Canadian Future Party

Last updated
Canadian Future Party
Parti Avenir Canadien
AbbreviationCFP (English)
PAC (French)
Leader Dominic Cardy
PresidentTara McPhail
Executive DirectorJulie Smith
Founders Dominic Cardy, Rick Peterson
RegisteredAugust 8, 2024;3 months ago (2024-08-08)
Split from Conservative Party of Canada [1]
Headquarters301-158 Hanwell Road
Fredericton NB
E3B 9K7
Membership (2024)1400 [2]
Ideology
Political position Centre
Colours  Yellow
Senate
0 / 105
House of
Commons
0 / 338
Website
thecanadianfutureparty.ca

The Canadian Future Party (CFP; Quebec French : Parti avenir canadien, PAC) is a minor federal political party in Canada that was officially launched in August 2024. It describes itself as being politically centrist, campaigning on a fiscally conservative and socially liberal platform. [4] [5] The party's leader is Dominic Cardy, a former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister in New Brunswick. [6]

Contents

History

The Canadian Future Party emerged from the Centre Ice Conservatives who were co-founded by former Conservative leadership candidate Rick Peterson in April 2022 as a pressure group within the Conservative Party of Canada in the lead up to the 2022 Conservative Party of Canada leadership election. [7] Their aim was to moderate the rightward shift the party was on. Centre Ice Conservatives initially included figures such as former BC Liberal premier Christy Clark, former Conservative minister Peter Kent and National Post columnist Tasha Kheiriddin as supporters. [8] The group left the party as a result of the election of Pierre Poilievre as leader and changed its name to Centre Ice Canadians in an attempt to appeal to disaffected Liberals as well as Conservatives. [1]

On September 20, 2023, it was announced that, after months of discussion, the group would be forming a political party to contest elections. Former New Brunswick cabinet minister Dominic Cardy became interim leader of the party. [9] On February 6, 2024, it was announced that Denis Blanchette had joined their national council. He is a former New Democratic Party MP and was the first president of the New Democratic Party of Quebec. [10] The party announced the formation of an internal youth council on February 21, 2024. [11]

The party applied to be registered by Elections Canada and was recognized by the agency as an "eligible party" on July 22, 2024, and became officially registered on August 8, 2024. [12] The party was officially launched at an August 14, 2024 press conference. [3]

In July 2024, interim leader Dominic Cardy was arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest in Toronto for disturbing the peace after chanting "Free Palestine from Hamas". [13]

On July 29, 2024, the party announced its intention to run candidates in the federal by-elections in LaSalle—Émard—Verdun and Elmwood-Transcona scheduled for September 16, 2024. [14] [15] [16] On August 14, 2024, Mark Khoury was announced as the party's candidate for the LaSalle—Émard—Verdun by-election. [17] Zbig Strycharz was later announced as its standard-bearer in Elmwood-Transcona. [18] [19]

The party elected its first leader Dominic Cardy at its founding convention in November 2024. [20] 112 delegates attended the event. [21]

Political positions

The party's early stances involved positioning themselves as political centrists while trying to differentiate themselves from the Liberal and Conservative Parties. [22] [8] [23] The party's 'interim policy framework' lists five areas of concern: Personal Freedoms, Open Government, Responsible Spending, Stronger Together (At Home), and Stronger Together (Abroad). [24] In February 2024 interim leader Dominic Cardy held a virtual discussion hosted by CPAC on the topic of Canadian support for Ukraine during which he noted the need for Canada to rebuild Canada's military and foreign relations and criticizing both the Liberal and Conservative Parties. [25]

Interim policy framework

Freedoms

  • Remaining uninvolved in anything considered a private matter for adult citizens [24]

Governance

  • Electoral reform resulting in mixed-member proportional representation [24]
  • Increased public participation in policymaking as part of the legislative process [24]
  • Greater transparency by ensuring all public government documents are easily available online [24]
  • Improving the timeliness of responses to the public from government offices [24]
  • A national internet strategy to protect privacy rights [24]
  • The creation of an independent office combatting disinformation [24]
  • Combatting abuses of artificial intelligence [24]

Fiscal policy

  • Reform of the civil service to refocus government efforts to where the most impact can be made [24] [26]
  • Allowing the private sector to take a larger role in society with government oversight [24]
  • Simplifying the tax code to close loopholes in cooperation with the provinces and territories [24] [26]
  • Ending corporate subsidies and supply management where a return on investment cannot be delivered [24] [26]
  • Improving government procurement based on private sector best practices [24]
  • Lowering the national debt [24]

