics. However, under the current government, an evenhanded policy was abandoned. The Conservative Party has been uncritically aligned with Israel’s government and its policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This, along with other Conservative policies, has harmed Canada’s global reputation, and cost it a seat at the United Nations Security Council.

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Canada was also once seen as a global peacemaker and active player in nation building, however military and police contributions to UN missions have significantly been reduced to a “trickle” according to a Toronto Star investigation.

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Canadian Muslims continue to be unjustly detained abroad with little help from Canadian officials.

According to international human rights groups, Canadians unfairly held abroad include Huseyin Celil who has been detained in China since 2006 (his wife and four children are in Toronto). Also held unfairly by a foreign government, Canadian Bashir Makhtal remains in an Ethiopian jail despite years’ of assurances of action by the Canadian government. Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy remains in an Egyptian jail despite international calls for the government to secure his release.

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Canadian Omar Khadr, who many legal experts argued should have been treated as a child soldier for his role in the Afghan conflict at the age 15, returned to Canada in 2012. That same year, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Ottawa had violated his constitutional rights by allowing Canadian officials to interrogate him while knowing he had been abused in Guantanamo Bay.

The Issues: IRAQ & SYRIA: In response to the international terrorist group ISIS, the Conservative government led Canada to join a military operation against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Canada has contributed close to its fair share of humanitarian aid to Syria, according to Oxfam, but should still do more.

ISRAEL & PALESTINE: In summer 2014, a military attack was launched by Israel on the Gaza Strip, which remains blockaded by Israel since 2007.

• Over 2,100 Gazans were killed, including over 500 children.

• 66 Israeli soldiers and 5 Israeli civilians were killed.

SAUDI ARABIA: The Conservative government has facilitated the export of $15 billion

The Parties: Conservatives: • T he Conservatives under Stephen Harper have always expressed “unequivocal support” for Israel and its actions and policies.

• P roposed creating “Banned Travel Zones” to prevent Canadians from participating in conflict zones including Syria and Iraq. This means Canadians travelling for legitimate reasons, including visiting family, or visiting holy shrines, will have to show proof.

• The Conservatives have said little about human rights when conducting trade deals and bilateral discussions with countries like Egypt, China, and others.

• Established an Office of Religious Freedom in 2013; its Ambassador criticized a number of governments for treatment of religious minorities including Myanmar’s leaders for the persecution of Muslims.

Liberals:

• During the 2014 Gaza conflict, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau stated: “Israel has the right to defend itself and its people. Hamas is a terrorist organization and must cease its rocket attacks immediately.”

IRAN: The Conservative government suspended diplomatic relations with Iran in September 2012 and expelled Iranian diplomats from Canada. Despite the the historic nuclear deal between major world powers and Iran, the Conservative government is maintaining economic sanctions against Iran.

EGYPT: Canada continues to normalize relations with the Egyptian government, despite widespread human rights violations according to human rights observers. The current Egyptian government took power in a military coup which ousted the democratically-elected government.

• T rudeau has stated that he would pull out Canada’s CF18s and troops out of combat roles against ISIS. • Trudeau says he would re-engage with Iran to normalize relations, and to reopen Canada’s mission in that country.

• L iberals have committed to raising the country’s foreign aid spending to 0.7% of GDP. • The Liberals criticized the Conservative government on the Saudi arms deal and asked for assurances that “there is no reasonable risk that the goods might be used against the civilian population.”

• Although Omar Khadr was interrogated by Canadian officials under a Liberal government, the Liberals have since criticized the Conservative government for not affording him his rights as a Canadian citizen.

Foreign Policy

worth of arms from Canada to Saudi Arabia, despite persistent concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

NDP: • In response to the 2014 Gaza conflict, NDP leader Tom Mulcair stated that: “New Democrats have long been committed to a policy of supporting peaceful coexistence in viable, independent states with agreed-upon borders, an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, and an end to violence targeting civilians.”

