Proposed Resolutions Child Welfare

2) A Proposal for a Series of Child Welfare Policy Resolutions Proposed by party member Michele Farrugia, Peterborough Ontario Date: 25/06/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly. FOSTER CARE WHEREAS too many children end up in foster care when they could be placed with family members. AND WHEREAS Grandparents are not automatically deemed parties to a child welfare proceeding or protection application. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario makes it their position to advocate for changes to the appropriate legislation which would make grandparents automatic parties to child protection proceedings so a judge can decide if they are more appropriate than a foster placement WHEREAS some agencies have developed a list of Rights for their local foster parents. AND WHEREAS these documents differ greatly, leaving foster homes without the rights afforded to other community sectors. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario advocate for a Provincial Foster Care Bill of Rights. WHEREAS Foster Parents have adopted 58% of all children available for adoption in Canada, if agencies had specific money designated for adoption subsidies, this money would enable a greater number of children and youth with challenges to be adopted. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario advocate that the Ministry of Children and Youth services direct funds for the purposes of adoption subsidy. WHEREAS foster parents should not be expected to cover treatment costs for a seriously injured child under their third party liability insurance due to a shortfall in the agency coverage. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario advocate that the Ministry of Child and Youth Services provide an insurance rider to agency insurance policies to cover contingencies or exceptions for foster children who are seriously injured. WHEREAS the majority of youth in care find themselves turning 18, having not yet completed high school. This is due to trauma and some of the life experiences that foster children have faced in contrast to the general population as well as when their birthday falls within a calendar

year. Lack of a high school diploma is the primary obstacle in the way of our children achieving a post secondary education. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will extend the foster home per diem for our youth in high school and post secondary institutions. WHEREAS deaths sometimes occur of children under the protection of Childrens Aid societies. AND WHEREAS the public has no way now of learning even how many there are. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate for an indepenant body to investigate any deaths related to foster care. Child and Family Services Act WHEREAS subsection 15 (6) of the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) states No action shall be instituted against an officer or employee of a society for an act done in good faith in the execution or intended execution of the persons duty or for an alleged neglect or default in the execution in good faith of the persons duty. AND WHEREAS this provision of the CFSA creates too high a bar as a barrier for those attempting to hold accountable the officers or society employees for their wrongdoing AND WHEREAS it is commonly expressed by child welfare clients that society employees often, if not regularly put false or misleading information in court documents and affidavits which can be contradicted by audio recordings made of meetings with society employees AND WHEREAS this provision has the effect of protecting officers and society employees from liability once they have done wrong THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate for the removal of subsection 15 (6) of the CFSA to eliminate the Good Faith immunity from liability for officers and society employees WHEREAS youth who are aged sixteen and seventeen who are not in the child welfare system are not able to be protected by CASs because of their age AND WHEREAS youth who are sixteen and seventeen years of age who are in care may wish to leave foster care before their 18th birthday THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate to increase the age of protection to 18 with the provision to allow sixteen and seventeen year olds to leave foster care if they so choose WHEREAS life can be difficult for young people leaving the child welfare system. AND WHEREAS youth sometimes realize they need assistance or support only after they have left foster care.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate for an Open Door Policy which would allow youth of any age who have left the child welfare system to come back for services before their 25th birthday WHEREAS often CAS employees do not provide full disclosure to those parties involved in child protection proceedings. AND WHEREAS foster families, foster children, natural families, adoptive families, and adopted children are often left in the dark as to what is in their records for medical or court purposes. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate to make all foster care, medical, and other applicable records available to the relevant parties. WHEREAS the CFSA does not currently define Medical Treatment in its definitions section AND WHEREAS Medical Treatment is used in the act but its interpretation is unfairly left up to the individual society employees THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate for a clear definition of Medical Treatment Group Homes WHEREAS clients are often told that the ministry is licensing the agency, to clean their rooms and be on their best behaviour, AND WHEREAS agencies often do major last minute repairs in the homes. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate for Mandatory Licensing Schedule WHEREAS agency managers are granted a license each year based on rapport and THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario recreate the licensing process to put emphasis on what clients have to say. WHEREAS youth in care, their families and community advocates could advocate for improvements to the group homes they live in if their policy and procedure manuals were publicly available. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate for making public an online database of group homes and their policy and procedure manuals WHEREAS ministry licensees are over burdened, over worked and cannot license every home within the year. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate for hiring at least 15 percent more group home licensing inspectors.

