Not having received an invitation to participate in the Globe Economy Debate (assumably lost in the postal system) the
Pirate Party of Canada decided to live blog their own answers to the questions asked. The following is the transcript
taken from the party website.
Pirate Party of Canada decided to live blog their own answers to the questions asked. The following is the transcript
taken from the party website.
Question 1: Jobs
Canada is facing structural, rather than cyclical change. Do you have a
job plan, beyond taking things out of the ground?
Yes, Pirate Party is about the future. Our Mincome or Basic Income Guarantee would provide an ongoing natural stimulus to the economy. It will decentralize our economy moving it from monopolistic structure to thriving small businesses. It is long term and does not involve constant government intervention. It will redirect hundreds of billions of corporate subsidy that did not create job, into empowering the people and grassroot entrepreneurs and innovators.
Retort to the leader's response:
No concrete plans for job creation mentioned by all 3 leaders than desired results.
Retort to the leader's response:
No concrete plans for job creation mentioned by all 3 leaders than desired results.
Question 2: Energy & Environment
In the last campaign, the NDP put a cost of $21 billion on its carbon-
pricing policy. What is the cost of your planned cap-and-trade proposal?
We need to move toward a new information and new energy economy. This would mean ensuring our patent laws cannot be used to stifle competition. For example, an oil company should not be able to buy a patent to hoard it and prevent cheap advance battery technology from being used for new affordable and more efficient electric car. Canada have no shortage of innovative people and company. The government have a duty to make sure those individual or group can innovate freely. Our plan involved creating a Nationwide Research Collection Centre (NRCC) that would link researchers and agencies across the country. Through innovation we can progressively move toward a new socio-economic order that is sustainable. But if the government continue to extend patent and copyright terms to satisfy
their cronies and lobbyists, innovation and creativity suffers.
Retort to leader's responses:
We should avoid raising taxes unless absolutely necessary. We cannot sacrifie environmental safety to put all our egg in one economic basket. Basic Income or BIG combined with patent and copyright reform would let the private sectors move our country forward. It will empower Canadians NOT the lobbyist and monopolist.
their cronies and lobbyists, innovation and creativity suffers.
Retort to leader's responses:
We should avoid raising taxes unless absolutely necessary. We cannot sacrifie environmental safety to put all our egg in one economic basket. Basic Income or BIG combined with patent and copyright reform would let the private sectors move our country forward. It will empower Canadians NOT the lobbyist and monopolist.
Question 3: Infrastructure
You are committed to taking us into deficit to fund your infrastructure
plan. Spending money is an easy promise. What does success look like?
Success is when people are able to chart their own future and dreams without relying on a government to tell them specifically what they are or aren't allowed to do. Short term deficits are okay, but the billions of dollars in deficits better have an exit plan.With our Basic Income Guarantee plan or B.I.G. it will eliminate approximately $180 billion in wasted money on an ineffective welfare system bureaucracy and payout. That is more money available for infrastructure.
We need to give the municipalities a permanent source of revenue aside from property taxes, tickets, and the obsolete exorbitant license cost for taxis. Municipalities are the heart and soul of a nation and they must be empowered to create a community according to their vision. One way of doing that is through infrastructure bonds.
Infrastructure bonds can help fund the creation of zero or low-emission transportation which will increase mobility, interconnectedness and access to businesses throughout a community. By funding and using bicycle lanes, for example, people will become healthier, thereby decreasing costs to health care, and will have more spending money as a result of using a more cost-efficient mode of transportation. Decentralization can be good for physically building our nation. Top down micromanagement has been shown not to work for infrastructure, as our deteriorating roads, bridges, and sewage treatment plants demonstrate.
Retort to leader's responses:
We need to empower the provinces and municipalities. Listen to ideas and feedback from the grassroot and work with them. Federal government dictating everything and micromanaging how money should be spent have not worked.
We need to give the municipalities a permanent source of revenue aside from property taxes, tickets, and the obsolete exorbitant license cost for taxis. Municipalities are the heart and soul of a nation and they must be empowered to create a community according to their vision. One way of doing that is through infrastructure bonds.
Infrastructure bonds can help fund the creation of zero or low-emission transportation which will increase mobility, interconnectedness and access to businesses throughout a community. By funding and using bicycle lanes, for example, people will become healthier, thereby decreasing costs to health care, and will have more spending money as a result of using a more cost-efficient mode of transportation. Decentralization can be good for physically building our nation. Top down micromanagement has been shown not to work for infrastructure, as our deteriorating roads, bridges, and sewage treatment plants demonstrate.
