A vision for Prosperity and Opportunity
On Foreign Policy
A strong Advocate for Women
On the Environment
On health care
Trading with the World
First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Aboriginal Affairs
A United Proud Canada
On the Arts and Culture
On Agriculture

A vision for Prosperity and Opportunity
The search for economic growth, environmental sustainability and shared opportunity needs to happen simultaneously. Prosperity matters because it makes such a difference in all our lives; living well should not be the monopoly of a privileged few.

We cannot take prosperity for granted. Canada has had a remarkably good run these past years, helped greatly by policies of four consecutive Liberal governments on deficit reduction, lower interest rates and job creation. Nonetheless, we have much to do in order to ensure that our success continues. International economies are growing at breakneck speed, and ones that were relatively undeveloped and unconnected to us until recently have now assumed a powerful role in all our lives. Only a few years ago, what happened in China, India, Brazil, Russia was a matter of political interest but not a direct economic concern; the same cannot be said today. To say that the production of goods and services has truly become global is not a matter of ideology but a simple reality.

This means that the fiscal discipline of the recent past must continue. At the same time, Canada's tax environment and its regulatory regimes must respond to these challenges. In order to compete, Canadian governments have to lead by investing in education, training and infrastructure, and by helping companies and people to cope with the inevitable impact of change.

While our natural resources continue to give us a competitive advantage in many areas, it is also true that the economy of the twenty-first century will be about skills and education. Businesses and technologies of the future will depend on our ability to be innovative.

On June 6th, Bob outlined an economic policy plan that seeks to build upon Canada's strengths and make Canada's economy innovative, productive, sustainable and ensure it delivers opportunity for more Canadians to participate in the economy.

An Education, Training and Research Strategy: education, training, commercialization and ready access to the Internet are foundational elements of an innovation agenda for Canada, and must re-emerge as priorities of the national government. Bob proposes among other things revamping the Canada Student loans program to provide more direct aid to students for living expenses, direct federal support for university research, promotion of apprenticeships, and greater recognition of foreign credentials.

Strategic Investments in Green infrastructure: forward-looking and progressive investments that will help keep our national economy moving, promote innovation, help Canada meet Kyoto objectives, and keep our prosperity and competitiveness on an environmentally sustainable footing.

Renewing the Architecture for Income Security: working with Provinces to eliminate "welfare walls" and "poverty traps" caused by our current EI and welfare systems so that all who are able to participate in our economy can do so with dignity and pride. Bob indicates support for the directions laid out in the recent City Summit Alliance on this topic.

A Smart Tax and Smarter Regulation Agenda: including balanced budgets, lower income taxes, a simpler and greener tax system, competitive corporate taxes, and better use of the regulatory and procurement apparatus of government to provide more opportunity and fewer impediments for SME's. Bob assailed the current Conservative government's budget plan as an unfocused "grab bag" of measures, which he believes is both regressive and complicates a tax system that is already overly complex.

Bob Rae's campaign for leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada is setting forth an achievable agenda for Canada in the 21st Century that promotes prosperity, sustainability, shared opportunity, and a positive role for governments. This agenda will put Canada and Canadians on track to compete and thrive in the global economy of the 21st Century.

For the full text of Bob’s June 6 speech and announcement on prosperity, opportunity and sustainable development, click here.

For more detail on policy on research, learning and innovation, click here.

On Foreign Policy
Bob believes in a foreign policy that is in keeping with the best Canadian traditions.

Parliament narrowly supported the Harper agenda for the Canadian military and Afghanistan. Bob has been speaking out during his current campaign tour about how he thought the Harper motion was a "set-up" and he would have voted against it: "Our role as a country is peacekeeping, constitution making."

The recent six- hour debate in the House of Commons on Canada's role in Afghanistan was hardly adequate to make an informed judgment about such a fundamental change in Canada’s role.