WHEREAS too often youth are physically restrained for improper reasons where harm is not imminent, AND WHEREAS youth are often hurt and sometimes killed during physical restraints, AND WHEREAS physical restraints do not encourage youth to learn to resolve problems without violence, AND WHEREAS physical restraints are not permitted by natural family members as a form of discipline. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate for Ministry directives to group homes and foster homes to use hands free restraints or redirection and/or de-escalation techniques as opposed to physical restraints where ever possible. MINISTRY WHEREAS the ministry can make regulations behind closed doors and implement them while great effect on clients. THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will make all regulations public and enforce a 30 day public comment period on proposed regulations. WHEREAS youth are the future and filled with experiences from being impacted by the child welfare system. THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario advocate to the Ministry of Children and Youth, for a Youth Engagement Committee. WHEREAS the public does not get enough notice for every CFSA five year review and often misses the deadline for submissions. THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario legislate that two months notice be given for every CFSA Review. WHERAS the Child and Family Services Review Board (CFSRB) has no enforcement powers due to it being exempt from the Statutory Powers and Procedures Act AND WHEREAS complaints about CAS staff and decisions should be heard by the courts AND WHEREAS CAS staff will be more willing to resolve complaints earlier if knowing they will be faced with court action for wrongdoing. THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate to abolish the CFSRB as soon as possible in order to let judges decided complaints about child welfare. WHERAS CASs are privately incorporated non-profit corporations

AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Children and Youth Services often responds to complaints about wrongdoing by CAS by stating that they only have a monitoring role over the agencies THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario will advocate to have the government take over CAS as is the case is most other provinces in Canada. FAMILY LAW WHEREAS most courts dealing with criminal and civil matters are now open to public scrutiny, and family courts should be as well. This means that any person could walk in off the street and sit in the courtroom while a family court matter was being heard, and even more importantly, that anyone could examine the file full of documents that is where most of the legal action takes place. To be exact, any member of the public could read all of the documents presented to the judge. WHEREAS the public has every right to scrutinize child protection proceedings. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario open all child welfare proceedings to the public. WHEREAS unrepresented parents are silenced by court officers who make no statement on record, but menace parents with handcuffs when they try to speak. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario allow defence witnesses in child welfare proceedings. WHEREAS unrepresented parents in child protection proceedings have to get vital material without specific application but this not the case in a criminal trial. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario provide an automatic right for parents to receive copies of case conference notes and all evidence used against them in court. WHEREAS Persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent, meaning that the prosecution has the burden of proving that the accused committed the crime. WHEREAS There is no such presumption in family court. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario create a legal presumption of innocence for accused parents. WHEREAS When a family is examined by professionals, the family should select the professional. WHEREAS Allowing the child protectors to choose the professional allows for collusion between the professional and the agency. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario end collusion between child protectors and psychiatrists and similar expert witnesses.

Health-care
1) Proposal for an Ontario Childhood Obesity Strategy Proposed by party member Michele Farrugia, Peterborough Ontario Date: 25/06/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the pre-election Policy Assembly. At School Create an Ontario Obesity Curriculum for all elementary and secondary students Eliminate foods with trans fats from school cafeterias Establish fruit tuck shops in every school run by local farmers Replace pop with milk and juice in vending machines Use healthy foods or non-food alternatives for school fundraising efforts Provide one hour per day of mandatory physical activity to elementary and high school students Open all schools after school to community organizations Create cooking programs in schools province wide Hire health and wellness instructors for physical education classes Increase funding for school nutrition programs Awareness Establishing a Centre of Excellence on Child and Youth Obesity Put less focus on weight rather than a healthy body Implement an Obesity Prevention Campaign Hire more dietitians and nutritionists Incentives Eliminate current provincial government claw-backs of the National Child Benefit Create a Childrens Coaching Tax Credit Create a Childrens Fitness Tax Credit Establish a grant program for community food gardens. Create a Healthy Foods Tax Credit. Disincentives Restrict energy drinks to people 18 years or and under Ban junk food advertising to children 13 and under Create a tax on junk food and sugary drinks Outdoors Walk Across Ontario Online Tracking Challenge Establish more cycling and biking paths and lanes Create more skateboard parks and ice rinks Construct more walking and hiking trails

