“ NDER ALMOST UN- 3 BROKEN Liberal direc- tion since the Second World War, the Canadian economy remains, in the late 1970’s similar to that of many under- developed countries. A September, 1977 International Monetary Fund said the Canadian economy falls below average for industrialized nations. Relying extensively on the export of raw materials and natural resources z (minerals, wheat, lumber, etc.), * Canada imports the majority of its manufactured goods. The large amounts of capital needed to develop resources means less money for manufacturing, construction and other industries which create propor- ey more jobs for each invested ar But, under the economic system of the postwar period, Canada’s steep deficit in its trade in manufactured goods has always been offset by very high exports of resources. In 1970, ‘despite a $2.1 billion outflow to service foreign investment in this country, Canada’s merchandise trade balance overall stood at a surplus of $3 billion. However, by 1975, the rise in manu- factured goods imports was so large that it was not fully offset by resource exports. In that year $4.7 billion flowed outside Canadian borders to service foreign capital and left the country with a total current account deficit of $5.5 billion. The Liberals have been frantically attempting to export even greater amounts of raw and semi-processed natural resources to maintain the balance of payments but it is slipping away. Trudeau’s reaction was that of telling the Canadian people they are ‘living beyond their means’. The truth is that the economy is effectively in the hands of corporate giants. The Canadian petroleum industry (see Energy) exemplifies that reality. Both the Liberals and Conservatives still cling hopefully to the discredited 19th century supersti- tion that a host of unrelated, un- planned private decisions will somehow ‘work out’ in the public interest. It is here that the New Democratic party differs fundamentally from the other parties. Both have been forced by events into increasing intervention in the economy, but their tinkering has been reluctant and dearly lacking in planning. The result has been senseless waste, needless hardship and chronic unemployment. Corporate priorities, which place the value of shares and bonds above the right of breadwinners to offer their families a decent living free from the sceptre of unemployment and lay-offs, has been supported by both the Liberals and Conservatives. While more Canadians than ever before found themselves without work, the Liberal government, in 1977, gave corporations $1 billion. And the corporate sector is paying less in income taxes. In the fiscal year 1951- 52 their contribution was 54 per cent. Individual taxpayers contributed the remaining 46 per cent. In 1975, however, reflecting the Liberal gov- ernment’s priorities and despite a-131 per cent increase in corporate profits, the taxation share of big business dropped to just over 30 per cent. Individual taxpayers contributed nearly 70 per cent of the total in that year. The New Democratic Party thinks the corporate sector should be asked to pay their fair share and not be allowed tax loopholes which cost Can- adians more than $1 billion every year The economy needs new planners and personal income taxes must be cut replacing the present system of deductions with tax credits which is a fairer system. The NDP thinks it absolutely necessary to end corporate tax rip- off, fast write-offs, deferred taxes, depletion allowances and so on which cost the working taxpayer more than $1 billion each year and do nothing to boost a sagging economy, growing inflation and scandalous unemploy- ment. As one means to achieve a fair economy benefitting all Canadians, the NDP suggests a massive publicly- owned and financed Canada Develop- ment Corporation. To provide funds for this corporation, all financial institutions and corporations would be required to invest in its bonds. As well, all Canadians will have the _ opportunity to purchase bonds. Unless the federal government takes the lead in planning the rate and placement of investment in Canada, decisions will continue to be made by a few corporate leaders whose in- terests in short term profits leaves many of the nation’s regions out in the cold. Such a government investment vehicle, responsible to Parliament, should be involved in regional devel- opment policies with provincial bodies and agencies in order to ensure that every part of Canada capable of supporting viable development is extensively involved in the industrail future of this country. Canada is a land of rare potential for social and economic justice. Few countries have our resources, few can offer a greater hope of both abun- dance and its fair distribution. But under Liberal economic leadership, we have become a society of cruel disparities and wasted opportunities. It is time Canadians had a choice. For those who, caught in the grip of inflation and looming unemployment, reject the timid doctrinaire economics of Liberals and Conserva- tives, the New Democratic Party offers a clear alternative, open, imag- inative, and in touch with the con- cerns and hopes of our people. RADE UNIONS IN CANADA have made a Significant contribution toward a more equitable dis- tribution of national income. They have improved the status of wage and salary earners. Trade unions have _ also made a notable contribution _ toward the development of a more _ effective system of social security and have otherwise ned the process in Canada. ‘The New Democratic Party com- _ mends and supports the role of ‘anized labour in protecting the tel of wage and salary earners and condemns any Easmsecent which or allows others, to rt this basic democratic right. ut Canada’s history, and _ representatives of Canada’s workers have been harrassed for exercising their democratic rights to peacefully protest the injustices of their working situation. Despite the reality that employed persons form the foundation of any industrial society, it is still necessary for the workers of Canada to do battle, in order to retain their basic democratic rights. The federal Liberal government’s Anti-Inflation legislation is sympto- matic of the extent to which a business-led government will stretch its influence in order to control the democratic rights of one segment of society in order for another to benefit. Faced with a crisis economic situation of its own making, the Liberals enacted alleged anti- inflation measures which curtailed the free collective bargaining process. The government refused to discontinue the practice even after repeated documentation explained that management officials are blatantly ignoring the legislation and boosting their own wages beyond gov- ernment-prescribed limits. The New Democratic Party vigorously opposes such punitive Measures being applied to the nation’s workforce instead of the positive approach which would respect the position of Canadian workers in society and offer them — f a some input in the decisions which affect their everyday lives. After a century of workers’ struggle in Canada there still exists discrim- ination in workplace. Although trade union efforts have virtually eradicated discrimination based on other factors, women in our society are still being treated as unequal workers. Salaries and wages for similar work lag behind that of males, The New Democratic Party believes the workers of Canada, who invest the most previous gifts — their energy, talent and lives — in the nation’s workplaces should be allowed a strong voice in the nation’s industries, Trade union organizations should be encouraged allowing workers an opportunity to speak on their own behalf in matters affecting the vital interests affecting their lives. ment is peopled by quiet races who have slowly been incorporating portions of southern culture they find acceptable and re- jecting those they cannot integrate. To the roaring, bustling, market- ANADA’S NORTH, with its vast and sensitive environ- place south, the territories to the North are being eyed as the ‘New Frontier’ with untold fortunes in re- sources buried beneath its icy crust. But the mistakes made when the newcomers to Canada pushed aside the native population are still with us and should never be repeated. The New Democratic Party has recorded a resolution never to at- tempt’ development of the north without the welfare of its people as the primary objective. The NDP was the only federal party to, immediately upon its release, endorse the recommendations of the Berger Commission Inquiry regar- ding the respect for native rights. The New Democratic Party will not waver from its stance to protect the rights and culture of Canada’s nor- thern peoples. more HE NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY seeks to unite for democratic political action all Canadians who put human rights and human dignity pursuit of welfare, and public welfare before corporate power. above the mere Democratically organized and financed, preparing to apply new methods of social and economic planning, the New Democratic Party will translate into practical federal programs the idealism and democratic faith that are now so frustrated. Presented here are a few of the ‘principles represented by the NDP. This is not an attempt to completely outline the policies of the NDP. Further information. on any of the issues in this publication, or the NDP’s position on any other issue, may be obtained from the British Columbia New Democratic Party. Democrat NDP: Canada’s only alternative is a special publication of The Democrat and is published by the Democrat Committee of the B.C. hes Democratic Party, 64 - 8th Street, New Westminster, B.C. V3M 8Pi, Additional information or copies may be obtained by contacting the B.C. NDP.