Policy Regarding Participation in Provincial and Territorial Elections

Currently scheduled Provincial and Territorial Elections 2011: Northwest Territories October 3, 2011 Prince Edward Island October 3, 2011 Manitoba October 4, 2011 Ontario October 6, 2011 Newfoundland and Labrador October 11, 2011 Saskatchewan November 7, 2011 * there are no currently scheduled Provincial Elections in provinces where there is more than one clear conservative choice* Objectives: The federal Government wishes to avoid becoming the story in any of the provincial or territorial elections. In provinces where there is only one conservative option, we may all make efforts as individuals on private time to assist the election of that option provided that we comply with this policy. We should do so in a way that does not impair our ability to maintain appropriate federal-provincial relations and does not bring the federal Government into disrepute. A degree of support for provincial and territorial conservative counterparts is expected and will be accepted by their opponents and the public. Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MPs, and staff can and ought to be active during their private time on behalf of provincial parties and their candidates. However, striking the appropriate balance and following established rules is imperative. Expectation: All Ministers, MPs, Senators, Exempt Staff, and Regional Exempt Staff should review and comply with the Accountability Act, the Conflict of Interest Act, and Accountable Government (including its Annexes), each of which may have some applicability to situations that could arise while participating in any political campaign. Ministers, MPs, Senators: May host or be the special guest at fundraisers as long as the ticket price is not more than the current federal contribution limit of $1,100. Should not opine on issues that are within the jurisdiction of any province or territory. Should not endorse a political party in a manner that suggests the endorsement is made by the Government of Canada. 1
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Should not participate in a partisan media event with a provincial party without prior consultation with the PMO. Cannot use government resources (Blackberry/mobile phone/local office, etc.) for non-government or partisan purposes. May not be employed by any provincial, territorial, or riding campaign. Should not make any Government of Canada joint announcements with provinces or territories during a provincial or territorial writ period. Joint announcements that would be made before a writ period in the ordinary course of events should not be artificially delayed.

Exempt Staff: Are required to be on unpaid leave if working full-time on any provincial or territorial campaign. Cannot use government resources for non-government or partisan purposes. Are able to work on a provincial or territorial campaign (other than spare time volunteering on a riding-level campaign) only with the consent of their Minister and prior notice to the PMO. Regional Exempt Staff: Are required to be on unpaid leave if working full-time on any provincial or territorial campaign. Cannot use government resources for non-government or partisan purposes. Are able to work on a provincial or territorial campaign (other than spare time volunteering on a riding-level campaign) only with the consent of their Minister and prior notice to the PMO. Need to protect relationships with provincial, territorial, or local officials.

Provincial Leadership Races:

Currently scheduled Provincial leadership races: PC Party of Alberta Fall 2011 Objectives: Our first responsibility is to the Conservative Party of Canada and the Government of Canada. We need to retain all components of our base of support. Cabinet and the Government of Canada should not be taking positions in provincial leadership races. Expectation: All Ministers, MPs, Senators, Exempt Staff, and Regional Exempt Staff should review and comply with the Accountability Act, the Conflict of Interest Act, and Accountable Government (including its Annexes), each of which

may have some applicability to situations that could arise while participating in any political campaign. Principles that apply to participation in provincial and territorial elections should be adapted to provincial leadership races as applicable, except insofar as they conflict with more specific policies in this section.

Ministers: Ministers should not take public positions in leadership races. Parliamentary Secretaries/MPs: MPs are encouraged to remain neutral. If a Caucus member chooses to participate, they should keep in mind that their first loyalty remains to the Conservative Party of Canada and that as a Party and a Government we have no official position on a provincial leadership race. Therefore, general campaigning or public appearances on behalf of candidates involved in provincial leadership races is strongly discouraged and no government resources may be used. Exempt Staff: Staff in the Prime Ministers Office, and in other organizations reporting to the Prime Minister, are required to be neutral during any provincial leadership race. Staff in Ministers offices can participate as individuals in their private time and with the consent of their Minister, but not as members of our Government or representatives of their Minister. Regional Exempt Staff: Staff in Ministers Regional Offices are required to be neutral during any provincial leadership race.

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