Treatment Establish an Obesity Mentorship Program Create Obesity Treatment Centres covered by OHIP that focus on the community as a whole 5) A Proposal for Health Care Proposed by Don Nicholls, Oshawa Date: 12/09/2011 Revised: 18/10/11 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly WHEREAS the World Health organization has defined health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity; and WHEREAS this requires a system of health care, health promotion and protection, and health information inspired by and built around the needs and choices of patients and their family caregivers. The goal of the health-care system should be to ensure that patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time; and WHEREAS we are seeing a continuing process of: Privatization of health care A de-listing of services The continuance of long wait lists A reduction in the level of homecare, and home support The closure of public long-term and chronic-care facilities A greater for-profit involvement, and A movement away from the initial concept that health care is a fundamental right of every Canadian. THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That the Socialist Party of Ontario supports the following principles in order to shape the future directions of the health care system: 1. Stop the creeping privatization in our health care system by expanding and defending public health care; 2. Improve the health systems co-ordination, integration and sharing of information; 3. Guarantee proper funding for home care and nursing homes so that patients have real choice about the kind of long-term care that meets their needs for safe, compassionate care promoting the quality of life, which would include a range of supports for patients and family caregivers; Put private rsing homes under public ownership; 4. Adequately fund and rebuild, as necessary, a full range of institutional and community mental health services; 5. Engage in democratic health planning to include all sectors of the health care system and be accountable to all members of the community in which they serve; 6. Recognize the importance of every health care worker as a valued member of a multidisciplined care giving team and ensure that decent wages, working conditions and training

opportunities are available; 7. Recognize that health care is a social right and a Health Bill of Rights is necessary to prove a legislated mechanism to ensure the health system delivers timely treatment, accountability, safety, confidentiality, service, and adherence to the principles of the Canada Health Act; 8. Improve the health of individuals and communities by recognizing the role of the social, economic, behavioural and environmental factors that have a powerful impact on health status which include jobs, schools, child care, nutrition, income support, affordable housing and the environment; 9. Eliminate the cost of medication and promote the responsible use of medication; 10.Increase human resources and all resources including enhanced access for under-serviced areas in order to provide timely care; 11.Support efforts to increase the rate of organ and tissue donation by strong support of relevant health care service, public- education, research, legislation, living donor support and specific donor programs; 12.The need to pressure the Federal Government to fully assume its responsibilities in respect to health, particularly by restoring and increasing federal transfers to levels sufficient to secure the integrity and enforcement of the Canada Health Act; 13.Ensure that all Ontarians have the right to a primary care physician or a nurse practitioner until such time as a physician is available, in a timely manner either through a family physician or a community health centre; 14.That when the opportunity rises, we ensure that the Canada Health Act is enshrined into the Canadian Constitution thereby making health care a right for every Canadian Citizen. 28) A Resolution Concerning Finding the Causes of Diseases Whose Cause is Unknown Proposed by Ken Ranney, Peterborough Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas there are many diseases which have no identified cause and no cure. Cancer, asthma, autism, ADHD, MS, ALS, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, diabetes, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and schizophrenia are just a few; and Whereas, in capitalist society, research aimed at discovering the causes of such diseases is minuscule; Therefore be it resolved that a Socialist Party of Ontario government will strongly encourage, including financial support, organizations, such as universities, to perform research aimed at revealing the causes of serious diseases of unknown cause. 30) A Resolution Concerning the Creation of a Public Pharmaceutical Company Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas the pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest global capitalist industries with nearly guaranteed profits And whereas investment and research conducted by them, as it is done primarily for the purpose of

profit making And whereas the lives of millions of people depend on life-saving medications which are priced to profit from peoples illnesses Be it resolved that a socialist government in Ontario would establish a public not-for-profit pharmaceutical corporation that would be able to provide low-cost drugs including to those suffering in poorer countries, invest in researching cures instead of treatments, and integrate with our public pharmaceutical plan to lower the cost of covering all prescription medications