Retort to leader's responses:
We need to empower the provinces and municipalities. Listen to ideas and feedback from the grassroot and work with them. Federal government dictating everything and micromanaging how money should be spent have not worked.
Question 4: Immigration and the Economy
All parties agree immigration is central to Canada’s long-term economic strategy. What is the right balance between economic migrants and those seeking family reunification?
Immigrants should not be feared. Great nations were build by immigrants. U.S. opening up its country to immigrants made it a great vibrant nation. It sickens Canadians when they saw Aylan Kurdi's young body lying on the beach and caused outraged when we realized our government turned them away even though there is already a sponsor willing to take them in. As General Rick Hillier has said, We should stop being afraid of our own shadow. There is a way to screen them and gets them here this year. The Vietnamese refugees that we took in have become productive members of our country not only as workers but entrepreneurs. Canada has had a strong history of immigration. Pier 21 in Halifax hosted a generation of immigrants. We are the 2nd largest country in the world for land, but most of it is empty. It is time we put those lands to good use.
Question 5: Housing
Canadians have been on a borrowing binge to buy ever more expensive homes. What would you do to guard against a housing bubble?
Number one cause of housing bubble is when speculation ran rampant. Government should also not interfere to encourage people to prop up a real estate market and stock market to make the economy looks better than it actually is. Instead we need a longer term less interventionist policy. A new socio-economic order through Basic Income Guarantee. This will prevent U.S. style subprime mortgage and China's government enticing their people to prop up their stock market until it crashes.
Our government should study the effectiveness of Land Value Tax in controlling wild speculation and minimize housing bubble. It will also encourages productive use of land and prevent housing shortages.
We must support our municipalities. Although we are open to restoring the Federal GST by up to 2% in order to give municipalities a permanent revenue source, we think Infrastructure Bonds are a much better route. By utilizing these bonds, municipalities could find the funds that they require to fix their roads and bridges, upgrade their fire departments and police stations, and maybe even build a sewage treatment plant or stadium. With interest being paid to the Canadians that purchased the bonds, this would lead not only to more work, but also more money being spent within the community. The wave of economic benefits is undeniable.
Retort to leader's question:
Minimum wage won't fix poverty. Mincome or BIG would. Renovation tax credits and constant increases in tax credits during election is not sustainable. We can create a drastic improvement in our society. By axing $600 billions of corporate subsidies (approximate cost so far over 30 years or ~ $22 billion per year) in combination with the elimination of boutique tax credits, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a welfare system unable to make a difference, we can afford to implement our BIG idea. We can have a Basic Income Guarantee that provides the buffer necessary for people from all walks of life to live with dignity. As a cushion, people will be more inclined to take a risk on a new business, move to a new city in search of work, or take the step from renting to owning. Our BIG idea will give our economy a BIG push in the right direction, and everyone will be better for it.
Our government should study the effectiveness of Land Value Tax in controlling wild speculation and minimize housing bubble. It will also encourages productive use of land and prevent housing shortages.
We must support our municipalities. Although we are open to restoring the Federal GST by up to 2% in order to give municipalities a permanent revenue source, we think Infrastructure Bonds are a much better route. By utilizing these bonds, municipalities could find the funds that they require to fix their roads and bridges, upgrade their fire departments and police stations, and maybe even build a sewage treatment plant or stadium. With interest being paid to the Canadians that purchased the bonds, this would lead not only to more work, but also more money being spent within the community. The wave of economic benefits is undeniable.
Retort to leader's question:
Minimum wage won't fix poverty. Mincome or BIG would. Renovation tax credits and constant increases in tax credits during election is not sustainable. We can create a drastic improvement in our society. By axing $600 billions of corporate subsidies (approximate cost so far over 30 years or ~ $22 billion per year) in combination with the elimination of boutique tax credits, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a welfare system unable to make a difference, we can afford to implement our BIG idea. We can have a Basic Income Guarantee that provides the buffer necessary for people from all walks of life to live with dignity. As a cushion, people will be more inclined to take a risk on a new business, move to a new city in search of work, or take the step from renting to owning. Our BIG idea will give our economy a BIG push in the right direction, and everyone will be better for it.