Domestic policy

  • Combatting climate change with carbon capture, nuclear, renewables, and democratically sourced fossil fuels [24] [26]
  • Imposing the costs of emissions on large emitters rather than directly on citizens [24]
  • Respecting areas of provincial authority and ensuring data is shared on how federal money is used [24] [26]
  • Negotiate self-government and resource sharing agreements with First Nations [24]
  • Forming a national civil defence corps to handle national disasters and provide opportunities to youth [24]
  • Restructuring the RCMP into a domestic intelligence service and leaving policing to the provinces and territories [24]
  • Working with the provinces and territories to build housing and direct immigrants to areas they are needed [24] [26]
  • Ensuring provinces and territories share data on healthcare spending [24]
  • Allowing immigrants qualified in healthcare to be assessed for work within six months [24]
  • Investing in scientific research and development to attract Canadian youth and immigrants to tech roles [24]

Foreign policy

Russo-Ukrainian War

The Canadian Future Party supports the aid granted by the Government of Canada to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion of the country began in February 2022. It has also been critical of the Conservative Party for voting against the Canada–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement over the language on carbon pricing, claiming they sacrificed Ukrainian interests to appease pro-Russian and climate change denying influencers on social media. The Future Party calls for more monetary, diplomatic, and material aid to be given to Ukraine. It also would like to see greater spending on the Canadian Forces to support NATO and other democracies globally, and has expressed discontent with cuts to defence spending by the Liberal Party. [27]

Housing

Citing forecasts by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation that five million new housing units will be needed by 2030 to meet current needs, the Canadian Future Party has proposed directly involving the federal government in new developments. It proposes first engaging in areas under federal responsibility, such as housing for military bases and government employees, which can take pressure off of local supply. This housing would also prioritize the use of new technologies to minimize their environmental impact. Housing for indigenous communities is also something the party would look into, building off-reserve stock to address their needs. [28]

Furthermore, the party aims to encourage remote work. Ultimatums requiring employees to return to the office are seen as a negative factor in dense urban centres. Flexible workforces are seen as a possible solution to maximizing existing housing stock. The party also sees it as a way to revitalize smaller communities across the country in the process of alleviating large cities. [28]

Foreign interference

The Canadian Future Party expressed concerns regarding allegations of the Liberal nomination of Han Dong in Don Valley North having been subject to foreign interference. Referring to a report by the Foreign Interference Commission, which stated that nomination contests can be gateways for foreign states wishing to interfere in democratic processes, the following four recommendations were put forward for the party's own operations: [29]

Bill C-70 has been described by the party as containing many positive elements they have called for. These include the foreign agent registry, new powers for CSIS, and new criminal offences aimed at protecting Canadian institutions. An additional recommendation was made to amend the Elections Act to strengthen oversight over party nominations. Due to the possibility that Bill C-70 may not be in force in time for a future election, it was suggested that Elections Canada create voluntary guidelines for all federal parties to update their nomination processes beforehand. [29]

Party leadership

Leaders

LeaderTerm startTerm endConstituencyNotes
1. Dominic Cardy 2020 cropped.jpg Dominic Cardy
(b. July 25, 1970)		9 November 2024IncumbentnoneElected leader at founding convention; previously interim leader

Party presidents

Election results

By-election results

DateCandidateConstituencyProvinceVotes%±%PlacementWin/loss
September 16, 2024 Mark Khoury LaSalle—Émard—Verdun Quebec1030.3%—8/91Loss
September 16, 2024 Zbig Strycharz Elmwood—Transcona Manitoba1320.5%—6/6Loss

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liberal Party of Canada</span> Federal political party

The Liberal Party of Canada is a federal political party in Canada. The party espouses the principles of liberalism, and generally sits at the centre to centre-left of the Canadian political spectrum, with their main rival, the Conservative Party, positioned to their right and the New Democratic Party positioned to their left. The party is described as "big tent", practising "brokerage politics", attracting support from a broad spectrum of voters. The Liberal Party is the longest-serving and oldest active federal political party in the country, and has dominated federal politics of Canada for much of its history, holding power for almost 70 years of the 20th century. As a result, it has sometimes been referred to as Canada's "natural governing party".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bill Blaikie</span> Canadian politician (1951–2022)

William Alexander "Bill" Blaikie was a Canadian politician. He served as a member of Parliament (MP) from 1979 to 2008, representing Elmwood—Transcona and its antecedent ridings in the House of Commons of Canada for the federal New Democratic Party. Following his retirement from federal politics, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 2009 until 2011, representing the Winnipeg division of Elmwood as a member of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba, and served as Minister of Conservation and Government House Leader.