Municipal Goverance
4)A PROPOSAL FOR MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE IN THE GTA Proposed by Matt Fodor, Toronto Date: 26/06/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly WHEREAS a metropolitan government is needed for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for area-wide coordination and planning purposes; and WHEREAS local democracy was disregarded by the Conservative government of Mike Harris by the forced amalgamation of Metropolitan Toronto, and that a one size fits all approach is improper in a large and diverse metropolitan area; BE IT THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that a two-tier structure of metropolitan government for the GTA, be created. The current City of Toronto and regional municipalities of Halton, Peel, York and Durham shall be abolished and replaced by an upper-tier GTA regional government and elected council. The four community council areas shall be turned into municipalities, and along with other lower-tier municipalities, be responsible for local matters. The GTA government would be responsible for such services as arterial roads, regional planning, public transportation, regional parks and housing. 23) A Resolution Concerning Urban Planning Proposed by Jason Baines & Guy Fogel, Toronto Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas urban planning in Ontarios major cities has been implemented with a lack of foresight and perspective, with too much reliance on private transportation and Whereas this has lead to a separation of work, education, community, retail and culture and Whereas urban planning must change the current urban sprawl with cohesive and connected communities that provide work, culture, housing and retail within a reasonable distance Therefore be it resolved that the SPO is committed to reorganizing existing municipalities based on public transportation with proper educational facilities, health, welfare, retail, work, culture and that these municipalities be connected to a larger whole on an equitable basis.

Taxation
3) A PROPOSAL FOR HIGHER TAXES ON THE WEALTHY Proposed by Matt Fodor, Toronto Date: 26/06/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly WHEREAS the increase in incomes of the top 1% of income earners has been the main force driving income inequality in Canada and other advanced capitalist countries; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario strongly supports increases on the very highest income earners and the creation of new tax brackets. The Socialist Party of Ontario will ensure that the combined federal/provincial income tax rate for incomes between $250,000 and $500,000 shall be 60%, for incomes between $500,000 and $1 million shall be 70%, and for incomes over $1 million shall be 90%; and WHEREAS income from capital (such as dividends and capital gains) is taxed more lightly than income from wages and salaries; BE IT THEREFORE BE RESOLVED that the Socialist Party of Ontario supports taxing income from capital at the same rate as wages and salaries, and will raise the provincial portion of taxes on capital to match the combined federal/provincial rates on wages and salaries. 32) A Resolution Concerning Raising the Tax Bar Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas we should create a common level of income for all people And whereas those who earn just slightly more than the minimum tax cut-off should not be penalized Be it resolved that we would exempt the first $16,000 of all residents income from provincial incometax, taxing at the applicable rate only income earned after this amount.

Democracy
8) A Resolution Regarding Participatory Democracy Proposed by Ken Ranney, Peterborough Date: 12/09/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas the form of democracy in existence in Western society is unworthy of the term democracy. We mark an X on a ballot every four years or so, with no opportunity to control the actions of our governments in the interim. Western democracy has been aptly termed Totalitarian Democracy. Whereas socialism by its nature is inherently democratic; and yet, due to long-standing propaganda by the capitalist mass media, many voters think that socialism is authoritarian. A clear demonstration of participatory democracy could alleviate such fears.