The unilateral extension of the combat mission is a departure from Canada's traditional role of peacekeeping and reconstruction. Bob believes Canada could have instead focused our military, aid and diplomatic resources on reconstruction and re-building that war-torn country and that we also should have heard how the Afghan mission affects our ability to contribute to resolving other troubled situations.

In contrast, Mr. Harper is a leader who would have involved Canada in the Iraq war and vows to move ahead with a significant and prolonged combat role for Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan.

To view Bob’s August 10 speech on Foreign Policy and Overseas Development click here.
 

A strong Advocate for Women
Bob Rae believes in having governments work to advance equality for women in our society. Women should have great opportunities for themselves and their families, within a society that provides for excellent schools, high quality health care, safe streets, clean air and water.

Bob believes that women want and are entitled to have a meaningful, equal role in the political process. Look at his record: as Premier of Ontario, he led a Cabinet composed of 42% female MPPs. This high proportion of women in Cabinet has rarely been met by any other government in Canada before or since (most are at the 20% rate).

Under Bob Rae's Premiership, Ontario saw many other notable gender-equality accomplishments: creation of child care spaces, extended parental leave, employment equity / pay equity, protection for home workers, community economic development, funding for women’s groups, and a minimum wage increase. Bob Rae’s government also implemented a 52% increase in funding to prevent violence against women, increased spending on child care by 62%, and legalized midwives and birthing centres. It increased screening for breast cancer, provided full public health insurance coverage for abortions, established same-sex spousal benefits for civil servants, and developed special strategies for Aboriginal and Northern women. This track record speaks for itself.

Bob is proposing among other things that the Canada Elections Act be amended to provide financial incentives to parties not simply to nominate but to elect women candidates and that at each Convention of the Party we would elect the “president-in-waiting” as opposed to electing the President. The position of President-elect, and by extension, the position of President, could thereby alternate between the female and male genders from term-to-term. This concept would bring rapid gender equity throughout the Party.

Bob is also proposing that the Party fund a Gender Advisor/Equity Officer who would work in the Leader’s Office and be responsible for developing programs to aggressively recruit, train and mentor female candidates. This individual would also provide a gender based analysis on policies, proposals and our platform.

To read more, click here.

On the Environment
The cancellation by the Harper government of multi-million dollar climate change programs, with nothing in its place, is also wrongheaded. This government thinks of environmental sustainability as a last minute "add-on". That mindset is simply not possible any more.

The consensus of scientific opinion is clear: the steady increase of greenhouse gases since the onset of the industrial revolution and the internal combustion engine is changing the world's atmosphere and the world's climate.

A global crisis such as we are witnessing requires a global response. The idea of a made in Canada solution to climate change is positively quaint.

Canada needs to stick with, and ultimately lead, a comprehensive, global approach. Canada needs to become a world leader on the environment. We can only succeed by encouraging innovation, change, and better practices.

The idea that the only way to meet the targets set by Kyoto is by shutting down the Canadian economy lock stock and barrel is empty fear-mongering. New, modern policy thinking is required here. World trading in emission credits, strong incentives for consumers and companies to change, clear signals to the market that Canada is serious: this is what it takes.

For more information on Bob’s Climate change plan, click here.

On health care
Bob believes that the federal government must play positive role in supporting the delivery of health care in Canada as a partner with the provinces and territories. He also believes that it must put a greater emphasis on Aboriginal health, as envisioned by the Kelowna Accord.

Bob has called for a National Catastrophic Drugs Plan. Atlantic Canada has no universal catastrophic drugs coverage, and with an aging population and advances in treatment is something that we must adopt, across Canada, for the good of public health care. National standards and federal funding and leadership are also required, just as they are the kinds of things lacking from the Harper government’s vision of federalism.

For the full details of Bob’s vision for health care, click here.