The Conservative Party of Canada, colloquially known as the Tories or simply the Conservatives, is a federal political party in Canada. It was formed in 2003 by the merger of the two main right-leaning parties, the Progressive Conservative Party and the Canadian Alliance, the latter being the successor of the Western Canadian–based Reform Party. The party sits at the centre-right to the right of the Canadian political spectrum, with their federal rival, the centre-left Liberal Party of Canada, positioned to their left. The Conservatives are defined as a "big tent" party, practising "brokerage politics" and welcoming a broad variety of members, including "Red Tories" and "Blue Tories".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saskatchewan Progress Party</span> Political party in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Progress Party (SPP) is a liberal political party in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It was founded in 1905 as the Liberal Party of Saskatchewan, and retained that name until members voted to change it in 2023. Until 2009, the party was affiliated with the Liberal Party of Canada.

The New Brunswick New Democratic Party is a social democratic political party in New Brunswick, Canada. It is the provincial section of the federal New Democratic Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nova Scotia Liberal Party</span> Political party in Nova Scotia, Canada

The Nova Scotia Liberal Party is a centrist provincial political party in Nova Scotia, Canada and the provincial section of the Liberal Party of Canada. The party currently forms the Official Opposition in Nova Scotia, under the leadership of Zach Churchill. The party was in power most recently from the 2013 election until the 2021 election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick</span> Canadian provincial political party

The Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick is a centre-right conservative political party in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. The party has its origins in the pre-Canadian confederation Conservative Party that opposed the granting of responsible government to the colony. It has historically followed the Red Tory tradition. From the 2010s, the party underwent a shift to Blue Toryism after the election of Blaine Higgs as leader, who was premier from 2018 to 2024.

Peter James Maloway is a Canadian politician, who has served as a member of both the House of Commons of Canada and the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pierre Poilievre</span> Canadian politician (born 1979)

Pierre Marcel Poilievre is a Canadian politician who has served as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the leader of the Official Opposition since 2022. He has been the member of Parliament (MP) for Carleton since 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elmwood—Transcona</span> Federal electoral district in Manitoba, Canada

Elmwood—Transcona is a federal electoral district in Manitoba, Canada, that has been represented in the House of Commons of Canada since 1988. Its population in 2021 was 101,691.

The New Democratic Party is a federal political party in Canada. Widely described as social democratic, the party sits at the centre-left to left-wing of the Canadian political spectrum, with the party generally sitting to the left of the Liberal Party. The party was founded in 1961 by the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

Two provincial by-elections were held in the Canadian province of Manitoba on March 24, 2009 to fill vacancies in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. Both were won by the governing Manitoba New Democratic Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2018 New Brunswick general election</span>

The 2018 New Brunswick general election was held on September 24, 2018, to elect the 49 members of the 59th New Brunswick Legislature, the governing house of the province of New Brunswick, Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dominic Cardy</span> Canadian politician

Dominic William Cardy is a Canadian politician, leader of the Canadian Future Party and a former Member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick (2018-2024) and provincial cabinet minister (2018-2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Blaikie</span> Canadian politician (born 1984)

Daniel Blaikie is a Canadian politician who served as the member of Parliament (MP) for Elmwood—Transcona from October 19, 2015 until March 31, 2024. A member of the New Democratic Party (NDP), he was elected to the House of Commons in the 2015 federal election.

The New Democratic Party of New Brunswick leadership election of 2017 was called due to the resignation of New Brunswick New Democratic Party leader Dominic Cardy on January 1, 2017. The leadership election was scheduled for October 27, 2017. However, as the only candidate, Jennifer McKenzie registered at the close of nominations on August 4, 2017, the party executive confirmed McKenzie as party leader effective August 10, 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">44th Canadian Parliament</span> Session of the Canadian Parliament (2021–present)

The 44th Canadian Parliament is the session of the Parliament of Canada which began on 22 November 2021, with the membership of the House of Commons, having been determined by the results of the 2021 federal election held on 20 September. Parliament officially resumed on 22 November with the re-election of Speaker Anthony Rota, and the Speech from the Throne read by Governor General Mary Simon the following day.