Question 6: Taxation
You will raise the corporate tax rate from the current 15% to 17% What economic, rather than political, reason justifies your decision?
We reject the false duality of being pro- or anti-corporation. Many small businesses, who are the bulk of job-creators in our country, are setup as corporations in order to take advantage of the legal protections that type of business gains. Building a business from the ground up requires a lot of energy and money. It will be greatly unfair and frightening for prospective entrepreneur that one mistake could not only ruin their business, but also take away their home, their car, and every penny they’ve ever earned.
However, it is also greatly unfair for few companies to engage in corruption, conflicts of interest, and lobbying so they can have an industry clutched within its stranglehold. Since it has become apparent, and recognized by economists, that corporate subsidies do not create jobs, we would redirect those money to invest in ways that will actually benefit Canadians. Our corporate tax rate must remain competitive with other countries, without being exceptionally low. We need to implement a wide range of patent & copyright reform to ensure the development of an Open Market with fair competition.
Our current economic structure and copyright and patent laws encumbered innovation and propagation of culture. It encourages monopoly, cartel, hoarding of creative works and innovation. Big companies hoards the money instead of creating jobs and expanding or innovating like small businesses tends to do to remain competitive. This is what Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney referred to as the "dead money".
Retort to leader's responses on taxation:
We should ask how do we make our economy sustainable? Political tax credits announced every election complicates the tax system and adds to government cost. It is time to do away with all that and implement a simpler but effective solution through Basic Income Guarantee. There is a continuous need to raise taxes because of this growing complication in our budget. Political boutique tax credits are unfocused, insufficient and does not solve what it claims to solve. BIG on the other hand would prevent senior's poverty, child poverty, disabled and unemployable economic hardship, and the list goes on and on. And it can all be done in a focused and more efficient ways at a much lower cost.
However, it is also greatly unfair for few companies to engage in corruption, conflicts of interest, and lobbying so they can have an industry clutched within its stranglehold. Since it has become apparent, and recognized by economists, that corporate subsidies do not create jobs, we would redirect those money to invest in ways that will actually benefit Canadians. Our corporate tax rate must remain competitive with other countries, without being exceptionally low. We need to implement a wide range of patent & copyright reform to ensure the development of an Open Market with fair competition.
Our current economic structure and copyright and patent laws encumbered innovation and propagation of culture. It encourages monopoly, cartel, hoarding of creative works and innovation. Big companies hoards the money instead of creating jobs and expanding or innovating like small businesses tends to do to remain competitive. This is what Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney referred to as the "dead money".
Retort to leader's responses on taxation:
We should ask how do we make our economy sustainable? Political tax credits announced every election complicates the tax system and adds to government cost. It is time to do away with all that and implement a simpler but effective solution through Basic Income Guarantee. There is a continuous need to raise taxes because of this growing complication in our budget. Political boutique tax credits are unfocused, insufficient and does not solve what it claims to solve. BIG on the other hand would prevent senior's poverty, child poverty, disabled and unemployable economic hardship, and the list goes on and on. And it can all be done in a focused and more efficient ways at a much lower cost.
Leader’s debate on: Creating a New Economy
Mulclair talks about knowledge based economy but no concrete plans on how to achieve that. We cannot have a vibrant knowledge and information economy without copyright and patent reform. Trudeau claim his plan would help the family. Talks about deficit spending. But no indication of how to sustain growth after spending is done. Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) on the other hand will ensure there is a natural and continous stimulus for our economy. Canadians spending for their basic necessities while eliminating economic poverty.
While candidates likes to use the term "middle class", we cannot neglect the increasingly large portion of the population that make up the working poor. Precarious, temporary and casual jobs have created a lack of job security that is starting to become a drag on our economy. Some people are able to work longer hours to make ends meet, but most can only find casual, part time, or temporary employment. Poverty from the working poor is a huge burden to our society costing us at least $72 billion from a heavily strained health care system, an overburdened criminal justice system and numerous hours of lost productivity. Add the $185 billion price tag that comes with welfare and its supporting bureaucracy, and it becomes easy to see where prior governments have thrown good money after bad. There is a simpler and more efficient fix that will provide economic security for ALL Canadians. It is a called Basic Income Guarantee or BIG.