Trading with the World
In the new global economy, Canada must find its niche and be prepared to speak up for its interests. In advancing the interests of Canadians, we must avoid the two extremes of protectionism and abandonment. Canada is part of a multilateral trading world; we cannot stop the world and get off. We are extraordinarily dependent on access to other markets for our success—far more than our neighbour to the south and far more than most of our trading partners. So lowering trade barriers, building effective regimes for dealing with disputes and practising respect for the rule of law in dealing with trade are all in our national interest. We also have to recognize that other governments often preach free trade but practice something else. And when that happens, we must respond aggressively in defence of Canadian interests and Canadian communities. Bob worked on the softwood file for the past several years as a lawyer, he understand the extent to which the American industry and political system have worked against the interests of our producers here in Canada. In agriculture, Canada as an exporter is faced with protectionist systems in the United States and Europe. We cannot abandon our farmers in the face of these barriers and subsidies in economies so much larger than our own.

It was a conservative thinker of the eighteenth century, Edmund Burke, who argued that there is nothing more dangerous than governing in the name of a theory. Canada should be at the forefront of those calling for free, fair and open trade. But we must take note of the response from big economies around us, and we should be prepared for some difficult fights. Helping industries and producers who are hurting will cost all of us, but in the end it will cost us less than sacrificing people on the altar of an ideology that is preached by many but practiced by few.

On July 5th, Bob issued the following statement about the ongoing Softwood Lumber discussions with the US:

"With the Harper government's handling of the softwood lumber issue we are seeing a troubling pattern emerge: a government that would rather get serious issues "out of the way" than answer important questions and arrive at sustainable solutions that reflect our values and the best interests of Canadian communities. We have seen this on climate change, Afghanistan, the fiscal imbalance and now trade with the US. This does not show "discipline." It shows sloppiness and disrespect for our most vital Canadian interests.

Numerous concerns surround the hastily concluded softwood deal: the federal government is trying to force on the industry a deal that is both a quota and - if lumber prices fall below $355 U.S. per 1000 board feet – an export tax, while leaving a $1 billion levy in the hands of the US industry. Still more details cause us concern, such as the last-minute addition of a unilateral opt-out at 23 months and unfair administrative burdens on Canadian companies. This flies in the face of the conservative government's assurances of stability for the industry. This sloppy package, together with a high dollar will mean continued upheaval for one of Canada's most important industries.

The companies' difficult financial position and the government's haste to "get a deal at any cost" make for an unfortunate and cynical dynamic. The government should spend less time planning an announcement with the White House Press Office and more time responding to the provinces' and industries' concerns.

Bob worked as counsel to the Free Trade Lumber Council, and its member companies, and he knows that businesses, jobs, and the well-being of communities are at stake. Accepting such a deal has implications far beyond our vital softwood sector. It would set a terrible precedent for future disputes with the US.

We were sold the Free Trade Agreement, and the NAFTA, on the premise it would have a binding dispute settlement mechanism. We cannot so completely undercut the framework within which trade occurs as well as previous legal rulings. We have to recognize the larger protectionist movement in the US Congress for what it is and respond accordingly to defend our long-term interests in this and other sectors.

No one said that working with the US on trade would be easy, but we cannot make crucial sacrifices in the name of an unstable short-term peace and photo ops in Washington. The government must respond to industry and provincial concerns and do what it takes to defend Canada's interests, for the sake of the future of our largest trading relationship."

First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Aboriginal Affairs
The Aboriginal people of Canada, their traditions and history, are profoundly rooted in this land. They represent Canada’s oldest and first cultural legacy, and they represent a range of diversity and richness across the country. Today is the day we should celebrate that – be it in song and dance, history and art, and respect for the land.

But we must also recognize progress to date between Aboriginal peoples and the national government – or rather progress postponed. Last fall, under the leadership of a Liberal government, First Ministers met in Kelowna and worked in cooperation with Aboriginal leaders to arrive at a landmark agreement to renew housing, health, child care, early learning and essential social services for Aboriginal peoples. This agreement involved the active participation of First Nations, Aboriginal communities, Inuit and Métis. Despite the crying need to take action on housing, health and living conditions and in spite of the remarkable consensus around the next steps to get us there, the Conservative government has shown remarkable indifference to the achievement and opportunity contained in this accord.

