Wildrose Position, Policy and Constitution on Human Rights

A political party defines itself by many things. Its members, its actions or issues presented in the Legislature. However they are also defined by hard written documents.  These can be broken into three categories.

Statements: These could also be called Positions, Policy Positions or at the time of an election it could be called Party Platform.  These can come from either the members of a Party or from the elected Caucus of the Party.  They are timely and they are things that are likely to be seen enacted if the Party forms government.

Policy: These are positions the party takes on various issues.  They are things that generally will stand the test of time and must have party members support.  To add, remove or alter a policy it must achieve at least 50% of a member vote at an AGM or SGM.   

Policy is not necessarily what a Party will enact when they form government.  Yes, you read that correctly, I said it is NOT.  Once you form government you represent all of the population, not just those who choose to be members of your party.  We have seen it time and time again; parties implement public policy that is contrary to their own party policy.

Constitution:  This could be referred to as the “guiding document” for a party.  This document lays the foundation (principles) for the Policy and Positions that may be developed.  Anything the members or caucus may pass as Policy or Positions must align with the Constitution.   This document is much harder to alter; it requires 75% member support to enact any changes.

In 2013 at the Wildrose AGM a motion was brought before the members to endorse (or defeat) the following Statement:

“Wildrose will defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons. This includes, but is not limited to, the right to freedom of belief, public expression, practice, and association. These rights and freedoms shall be protected, regardless of race, religious belief, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation of that person or class of persons.”

It was overwhelmingly endorsed.  Here is what one Wildrose member (a gay one, I might add) had to say about this Statement.

This motion shows the true nature of this party, one that will stand up for the rights of everyone, no matter what. One of the reasons I support this party is because it allows people to be true to themselves and they keep private matters private. Matters that the government has no business in.

At the 2014 AGM members were asked to delete the following Policy:

“…..recognize that all Albertans have equal rights, privileges and responsibilities.”

And replace it with the Statement we had endorsed the previous year.  This motion was defeated. It was defeated as the majority of the members like the current Policy. For myself I find it concise and to the point.  Additionally we already have the Statement on record and I saw no need to duplicate that. Let me very clear, not accepting this amendment did NOT rollback or revoke the previous years’ Statement.

At this AGM we also added the following to the Constitution: 

“Wildrose will defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons.”

This passed. And remember Constitutional changes require the higher bar of 75% to pass.

To recap and emphasize what I feel are the key takeaways from this:

Wildrose has enshrined in their Constitution (the guiding document for all Policy and Platforms): 

“Wildrose will defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons.”

Wildrose has in their Policy:

“…..recognize that all Albertans have equal rights, privileges and responsibilities.”

Wildrose has a Statement on record:

“Wildrose will defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons. This includes, but is not limited to, the right to freedom of belief, public expression, practice, and association. These rights and freedoms shall be protected, regardless of race, religious belief, colour, gender, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation of that person or class of persons.”

I have reviewed the Policy and Constitution of other Parties currently represented in our Legislature in Alberta and none of them have such a clear, succinct and all inclusiveness as that of the Wildrose.

Please note: I hold no official position in the Wildrose Party. I am an ordinary member. I’m also the mother of a bi-sexual child.