• Mulcair reiterated this position in the first Leaders’ Debate in August. The NDP has criticized military action against ISIS, suggests focus on preventing financing of foreign groups, as well as preventing the travelling of fighters to war zones.

• NDP foreign affairs critic Paul Dewar said it appears Canada has too cozy a relationship with Saudi Arabia.

• The NDP have not been clear on their position on Iran.

• Has criticized the Conservative government’s handling of the case of Omar Khadr, arguing that he should have been treated as a child soldier, that allegations of torture must be investigated, and that Khadr may deserve compensation.

Green:

Foreign Policy

• Work to establish a standing international peacekeeping force under UN control.

• Increase foreign aid to 0.7% of GDP. • Work to increase the influence of the International Court of Justice.

• Advocate a viable and secure state for Palestine and a secure state for Israel.

• Initiate a review of Canada’s current international security alliances.

• Promote and support the international missions of the United Nations.

• Erase debts with emerging countries that have been in default for over ten years.

• Has also criticized the Conservative government’s handling of the case of Omar Khadr, arguing that he should have been treated as a child soldier.

Where do Canadians Stand?

A majority of Canadians polled last spring were opposed to expanding airstrikes to Syria and a majority disproved of Canadian participation in the bombing mission in Iraq, according to a Forum Poll.

Questions to ask candidates: • Where do you stand on military action in Iraq and Syria?

• What do you think Canada’s contributions to foreign aid should be?

• How can Canada help bring peace and stability to the Middle East?

• How should Canada ensure that Canadians unjustly detained abroad are returned safely home?

• How should Canada deal with antidemocratic governments, and address human rights abuses in countries Canada wants to do business with?

• Should Canada support the new diplomatic deal to normalize relations with Iran? Why or why not?

The Facts: •

1-7 people in Canada live in poverty.

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200,000 people are homeless in a year, costing the Canadian economy $7 billion annually.

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3.8 million people, including 1.1 million children experienced food insecurity in 2011.

Close to 900,000 people rely on food banks each month.

1.4 million Canadians are unemployed.

Temporary employment has increased by 23% since 1997.

Over 4 million Canadians struggle to pay the rent, feed their families, and address their basic needs.

The Parties: Conservatives:

• Have not released a poverty elimination strategy nor an affordable housing strategy. Childcare supports: $160/ child under age 6. $60/ child, age 6-17.

• Boost the Guaranteed Income Supplement for low-income seniors by $300 million (that is, $600 more annually for single seniors and $840 for couples).

• Family Tax-cut (income splitting) which will not benefit low-income Canadians.

• Enhance the Canada Student Loan Program.

Liberals:

• Introduced a Poverty Reduction Strategy, Affordable Housing Framework and the Early Childhood Learning and Care Fund.

• Introduced a Family Care Plan.

• Would gradually expand the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) and create a new Secure Retirement Option.

• Would boost the Guaranteed Income Supplement.

• Would provide a Youth Hiring Incentive for small and medium-sized businesses.

• Would introduce “Canadian Learning Passport” RESP contributions.

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The Conservative government raised the age which seniors qualify for Old Age Security pension to the age of 67, rather than 65.

3-4 million people in Canada were poor in 2011. Despite numerous calls for action, Canada has no national plan to reduce and eliminate poverty.

50% of health outcomes can be attributed to the social determinants of health. Poverty in childhood can be a greater predictor of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adults than later life circumstances and behaviour.

• Would develop a Canada-wide child care and early learning program.

• Would double the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans and improve the Child Tax Benefit.

• Would provide an EI premium rebate for small business.

• Would transfer $800 million to provinces and territories to lower tuition fee and raise the education tax credit.

• Would invest in First Nations/Métis/Inuit education.

Green:

• Introduce a National Home Care Policy and a National Affordable Housing framework. Would also amend the Charter of Rights to include a right to housing.

• Address poverty through progressive taxation, a guaranteed income, the implementation of a Canadian Index of Wellbeing to monitor progress.

• Put in place a federally funded child care program.

• No taxes on incomes of $20,000 or less.