The Kelowna Accord is a model both for cooperation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis and also for how Canadian governments can work together to ensure opportunity for Aboriginal.

Challenges and opportunities lie ahead of us, such as helping to ensure Aboriginal Canadians can participate fully in the work force, through early learning and education and skills training, as well as ensuring Aboriginal governments have the tools and resources to reach their community objectives. The government has an obligation as well as an opportunity to achieve these goals and Bob wants to work with Aboriginal Canadians and our partners to build that future.

To read more, click here.

A United Proud Canada
The unity of the country is at the heart of Bob's concerns as a Canadian. Those who advocate the end of a united country, the separation of a province, or the fatal weakening in capacity of our national government, need to be challenged as never before. Failing to do so will mean the end of Canada as we know it. In Bob's career in the House of Commons, he supported official bilingualism, the transformation of our federal institutions and the patriation of the constitution. As Leader in the Opposition in Ontario, Bob argued in favour of the Meech Lake Accord, and as Premier of Ontario helped negotiate the Charlottetown Accord. These experiences have led Bob to believe that Canada's strength lies in its diversity and in the realization by all of its citizens that no matter where in the country they are, they are part of a nation and belong to a community where their distinctiveness, perspectives, and traditions are welcomed. The federal government should set the example by working with provinces, citizens and communities to ensure that voices from across Canada are heard and considered.

However, it is essential that the federal government have specific powers and a general responsibility for peace, order, and good government in order to make us a country rather than a collection of fiefdoms enclosed by firewalls of protectionism and exclusion. The world sees Canada as a magnificent example of diverse peoples living side by side in safety, security and prosperity. As we examine our own future as a nation, it is time we worked to strengthen that which makes Canada unique: our capacity to care for one another and to work peacefully to build a stronger nation that continues to be a beacon of hope for others.

To read Bob’s September 8 speech on Quebec and Confederation, click here.

On the Arts and Culture
Bob joined the board of the Royal Conservatory of Music in 1997. He became the Conservatory's Chair in 1998, a position he held for 6 years. He currently serves as the organization's Chair Emeritus. Under Bob's leadership, the Conservatory undertook the most ambitious expansion in its history, which included the renovation of its building and the addition of a soon-to-be-completed new concert hall, studios, and rehearsal facility. The Conservatory recently awarded Bob and his wife Arlene the Cecelia Zhang Award for contributions to the arts.

Bob's involvement with the Conservatory led to his involvement in assisting the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2001, when the Orchestra faced a crisis after the resignation of both its music director and executive director. The Orchestra was also on the brink of bankruptcy.

Bob helped negotiate a new contract with the musicians. He also worked with the Orchestra's board, governments, and others to help the organization through its crisis. The Orchestra emerged strong and financially viable. Bob later became Chairman of a new, restructured board in 2002 and led the process to hire a new President and new Musical Director.

On Agriculture and Agrifood
Bob believes that governments, and Canadians, have to commit to making farming possible and successful. Our biggest trading partners, the US and Europe, spend tens of billions supporting their farmers.

Supply management has worked well in the sectors it has been adopted, but it's under severe pressure from the EU and the US. Canada has to live within the WTO rules and should defend itself as vigorously as possible, and resist dumping from other countries.

As Premier Bob developed a good working relationship with the OFA. He Bob created a food roundtable so as to have all players at the table, understanding the issues and the need to improve common commitment to food production, high quality, and deeper appreciation of the importance of this sector to the nation. He wants to take experience and put it to work in devising policy with the farm community.

To read Bob’s proposals for the Agriculture and Agrifood sector, click here.