GBMT1009

Submitted By:

Tejasvi Soni (200575447)

Georgian Ilac College

Canadian Political Parties

Submitted to:

Professor Rani Zahed

January 24, 2024

  Liberal Party.

Point 1: Canadian Home Plans:

Canada's re-elected Liberal government has unveiled a comprehensive housing plan designed to

meet the wide range of demands of its populace. The plan, which emphasizes the need for more

housing supply, calls for building, renovating, or preserving close to 1.4 million dwellings by

2025–2026. A $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund will encourage municipalities to increase

housing supply, densify metropolitan areas, and speed up approval procedures to hasten the

building of new homes. Additionally, the government pledges to invest in e-permitting

technologies and turn abandoned buildings into dwellings. Their dedication to promoting varied,

affordable housing alternatives is further evidenced by the creation of a Multigenerational Home

Renovation tax credit, increased financing to the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, and an

emphasis on turning vacant office space into homes. Notably, the plan includes specific

initiatives for Indigenous housing, with a promise to co-develop strategies, establish a National

Indigenous Housing Centre, and invest in closing infrastructure gaps for Indigenous communities

by 2030.

Point 2: Canadian Healthcare:

Underlining the value of its public health care system, Canada's Liberal government recognizes

that it is a worldwide model formed by Canadians' shared commitment to each other's well-

being. The government emphasizes the significant expenditures made during the epidemic, citing

liberal programs as the source of eight out of ten dollars spent on the COVID-19 response. Since

2015, significant initiatives have included funding the Canada Health Transfer with $4.5 billion,
endorsing vaccination rollouts, allocating funds for palliative care and home care, tackling the

opioid problem, and promoting pharmacare.

A re-elected Liberal government promises to spend an extra $6 billion to address backlogs in the

health system and to negotiate agreements with provinces for quick access to care. 3.2 billion

dollars will be set aside to hire 7,500 more family physicians, nurses, and practitioners in

response to the issues facing primary care. The plan also targets virtual care expansion, investing

$400 million to enhance digital infrastructure. Rural health care access will be improved by

increasing debt relief for professionals in underserved areas and providing tax deductions for

newcomers.

Point 3: Immigration system:

The government of Canada has made various modifications to immigration programs in 2023 in

response to the country's ongoing labor and skills deficit. These changes are in line with the

objective of admitting 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 and aiming for 30% immigrant

representation in the country's population by 2036. Important programs include calls for

applications tailored to certain industries, such as healthcare, STEM, trade, transportation,

agriculture, and French language skills. To solve the severe shortage in the technology industry,

Canada introduced its Tech Talent Strategy with the goal of luring in international tech

professionals and entrepreneurs. Both students and the Canadian companies that depend on their

contributions gain from measures to safeguard international students, such as an extended

working hours restriction, designated learning institution inspections, and increased settlement
funds. Streamlining processes for employers, the government launched programs like CAN Work

Philippines and the Recognized Employer Pilot, while also increasing compliance measures,

including a reduced validity period for Labour Market Impact Assessments and an annual wage

review for Temporary Foreign Worker employees. These changes reflect Canada's commitment

to a robust immigration system that meets economic needs while ensuring the protection of

workers and students.

Point 4: Public Safety:

Since 2015, the Canadian Liberal government has implemented several significant measures

aimed at creating safer communities in response to the alarming increase in hate-motivated

crimes. These include the outlawing of assault-style rifles, the introduction of Canada's Anti-

Racism Strategy, the organization of national summits addressing Islamophobia and

antisemitism, and the provision of funds for the augmentation of security at houses of worship

and public meeting places. To combat gun violence, the government plans to outlaw assault

weapons and fund preventative initiatives that specifically target young people who are at-risk of

joining gangs.

The Liberals suggest harsher restrictions in response to the Conservatives' resistance, who want

to remove the prohibition with the help of the gun lobby. These include mandatory firearm

buybacks, restrictions on high-capacity magazines, a ban on certain magazine sales, and

allocating at least $1 billion to support provinces implementing handgun bans.

The Liberals also pledge to combat gender-based violence, fight gun smuggling, and present a

National Action Plan on Combating Hate by 2022. This plan will encompass recommendations
from summits on antisemitism and Islamophobia, potential Criminal Code amendments, and

initiatives addressing hate crimes.

 Conservative Party:

Point 1: Canadian Home:

Canada is experiencing a housing crisis as many people are finding it more difficult to afford

homes, whether they are purchasing or renting. The main problem is that there is not enough

supply to fulfill the increasing demand, which is made worse by research and delays. By

constructing one million houses over the next three years, the Conservative proposal seeks to

quickly address this situation. Leveraging government infrastructure investments, examining the

federal real estate portfolio for housing, encouraging investment in rental housing, and

investigating the conversion of unnecessary office space into housing are important steps.

A Beneficial Ownership Registry for residential property and extensive modifications to anti-

money laundering legislation are recommended as solutions to the skyrocketing cost of real

estate. Restrictions on foreign investment in housing will benefit citizens and residents of

Canada. A ban on foreign investors not residing in Canada for two years is proposed, with

encouragement for foreign investment in affordable purpose-built rental housing.

Point 2: Canadian HealthCare:

The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted flaws in Canada's healthcare system, and the

Conservatives want to fix them by bringing back public money. Within the first 100 days of

taking office, they want to meet with provincial leaders to discuss a new health agreement that
will increase the Canada Health Transfer's annual growth rate to at least 6% and bring in

approximately $60 billion for the healthcare system over the following ten years.