• Implement a Nation-wide Employment and Education Initiative For Youth 18-25.

• Would eliminate post-secondary tuition.

Source: Dignity for All

Poverty

The Issues:

NDP:

• Would table legislation that will set goals and targets for poverty reduction and to ensure secure, adequate accessible and affordable housing.

Every day Issues There are many important areas which the federal government is responsible for such as the economy, environment and various social issues.

Education:

When it comes to education, it is important to note that the federal government is not responsible for Canada’s education system.

Decisions made about curriculum, class sizes, etc., are the responsibility of the provincial governments. This distinction is important considering the current controversy around sexual health education in Ontario. Whichever federal party comes to power will make no difference on what is taught to elementary and secondary students.

Federal governments can however help fund post-secondary education, as well as establish more funding for research.

Economy & Environment:

Each party will release a platform which will include their plans for the economy and for the environment.

What you should pay attention to is what experts say about those plans. Academics and public interest groups will be able to provide critical assessments of each party’s proposals. Don’t just take the word of your local candidate - do your homework and read, watch, or listen to the local news!

Pay special attention to each party’s plan on: public transit, public infrastructure including bridges and roads, and renewable energy.

Social Issues:

Canadians have grappled with the issues of gay marriage, prostitution and abortion rights for decades.

It is important to note that all of

Canada’s political parties officially support gay marriage and abortion rights.

The issue of doctor-assisted suicide has not yet been fully debated or explored in law. In 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada unanimously struck down the ban on doctor-assisted suicide and has asked the federal government to prepare new legislation.

In 2013, the Supreme Court of Canada also struck down the country’s prostitution laws. The Conservative government passed new legislation in 2014.

Aboriginal issues are also a key area that Canadians will be paying attention to. From a social justice perspective, Canadian Muslims should join fellow citizens in advocating for fairer treatment Canada’s indigenous communities.

Islamophobia:

We already know that Islamophobia can manifest in devastating ways.

In 2013, for example, hate crimes against Canadian Muslims and their institutions rose by 44 per cent according to Statistics Canada while falling in all other categories. The NCCM’s data indicates a likely correlation between negative events involving Islam or Muslims and a subsequent rise in hate crimes and incidents.

This is why NCCM we have long urged leaders to speak thoughtfully and to weigh their words carefully. This is also the advice of Canada’s law enforcement communities who have advised against using terminology that casts an unfair pall of suspicion on diverse communities.

The NCCM has spoken out against anti-Muslim statements and actions on numerous occasions and has frequently called on political leaders to condemn Islamophobia. It should be noted that the Conservative Party has spoken negatively about Islam and Muslims in relation to security issues and in relation to women’s choices on numerous occasions and in numerous contexts.

The Liberal Party has made public statements condemning Islamophobia and comparing anti-Muslim sentiment to antiJewish sentiment in the 1930s and 1940s. The NDP has also called out the Conservative Party for allegedly stoking fear and prejudice against Canadian Muslims and their institutions.

Democratic Institutions, the CBC, & Free-flowing Information:

describes their ideology and their views of the world. Go back to the books to understand “conservatism”, “liberalism”, and “social democracy”.

In the last federal election, many Canadians chose not to vote on Election Day. Experts believe that a prime reason may be the lack of trust and faith Canadians place in their institutions. The recent Senate scandal has likely made this problem worse.

Also, don’t forget to ask your local candidates about government funding of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). As the country’s national broadcaster, this crown corporation is committed to reflecting Canada’s diversity and nurturing mutual understanding among Canadians. Various governments have cut funding, seriously harming its ability to fulfill its role.

Underlying Ideologies: Finally, every party has an ideological underpinning. You will often hear the terms right or left-wing, centrist, leftleaning, etc., to describe parties and candidates. What does that mean? It

A very basic visual representation of the “political spectrum” Source: York District School Board

Questions to ask candidates: 1. How will you make our democracy work better?