Whereas a type of participatory democracy, BASIC Democracy, has been published in Ruth Cohens book ALIEN INVASION: How the Harris Tories Mismanaged Ontario. Therefore be it resolved that the Socialist Party of Ontario develop a plan for democracy between elections. Participatory democracy could be instituted in each riding represented either by an elected or unelected candidate of the SPO. 24) A Resolution Concerning Mass Democracy Proposed by Jason Baines & Guy Fogel, Toronto Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas an SPO majority government is a means to an end and whereas the public is highly alienated from the democratic process Therefore be it resolved that new institutions of direct democracy be created such as mass popular community councils that act as parallel organizations to elected municipal government and Therefore be it resolved these organizations seek the active participation of the population over budgetary issues and in identifying crucial issues in a particular community with the perspective of seeking their full resolution 40) A Resolution Regarding Democratising the Bureaucracy Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas public servants are an important part of the governments ability to function and carry out its mandate And whereas many public servants carry out irreplaceable work, including scientific research, enforcing health and safety standards, dealing with public revenue and so on But whereas there is very little public oversight over how the public service is run and how it is organized Therefore, be it resolved that: A. Government departments be democratised by allowing for the appointment and recall of supervisor and management level staff by the workforce in that department executive level staff to be selected by the public B. Open up departments for public examination, evaluation and improvements in order to stimulate innovation and reduce waste C. Cap salaries for all public servants at $250,000 42) A Resolution Concerning Electoral Recall Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly

Whereas elected officials should be responsive to the will of the people at all times, not only during election periods But whereas MPPs often break their promises and governments operate as dictatorships between elections Therefore, be it resolved that individual MPPs, as well as the government as a whole, be recallable by the electorate. A recall referendum for any MPP or provincial government can be initiated by collecting the signatures of 20% of the corresponding electorate. 43) A Resolution Regarding MPP Salaries Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas elected officials should represent the majority of people in their communities, and be able to directly relate to the problems facing them And whereas people who strive for public office should do so because they wish to work for the betterment of the province, and not the betterment of their wallets Therefore, be it resolved that: A. The base salary of MPPs be reduced to $55,000 annually, to better reflect the people they represent cabinet ministers bonus to be reduced to $5,000, and Premiers bonus to be reduced to $10,000 annually. B. Create legislation that mandates any increase to salaries or bonuses be approved by a referendum.

Environment, Transit, Transportation

11) A Resolution Concerning Electric transportation to prevent cancer and ameliorate climate change Proposed by Ken Ranney, Peterborough Date: 08/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas several studies have shown that exhaust from cars and other vehicles with internal combustion engines causes cancer; and Whereas such vehicles make a substantial contribution to greenhouse gas emissions; Therefore be it resolved that a Socialist Party of Ontario government support the replacement of gasoline and diesel cars, buses, trains and trucks with electric vehicles. The process would include: 1. Encouraging the manufacture of electric cars and other vehicles, including subsidization. 2. A publicly owned company which would rent electric cars at stations no more than 20 km apart on major highways, (closer in cities) enabling travellers to replace cars, so that they do not run of electricity. This company would maintain a fleet of trucks in constant communication with computers monitoring the condition of electric vehicles in transit, ready to assist. 3. The development of creative forms of public transportation equal in overall convenience to the family car.

4. Intensive development of solar and wind power, in locations which are not disturbing to residents. 18) A Resolution Concerning Mopeds and Segways Proposed by Michael Laxer, Toronto Date: 08/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas it is in the obvious interests of the environment to encourage people to shift to more ecologically friendly modes of transportation; and whereas there are many unnecessary restrictions on the use of vehicles like the Moped and Segway that are more ecologically friendly; Therefore be it hereby resolved that a Socialist Government in Ontario would lift the requirement that a licence be required to drive a Moped (as already legally defined in Ontario) for all persons 18 years of age and older and that these vehicles would no longer require a licence plate (though they would continue to require insurance); and be it further resolved that the Segway be approved for use on sidewalks and other pedestrian designated locations, as well as on roads that have no sidewalks, obstructed sidewalks or sidewalks lacking curb cuts by all persons 16 years of age or older with no requirement for a licence or insurance and that the maximum allowed speed of the Segway would be 12 km/h (7.5 mph), enforced by electronic restriction put in place by the manufacturer. 21) A Resolution Concerning Transport Trucks Proposed by Gerritt Olthof, Courtice Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas heavy transport trucks are the cause of pollution, extra congestion on roads and road damage on roads that were not designed for heavy transport on our crowded highways. Be it resolved that unnecessary container and other heavy transport be taken off our roads and be moved by ship and train. 33) A Resolution to Stop Promoting Population Growth Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas the world population has just recently hit 7 billion And whereas providing a decent living standard to all the people of the world in an environmentally sustainable way will become increasingly difficult if the world population continues to rise indefinitely Be it resolved that in order to encourage a sustainable population level we would restrict the Child Tax Benefit, popularly referred to as the Baby Bonus, to two children per family. 34) A Resolution to Use Profits for the Environment Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly

Whereas resources such as natural gas and oil, through their burning, cause emissions that lead to climate change And whereas in order to shift away from our dependence on these fuels we need to make significant investments in the research and development of sustainable alternatives Be it resolved that all profits from oil and gas be invested into the research and development of sustainable alternative energy sources that do no endanger the environment or human health. 35) A Resolution Concerning Public Ownership of Natural Resources Whereas the natural resources of Ontario, having not been created by any person, should not belong to any one person And whereas the environment as well as future generations depend on how we manage our limited natural resources But whereas the private ownership and exploitation of our resources, based only on the motive of profit, cannot manage them in a long-term, sustainable way that benefits the people of Ontario and the environment we live in Be it resolved that: A. The government of Ontario take all natural resources under public ownership and democratic management No leasing to private corporations for private exploitation. B. All natural resources to be developed must do so first and foremost in a sustainable manner, considering the long-term effects to people and the environment before short-term profits. Development plans must be drawn up by credible scientists in the related field, reviewed by peers, and finally adopted by the government and the board of the public corporation.

Sports Violence
12) A Resolution Concerning Violence in Sports Proposed by Ken Ranney, Peterborough Date: 08/11/2011 Amended: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Be it resolved that a Socialist Party of Ontario government support the elimination of professional boxing & Mixed Martial Arts, and fighting and brutal attacks in sports such as hockey.

Education
13) A Resolution Concerning Defunding Catholic Schools Proposed by Natalie Lochwin, Toronto Date: 08/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Be it hereby resolved that the platform of the SPO be altered to remove the call for a referendum over the issue of Catholic School Funding and to replace this call with the following: A Socialist Government in Ontario would cease all public funding of Catholic School Boards and

would further cease any public funding of any faith based education. 14) A Resolution Concerning Arts Programmes in Public Education Proposed by Natalie Lochwin, Toronto Date: 08/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas the arts play an essential role in providing a well rounded and diverse education, in cognitive development, confidence building and imagination; and whereas these programmes have been cut to the point that they are a shadow of their former selves; Therefore be it hereby resolved that a Socialist Government in Ontario would expand the curriculum to ensure and require that all students get a full arts education, including the visual, dramatic and musical, starting in elementary school. 17) A Resolution to Alter the Existing A Socialist Education Platform in the Programme of the SPO Proposed by Anthony Oland, Wasaga Beach Date: 08/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Be it hereby resolved that in the last section titled A Socialist Education Policy, in the last sentence, will be amended from they have sufficient funds to buy books, to they have sufficient funds to buy and/or rent books.

Economy & Public Sector

15) A Resolution Concerning Public Auto Insurance Proposed by Michael Laxer, Toronto Date: 08/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Be it hereby resolved that an SPO government would create a public, no-fault, auto insurance programme in the province of Ontario and that this programme would deliver insurance at rates that are set to cover costs only, with any surplus (profit) being used to lower rates and where rates only increase to offset inflation or to cover programme deficits. 16) A Resolution Concerning Worker Ownership Proposed by Robert Freeman, Peterborough Date: 08/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas a democracy can not be de fully realized until it can be combined with an economy. Whereas working people provide the fundamental building blocks of wealth on which any economy is created. Whereas in a capitalist political economy workers have very little control over their workplaces and the wealth that they create. Whereas the majority of citizens in any community work for a wage and comprise the majority and

therefore would be the initiators of community based democracy, Whereas corporations have the freedom to take there operations and jobs just about anywhere in the world leaving workers at the mercy of corporate decisions and that working people need strategies to deal with job loss as a result of corporate decisions. Failure of the SPO to adopt a policy of supporting workers the right to control their work places will render the SPO just another social democratic party. Be it resolved that the SPO will support worker democratically run enterprises financially and morally and will take steps to assist workers in assuming ownership should their place of employment close or should they initiate new enterprises.

