A list of "values" for consideration by the Liberal Party of Canada

Whenever a political party is wandering in the wilderness, the talk, and thereby the thoughts of some in the wandering party turn to "values."
So, with the Liberal Party of Canada currently occupying the space known as the Canadian political wilderness, it is time for some of us to "come to the aid of the party" by risking our reputations, going out on the proverbial limb and urging the party to grapple with a set of values that would honour both the tradition of the party and the potential future of the party as the government of Canada.
First, our relationship to the history both of the country and the party is important. Honouring the gifts, and there are many, from leaders whose contributions range from:

• new legislation (as in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms), 
• "inclusivity" and openness, and the respect for the dignity and traditions of Parliament, hallmarks of John Turner, (this would necessitate a move away from heirarchy centred in the PMO to a much more "circle" structure for government, with both party and citizen input sought, valued and implemented 
• the importance of social democracy and the legislation that undergird that value, hallmarks of the Pearson era,
• a healthy and robust management system that underpins the Public Service, a force for both enlightenment and potential policy directions, the gift of St. Laurent
• a belief in an a reverence for a Canada founded on the principles of diversity (English, French and First Nations) that could be seen to be the gift of most Liberal leaders, and more recently articulated by John Ralson Saul in his work, Fair Country
• inclusivity of the macro collection of the founding groups plus the welcome admission and (often inadequate integration) of immigrant groups
• a respect for both intelligence and national security, without an overwheening patronising to the military
• a respect for the dignity of the Canadian worker, and his/her safety and security, including modest but secure benefits, and a commitment to an enhanced National Health Care Act
• a commitment to the attainment of a healthy environmental act that balances the need for continued economic growth with the need to significantly reduce green house emissions
• an enhanced role in international relations that includes an emphasis on increased collaboration with enforcement of such groups as G-20, UN, OPEC, The Commonwealth, APEC, and OAS, among others, relationships based not only on trade but also on mutual support especially in cases of natural disasters
• a continuing enhanced strategy for funding academic research based on both the arts and humanities and the sciences and engineering
• enhanced relationships between Ottawa and the provinces, leading to much more collaborative and mutually supportive decisions in the best interest of the nation, while applying the best practices from all provinces in all other governments
• a tax system that remains progressive, while removing the many hidden loopholes through which many who can afford professional counsel, avoid their share of responsibilty...fair and perceived to be fair
• an approach to law and order that emphasizes rehabilitation, personal development and a search for the root causes of criminality, with a commitment to address those root causes, with the goal of significant crime reduction
• a new focus on high-tech activity including the potential for its misuse by off-shore powers and agents, including laws that protect the privacy of Canadians while ensuring their continued access to the world wide web, without the inconvenience of "inappropriate" sites and activity that seeks to manipulate and steel from Canadians
• a goal, with specific implementation guidelines for a reduction of the unemployment rates to a workable 4-5%, linked to enhanced deliverables to those in transtion needing new skills
• a commitment to a national goal of the elimination of first, child poverty by 2020 and all poverty, using publicly acceptable and verifiable guidelines as targets for intervening years
• a commitment to the enhancement of learning opportunities for male students, including enhanced funding for research into this important, but unnotived area of professional expertise, leading to specific graduation goals from post-secondary education for male students in all fields including especially education, thereby assuring a continuing supply of male educators for elementary and secondary schools in all provinces and territories.
• a re-creation (amended) of the 1970's Katimavik Project enabling Canadian youth to travel and work in all parts of the country providing assistance in various social project while enhancing their resume and providing needed services to Canadians in need
• a commitment to clean water and access to adequate health service for all Native Peoples by 2020, with targets for each of the intervening years.