2. How accessible should a Member of Parliament be to the people of his or her riding?

3. How would you describe the role of government in the lives of citizens?

4. What responsibility does government have in ensuring that those who are less fortunate are provided with opportunities to succeed?

5. Will you restore funding to the CBC? Resources: Samara Foundation | New Canadian Media | Institute for Canadian Citizenship The Canadian-Muslim Vote | Elections Canada *Listing a Web site in this guide does not imply the NCCM’s endorsement.

Everyday issues

Scientists and journalists have also complained about the clampdown on free-flowing information necessary for the flourishing of our democracy. Researchers have also criticized the elimination of the long-form census by the Conservative government which makes it very difficult for Canadians to plan for the future.

At a Glance Key Issues Bill C-51 (AntiTerrorism Act 2015)

Conservatives •

Introduced and passed Bill C-51 which establishes anti-terrorism laws in Canada. Civil liberty groups are deeply concerned about the impact this may have on the rights of Canadians and the lack of oversight.

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Voted for Bill C-51. However, the Liberals have promised toamend the bill if elected to include asunset clause to let parts of the Bill to expire and provide more oversight by all political parties.

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Prime Minister Harper linked Canadian mosques to radicalization towards violent extremism and identified ‘Islamicism’ as the biggest threat to Canada.

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Justin Trudeau compared the Conservative Government’s position to anti-Jewish hysteria in the 1930s and 40s.

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In 2011, introduced a “niqab ban” policy during citizenship • ceremonies (which federal courts later overruled and which the government is appealing to the Supreme Court of Canada). The Conservatives also say they would introduce legislation to ban the niqab from citizenship ceremonies.

Islamophobia

Niqab/Hijab Debate

• Passed Bill C-24, dual citizens can now have their citizenship Bill C-24 revoked for certain criminal offences (Amendments to Citizenship Act) •

Foreign Policy

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Immigration / Refugees

LIBERALS

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Justin Trudeau accused the Conservative government of abusing their power by restricting the freedom of wearing niqab.

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Opposed Bill C-24 in Parliament and has committed to repealing the “2-tiered” citizenship law if elected.

Voted to extend the campaign in Iraq and Syria against ISIS which includes airstrikes and providing military personnel.

Voted against having Palestine’s flag raised at the United Nations.

Supported Israel’s military campaign on Gaza Introduced Office of Religious Freedom to protect human rights around the world.

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Voted against extending the campaign in Iraq and Syria against ISIS. Plan to boost humanitarian aid if elected.

Supported Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

Announced the Syrian Relief Fund which will match donations made by Canadians up to $100 million.

Reaffirmed commitment to resettling 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next 3 years despite calls from provinces and cities to increase this amount significantly.

Prioritize refugee claims for members of ‘religious minorities’ although vast majority of displaced Syrians identify as Muslim.

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Committed to accepting 25,000 Syrian refugees if elected.

Proposed a non-partisan summit on refugees with party leaders but was declined by the Conservatives and NDP.

GREEN PARTY

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Opposed and voted against Bill C-51; vowing to repeal it if elected due to the impact it would have on the charter rights of Canadians.

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Opposed/Voted against Bill C-51 in Parliament; vowing to repeal it if elected.

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Thomas Mulcair stated that “it was irresponsible of the prime minister to throw the mosques into his comments.

It was a form of Islamophobia and it was wrong.”

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NA

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Thomas Mulcair defended the right of women to wear the niqab at citizenship ceremonies.

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Elizabeth May stated that the debate over the niqab creates a ‘hostile, emotionally charged and difficult environment’ that makes anti-radicalization work more difficult.

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Opposed Bill C-24 in Parliament.

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Opposed Bill C-24 in Parliament.

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Voted against extending the campaign in Iraq and Syria against ISIS. Cracking down on pro-Palestine sentiment in the party.

Supported the raising of Palestine’s flag at the United Nations.

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Voted against extending the campaign in Iraq and Syria against ISIS. Plan to boost humanitarian aid n the region if elected.