Treating mental health as a priority, partnering with provinces to provide dedicated funding,

offering tax credits for mental health coverage, giving grants to charities and non-profits, and

setting up a national three-digit suicide prevention hotline are the main objectives of the Canada

Mental Health Action Plan.

Addressing the opioid epidemic as a health issue, the Conservatives plan to revise the federal

substance abuse policy, invest $325 million to create drug treatment beds and recovery centers,

support innovative approaches, and ensure free availability of Naloxone kits.

Point 3: Immigration system:

By providing faster processing for a charge, streamlining application procedures, and tackling

administrative backlogs through efficiency measures, Canada's Conservatives hope to fortify the

immigration system. They suggest enhancing integrity and enforcement, expanding the

Immigration and Refugee Board's authority, and looking at more equitable visiting visa

procedures as ways to improve the current system.

The Conservatives want to modernize immigration procedures by using technology for expedited

application scrutiny, improving cultural sensitivity training, and moving technological

infrastructure online. They place a strong emphasis on investigating pre-qualification techniques

and bolstering credential recognition via a task group.

The Trudeau Liberals' lottery approach for family reunion is criticized by the Conservatives, who

suggest a weighted system based on first-come, first-served priority. They intend to discontinue
the lottery, increase funding for quick processing, and increase the number of super visas

granted.

Point 4: Public Safety:

The Conservative Party of Canada places a strong emphasis on public safety, tackling issues such

as gun violence, gang violence, human trafficking, and domestic abuse. They suggest imposing

severe penalties for domestic abuse, outlawing the possession of weapons by offenders, and

passing Clare's Law. Among the initiatives are funds for women's shelters, an expansion of the

Canada Child Benefit, and assistance with relocation for victims. They recommend enforcing

stricter regulations, doing away with preliminary inquiries in cases of sexual assault, and

allocating $100 million for police training to combat human trafficking. Increasing the number of

RCMP officers on the force, creating an entity list, and collaborating with business to implement

a Gang Exit Strategy program are all part of the solution to gang violence. By altering laws and

sentencing practices, they also want to stop the smuggling of firearms.

Analysis among both parties:

The Liberal Party and the Conservative Party in Canada present comprehensive plans across

various policy domains, highlighting their priorities and approaches to address the nation's

challenges.
Liberal Party:

Canadian Home Plans:

The Liberal government acknowledges the housing crisis and proposes a multifaceted plan.

Emphasizing increased home supply, they commit to constructing, preserving, or revitalizing 1.4

million homes by 2025-26. Initiatives include a $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund,

investments in e-permitting technology, and repurposing vacant properties. Indigenous housing is

a key focus, with strategies, a National Indigenous Housing Centre, and infrastructure

investments for Indigenous communities.

Canadian Healthcare:

The Liberals prioritize public health, having invested significantly during the pandemic. Their

plan involves an additional $6 billion investment to address health system backlogs, hiring more

healthcare professionals, and enhancing digital infrastructure. Mental health is a central theme,

with the establishment of a Canada Mental Health Transfer, committing $4.5 billion over five

years.

Immigration System:

Responding to labor and skills shortages, the Liberal government introduces changes to

immigration programs, aiming for 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024. Sector-specific
invitations, the Tech Talent Strategy, and measures to protect international students are

implemented. The plan emphasizes compliance measures for employers, including reduced

validity periods for assessments.

Public Safety:

The Liberals address hate-motivated crimes through firearm bans, prevention efforts, and

investing in security for places of worship. They propose tougher measures against gun violence,

including mandatory buybacks and a substantial fund for provincial handgun bans. The

government commits to combating gender-based violence, gun smuggling, and reinforcing the

Anti-Racism Strategy.

Conservative Party:

Canadian Home:

The Conservatives respond to the housing crisis with a plan to build 1 million homes in three

years. Leveraging federal infrastructure investments, reviewing the real estate portfolio, and

incentivizing rental housing are key strategies. Anti-money laundering law changes, a Beneficial

Ownership Registry, and restrictions on foreign investment aim to tackle soaring home prices.

Canadian HealthCare:
The Conservatives propose restoring health funding by negotiating a new health agreement,

injecting $60 billion into the healthcare system over ten years. The Canada Mental Health Action

Plan focuses on treating mental health as a priority, with partnerships, tax credits, grants, and a

nationwide suicide prevention hotline.

Immigration System:

Addressing administrative backlogs is a priority for the Conservatives, with efficiency

mechanisms, expedited processing for a fee, and streamlined application processes. They aim to

fix the visitor visa system, modernize immigration processing through online infrastructure, and

enhance cultural sensitivity training. Family reunification involves scrapping the lottery system,

investing more resources, and expanding the super visa program.

Public Safety:

The Conservatives emphasize strengthening public safety by addressing administrative backlogs

in the immigration system. They propose tougher measures against hate-motivated crimes,

including mandatory buybacks and substantial funding for provincial handgun bans. The plan

includes combating systemic racism, strengthening the Anti-Racism Strategy, and legislation to

combat harmful online content.

In summary, both parties address critical issues, but their approaches vary. The Liberals

emphasize continued investments and a comprehensive approach, while the Conservatives focus
on swift actions, market-driven solutions, and regulatory changes. The choice between these

visions will likely be a central consideration for Canadian voters.

References:

 5 key 2023 immigration law developments. McInnes Cooper. (2024, January 9).

https://www.mcinnescooper.com/publications/5-key-2023-immigration-law-

developments/#:~:text=In%20May%202023%2C%20the%20government,Canadian

%20employers%20searching%20for%20specific

 Liberal Party of Canada. (n.d.). https://liberal.ca/

 Conservative Party of Canada. (2024, January 23). https://www.conservative.ca/