31) A Resolution Concerning Using Private Capital to Build the Public Sector Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas we socialists want to build a strong public sector that can form the core of the economy and replace the irrational and undemocratic capitalist system And whereas, especially as a provincial jurisdiction, our options for doing this are limited by our available public expenditure raised through taxes, and our ability to directly seize private property is open to court challenges, making such manoeuvres difficult But whereas it is possible to encourage investment in the public sector by private capital by providing certain incentives, while giving no controlling shares to individuals Be it resolved that: A. To encourage private investment in public ventures, a socialist government in Ontario exempt any amount of money invested into public corporations from income-tax, as well as offer a stable return for long-term investments. B. The government invest public sector workers pension funds into the public sector so that they not only build the socialist sector of the economy, but also no longer support exploitative capitalist corporations 37) A Resolution Regarding Fighting Back Against Part-Time Work Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas part-time employment does not provide people with enough income to live decent lives and seldom provide benefits And whereas companies are increasingly seeking part-time employees because they can pay them less, have more flexible staffing hours, and pay less in benefits Be it resolved that the government create laws regarding the maximum percentage of part-time employees a company is allowed to employ based on its size and the type of company it is.

38) A Resolution to Connect People with Jobs Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas job placement agencies are predatory and increasingly pervasive But whereas there is no effective mechanism to connect unemployed people with work Be it resolved that: The government establish a non-profit placement agency that connects people directly to jobs in their communities and in their field of expertise or interest 39) A resolution to Prevent Factory Closures Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas the workers of any factory are the ones who generate the wealth for the company And whereas Ontario productivity has increased dramatically with almost no increase in workers pay And whereas in Ontario there has been a strong trend for profitable corporations to move factories oversees in order to increase their rate of profits, despite the inefficiency, waste and harm to the environment that shipping products oversees creates But whereas there is a need for a strong industrial base in order to carry out the environmental changes we need as well as produce the goods required by all Therefore, be it resolved that: A. All closed factories will be reviewed by an association of its former workers and the government. If viable, the factory will be requisitioned by the government, put into public ownership and democratic management and retooled to meet the needs of the environment and the population. The former workforce will be rehired and, when necessary, retrained. B. Profitable companies moving existing jobs out of Ontario but maintain a base in Ontario will face penalties, up to and including a public takeover of operations and assets 44) A Resolution Regarding Public Corporations Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas public corporations should be both democratic and work in the interest of the province, country and community But whereas currently existing public corporations are run little differently than private enterprises, complete with corporate elitism, enormous executive salaries and the profit motive as its guiding force Therefore, be it resolved that: A. The Board of Directors of all public corporations be selected through a democratic, non-political process, with 1/3rd of the seats allocated for election by the workers of the company, 1/3rd selected by the public at large, and 1/3rd selected by the government B. That democratic management processes be implemented that allows for employees to elect and remove supervisors and management level staff as well as allow greater input from employees

regarding all levels of work. These measures will increase satisfaction, safety and productivity. C. Create a mandate that all public corporations must follow which places the betterment of the people and the environment before any consideration of profit. D. The creation of an annual salary cap on any publically owned corporation executive, manager or worker, set at $250,000. Can only be increased though a public referendum.