Demanded that Canada accept 10,000 Syrian refugees by the end of 2015. Accused government of discrimination in screening refugee claimants by prioritizing religious minorities.

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Urged the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration to take action by granting temporary visas and increasing aid for Syrian refugees.

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Source: www.canadianmuslimvote.ca | The Canadian-Muslim Vote has not provided any analysis or made any conclusions in this chart.

The purpose of the issues tracker is to provide the positions of all four political parties as reported by media outlets and other sources.

Issue Tracker

NDP

Commonly Used Terms MP: Acronym for “Member of Parliament”. This term refers to the candidate in a riding who wins the majority of votes in an election and will have a seat in the House of Commons. He or she can represent a political party, or be independent.

Strategic Voting: Voting for a candidate in order to defeat another candidate, even if you don’t support his or her platform. Several local and national organizations have launched campaigns to encourage strategic voting, providing information on local ridings and candidates to support.

Platform: The promises made during an election on key issues.

Riding: The geographical area represented by each Member of Parliament, this is also known as a

Terms

Constituents: The residents of a riding.

Legislation: Proposed or adopted laws that are debated in the House of Commons and the Senate.

Policy: A detailed government or institutional plan regarding a specific issue.

Political Spectrum: A term often used to describe the ideological position of a party on a spectrum. Those on the left are often associated with socialism; those on the right are often associated with conservatism; those in the centre are often described as liberals. These are very loose designations.

First Past the Post: Canada’s electoral system is referred to as a “first past the post” system. The candidate with the most votes in a riding wins a seat in the House of Commons and represents that riding as its Member of Parliament (MP). The Governor General asks the Members of Parliament to form a government, which is normally the party whose candidates have won the most seats; that party’s leader generally becomes Prime Minister. In Canada, majority governments are regularly formed by parties with the support of under 40% of votes cast.

Proportional Representation: : Proportional representation is any voting system designed to produce a representative body (like a parliament, legislature, or council) where voters elect representatives in proportion to the votes cast.

What else can I do?

Every Canadian citizen is entitled to vote. If you have just turned 18, or have moved in the last four years, you may not be registered to vote. Check the Elections Canada website. http://www.elections.ca

Remember, participating in democracy is more than just voting once every four years! To be a contributing and informed citizen, participate whenever and wherever you can in your community!

Join a parent’s council, take part in a fundraising drive, support a local cause, write a letter to your newspaper, or call your city councillor to discuss an issue.

You may also wish to consider joining a political party and/or working as a volunteer. This does not mean you have to agree with every position that your party takes but it will help each party to hear a diversity of voices on the issues.

Is this your first time voting? Be sure to register before election day to avoid the wait. Here’s how:

• OPTION 1: Register online – most people can register

online by providing the number from their driver’s licence or provincial or territorial ID card to confirm their identity.

Register online by Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m. This option can also be used if you are not sure whether you have registered or not.

• OPTION 2: Register in person at your local Elections Canada

Be an engaged citizen every day of the year!

• OPTION 3: Register by mail – on Monday August 17 or later,

Contact the NCCM for more information or to order civic engagement training & workshops & publications for your association or group:

office, between Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m. call your local Elections Canada office to request a registration form. Mail back the form, with a copy of your proof of identity and address, so the office receives it by Tuesday, October 13 at 6:00 p.m.

There are certain pieces of identification you must provide when registering or voting. Visit Elections Canada’s website to see a list of ID options. Don’t forget to bring your voter information card on election day, as well! Remember – there are also ways to vote ahead of October 19 at advanced polling stations!

www.nccm.ca P.O. Box 13219, Ottawa, Ontario, K2K 1X4 tel: 1-866-524-0004 fax: 613-254-9810 email: info@nccm.ca

Now What?

Register to vote

Special thanks to The Canadian-Muslim Vote for their contributions to this guide.

National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) Š 2015 P.O. Box 13219, Ottawa, Ontario, K2K 1X4 tel: 1-866-524-0004 | fax: 613-254-9810 email: info@nccm.ca www.nccm.ca