Politicians rarely talk about poverty and avoid campaigning in poor neighbourhoods, but the problem will not go away and it is leading to increased mental health issues and encourages a growth in crime. Our BIG idea will make sure everyone has a cushion to help provide them with the necessities, like food and housing, while making it possible for people to live a decent life.
You cannot talk about economy without even mentioning poverty.
While candidates likes to use the term "middle class", we cannot neglect the increasingly large portion of the population that make up the working poor. Precarious, temporary and casual jobs have created a lack of job security that is starting to become a drag on our economy. Some people are able to work longer hours to make ends meet, but most can only find casual, part time, or temporary employment. Poverty from the working poor is a huge burden to our society costing us at least $72 billion from a heavily strained health care system, an overburdened criminal justice system and numerous hours of lost productivity. Add the $185 billion price tag that comes with welfare and its supporting bureaucracy, and it becomes easy to see where prior governments have thrown good money after bad. There is a simpler and more efficient fix that will provide economic security for ALL Canadians. It is a called Basic Income Guarantee or BIG.
Politicians rarely talk about poverty and avoid campaigning in poor neighbourhoods, but the problem will not go away and it is leading to increased mental health issues and encourages a growth in crime. Our BIG idea will make sure everyone has a cushion to help provide them with the necessities, like food and housing, while making it possible for people to live a decent life.
You cannot talk about economy without even mentioning poverty.
Post-Debate Statement on: How to make Canada a world leader on democracy and economy.
This election, you need to ask yourself “Which party has policies that are good for Canada?”, “What would you like Canadian lawmakers to implement?”, “How will these policies affect me and my family?” We believe that the Pirate Party of Canada has the right mix of policies to truly make a difference in the lives of Canadians from Coast to Coast to Coast.
With health care costs always on the rise, and our innovation & economy stagnating, we need to make some major changes. A Basic Income Guarantee will reduce government size, decrease government waste, and help Canadians right across the country get ahead, get educated, and start their own businesses. By altering Industrial Protectionism laws to reduce copyright and patent monopolies, we can spur industrial and cultural innovation. Through the construction of a Nationwide Research Collection Centre, we can develop all sorts of new materials, ideas, and methods that will benefit our economy and our way of living. The Pirate Party of Canada has a plan that will decrease health care costs, spur innovation, and electrify our economy.
Canada is lucky to have a great set of rights and freedoms, but these have been slowly stripped away under the guise of increased security. Without our rights and freedoms, what is all that security actually protecting? The Pirate Party of Canada will start by repealing C-51, and then we will strengthen your rights and freedoms, provide you with a better voice in government, and give you the ability to hold your local representative to account for their actions. We will find ways to increase Canada’s digital security, without stripping away your ability to learn, to grow, to innovate, and to be free. The Pirate Party of Canada will stand up for your rights and freedoms.
The world has changed, and continues to change no matter how hard other parties might try to keep us mired in the past. It’s time for Canada to be at the forefront of that change. We need to embrace our diversity, leverage our research and technology, and build a better tomorrow. This year at the ballot box, take back your government by voting for the Pirate Party of Canada.
With health care costs always on the rise, and our innovation & economy stagnating, we need to make some major changes. A Basic Income Guarantee will reduce government size, decrease government waste, and help Canadians right across the country get ahead, get educated, and start their own businesses. By altering Industrial Protectionism laws to reduce copyright and patent monopolies, we can spur industrial and cultural innovation. Through the construction of a Nationwide Research Collection Centre, we can develop all sorts of new materials, ideas, and methods that will benefit our economy and our way of living. The Pirate Party of Canada has a plan that will decrease health care costs, spur innovation, and electrify our economy.
Canada is lucky to have a great set of rights and freedoms, but these have been slowly stripped away under the guise of increased security. Without our rights and freedoms, what is all that security actually protecting? The Pirate Party of Canada will start by repealing C-51, and then we will strengthen your rights and freedoms, provide you with a better voice in government, and give you the ability to hold your local representative to account for their actions. We will find ways to increase Canada’s digital security, without stripping away your ability to learn, to grow, to innovate, and to be free. The Pirate Party of Canada will stand up for your rights and freedoms.
The world has changed, and continues to change no matter how hard other parties might try to keep us mired in the past. It’s time for Canada to be at the forefront of that change. We need to embrace our diversity, leverage our research and technology, and build a better tomorrow. This year at the ballot box, take back your government by voting for the Pirate Party of Canada.
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