By-elections to the 44th Canadian Parliament may be held to fill vacancies in the House of Commons of Canada between the 2021 federal election and the 45th federal election. The 44th Canadian Parliament has existed since 2021 with the membership of its House of Commons having been determined by the results of the 44th Canadian federal election held on September 20, 2021. The Liberal Party of Canada has a minority government during this Parliament, supported by the New Democratic Party in a confidence-and-supply agreement. The Conservative Party of Canada forms the Official Opposition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Portage—Lisgar federal by-election</span> Federal by-election in Manitoba, Canada

A by-election was held in the federal riding of Portage—Lisgar in Manitoba, Canada on June 19, 2023, following the resignation of Conservative MP Candice Bergen.

A by-election was held in the federal riding of Elmwood—Transcona in Manitoba, Canada, on September 16, 2024, following the resignation of incumbent New Democratic MP Daniel Blaikie.

References

  1. 1 2 Huras, Adam (September 20, 2023). "New federal party aims to find centrist approach to federal politics". National Post . Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Dominic Cardy now permanent leader of his upstart federal party". November 9, 2024.
  3. 1 2 Macdonald, Brennan (August 14, 2024). "Dominic Cardy officially launches new federal political party". CTV News. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  4. ↑ "New federal party stakes the middle ground". The Winnipeg Free Press . 21 August 2024. Archived from the original on 22 August 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  5. ↑ Cardy, Dominic (18 September 2024). "It's time for a very reasonable revolution: Dominic Cardy" . The Hill Times . Archived from the original on 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  6. ↑ Ross, Deveryn (17 August 2024). "Canadian Future Party presents centrist option". The Brandon Sun . Archived from the original on 17 August 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  7. ↑ Major, Darren (May 20, 2023). "Group led by former Conservative leadership candidate considering forming a new federal party". CBC News. Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  8. 1 2 Taube, Michael (September 23, 2023). "Michael Taube: Canadian Future, a party for losers". National Post. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  9. ↑ "From Centre Ice Conservatives to Canadian Future, a new federal party takes shape". CTV News. September 20, 2023. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  10. ↑ McPhail, Tara (6 February 2024). "Former MP joins CFP national council". Our Canadian Future. Archived from the original on 24 February 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  11. ↑ "Calling all youth". Our Canadian Future. 21 February 2024. Archived from the original on 16 April 2024. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  12. ↑ "Registered Political Parties and Parties Eligible for Registration". Elections Canada . Retrieved 14 August 2024.
  13. ↑ "New Brunswick politician arrested at an anti-Israel rally in Toronto". CJAD 800. Elias Makos. Retrieved August 5, 2024.
  14. ↑ "Let's Do This!". Our Canadian Future. Canadian Future Party. 29 July 2024. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  15. ↑ "Registered Political Parties and Parties Eligible for Registration". Elections Canada. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  16. ↑ "A former Progressive Conservative who calls Pierre Poilievre 'terrifying' is launching a new political party". The Star. 13 August 2024. Retrieved August 13, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Canadian Future Party launches, will field candidates in upcoming byelections". CBCNews.ca. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  18. ↑ "Zbig Strycharz Elmwood—Transcona". Canadian Future Party. Retrieved August 14, 2024.
  19. ↑ Kives, Bartley (20 August 2024). "New federal centrist party has Zbig news for Elmwood-Transcona byelection". CBC News . Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  20. ↑ Huras, Adam (November 9, 2024). "Dominic Cardy now permanent leader of own upstart federal party". Telegraph-Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  21. ↑ Kennedy-Glans, Donna (24 November 2024). "New federal party looks for 'lightning' in the mushy middle". National Post . Retrieved 24 November 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. ↑ "New party pitches itself as centrist option for voters unhappy with Liberals, Conservatives". CBC News. September 20, 2023. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
  23. ↑ Bailey, Ian (September 20, 2023). "Politics Briefing: Canada getting a national political party aimed at disaffected members of other parties". Globe and Mail.
  24. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 "Interim Policy Framework". Our Canadian Future. Canadian Future Party. Archived from the original on 29 July 2024. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
  25. ↑ "Rick Hillier in Conversation with Dominic Cardy on Ukraine Support". CPAC. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  26. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Cardy, Dominic (19 April 2024). "An underwhelming response when boldness is required: Budget 2024". Our Canadian Future. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  27. ↑ Cardy, Dominic (25 November 2023). "Why Ukraine matters to Canada". Our Canadian Future. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  28. 1 2 Cardy, Dominic (15 January 2024). "Let's talk housing". Our Canadian Future. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  29. 1 2 "Foreign interference is real. Parties should act now". Our Canadian Future. 9 May 2024. Archived from the original on 19 May 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.