Lotteries
22)A Resolution Concerning the Creation of a Provincial Bond Lottery Proposed by Liz McLean & Michael Laxer, Toronto Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas the existing lotteries in Ontario offer very poor odds and due to their bi-weekly or instant nature draw people into an addictive and often dangerously expensive habit; and whereas these lotteries, while offering the government funds for infrastrature do so in a socially irresponsible way; and whereas the Premium Bond lottery satisfies both the need of the government to raise money and the desire of people to play lotteries but does so at much better odds of winning and in a far more socially responsible way; Therefore be it hereby resolved that an SPO government would create a Premium Bond Lottery as exists in the United Kingdom as part of the UK governments National Savings and Investments scheme. As in the UK the government would promise to buy back the bond, on request, for its original price. Be it further resolved that the government would pay a competitive rate of interest on the bond but instead of the interest being paid into individual accounts, it would be paid into a prize fund from which a monthly lottery would distribute tax-free prizes, or premiums, to those bond-holders whose numbers are selected randomly. The prizes would ranging from $25 to the top prize of $1,000,000, and the number of prizes would vary according to interest rates. Citizens can purchase bonds at any time and they would need to be held for a full calendar month after the month of purchase and that their bonds are eligible for the draw: their numbers are entered each month, with an equal chance of winning any prize, until the bond is cashed in. Be it further resolved that Bonds would be purchased by the $1 after the first $100, with a value of $1 per bond and a minimum purchase of 100 bonds. Be it further resolved that this lottery would replace all other provincially run lotteries.

Food, Farming & Argiculture

25) A Resolution Concerning the Right to Food Proposed by Jason Baines & Guy Fogel, Toronto Date: 10/11/2011

For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas access to healthy affordable food is bound to deteriorate on the basis of the economic and environmental crisis of capitalism and Whereas access to decent, affordable food is a right/health issue and not a privilege for the few Whereas the processing of food is a public matter and should be under public control and Whereas the supermarket and retail conglomerates put profit over nutrition Therefore be it resolved that the land belonging to big agri business be taken into democratic public ownership with compensation based on proven need and Therefore be it resolved that food be organic, without pesticides, herbicides and fungicides with the utmost attention paid to health and welfare, including the rights of animals moving away from mono crops therefore be it resolved that big processors such as maple leaf be taken into public ownership and that a strict guideline is implemented to protect the health and welfare of animals and therefore be it resolved that animals have access to the natural foods they have evolved with and that growth hormones and anti-biotics are strictly regulated and curtailed and Therefore be it resolved that the big food retailers, such as Loblaws be taken into public ownership to ensure an equitable distribution of food

Housing
26) A Resolution Concerning Public Housing Proposed by Jason Baines & Guy Fogel, Toronto Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas the housing crisis is actuate in Ontario and Whereas housing isnt affordable to the working and unemployed population as a whole -therefore be it resolved that an SPO government transform slum landlord housing units into social housing with compensation on the basis on proven need. That these units be converted into decent, affordable housing with the implementation of Green technologies to reduce the costs of heating

-That the term slum landlord be properly defined by a committee representing tenants, social movements, unions and elected officials 27) A Resolution Concerning Tenants Rights Proposed by Jason Baines & Guy Fogel, Toronto Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas the housing stock is in disrepair, tenants are alienated from the organization, upkeep and management of pubic housing and Whereas tenants like all people under capitalism are disconnected and need a genuine sense of community and collective action Therefore be it resolved that a Socialist Party of Ontario government will: -implement democratic control over all issues of repair, public safety, social, recreation, cultural facilities and community gardens on the basis of tenant control with consultation from elected officials and trade unions. -that all tenants are obliged to attend a minimum amount of meetings per annum and sit on tenant committees to actively change and implement housing policy

Social Welfare
36) A Resolution Concerning Increasing Opportunities for Recipients of Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Supports Program Proposed by Adam Fulsom, Ottawa Date: 10/11/2011 For consideration for inclusion in the platform at the Policy Assembly Whereas people receiving Ontario Works or ODSP often have trouble finding work due to their socioeconomic status and lack of experience And whereas providing meaningful jobs or education to disadvantaged people increases their happiness, self-confidence and their living standards Be it resolved that: A. The provincial government create local projects in every community such as agro-cooperatives and environmental projects, and extend these opportunities to recipients of Ontario Works and ODSP, matching them with positions and duties according to their ability. Participation in such work programs will be optional and will provide a salary, on sight counselling and on the job training. B. Increase education opportunities to allow easier access to post-secondary education for recipients of Ontario Works or ODSP.