Yukon Liberal Policy Foundation

Preamble

Liberal (from the Latin liberalis, "of freedom") is the belief in the importance of liberty and equality of all citizens.

We as Liberals are guided, shaped and molded in our policy development and beliefs by the inherent dignity of every person, with social justice for all. It is good governance and ethical practice that helps to preserve and strengthen the public's confidence in governmental institutions and agencies.

Liberals believe that transparency, accountability, and ethical and trustworthy behaviour are the cornerstones of public trust. We trace our heritage as the descendents of the previous Canadian reformers who helped to build community; we are the party of progressive social policy and beliefs. We assert that a liberal state should provide jobs, health care, and education while simultaneously expanding civil rights. We view the good of the community as harmonious with the freedom of the individual. We affirm the principles of: human rights, free and fair elections, multiparty democracy, social justice, tolerance, social market economy, free enterprise, the strengthening of cultural institutions and environmental sustainability.

We champion balanced budgets and sound fiscal management as a tool to ensure that we have the means and resources needed to address the needs of all Yukoners.

We join with that great liberal thinker John Locke in our belief that "For in all the states of created beings capable of law, where there is not law, there is no freedom." We stand with William E. Gladstone in saying "All the world over, I will back the masses against the classes."

We trace our Liberal lineage in Yukon to Elijah Smith who in 1972 led a contingent of Yukon Elders, to present Prime Minister Pierre E. Trudeau with a document called Together Today for Our Children Tomorrow. At the core of their message was the clear statement: "without land, Indian people have no soul - no life, no identity - no purpose." Thus began a Yukon land claims process that still continues to this day, a model of Yukoners coming together to build a better tomorrow.

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Fundamental Principles

• As Liberals we subscribe to fundamental values and believe these values can enhance the quality of life in society; and
• As Liberals we believe that strong families and strong communities are a product of individual responsibilities and freedoms; and
• As Liberals we believe that the reflection of Liberal values in government creates tolerance, compassion, opportunity and understanding in the development of public policy.

The following principles are a reflection of these beliefs:

1. The Yukon Liberal Party believes in the dignity of each individual as a fundamental principle of democratic society and the pursuit and maintenance of that dignity is the primary purpose of political activity on society.
2. The Yukon Liberal Party is dedicated to individual freedom and responsibility in a just society, and the opportunity for meaningful participation in the political process by all persons.
3. The Yukon Liberal Party acknowledges the inherent right of aboriginal people to govern themselves within the Canadian confederation.
4. The Yukon Liberal Party believes governments have a role to play in promoting the economic and social well being of society.
5. The Yukon Liberal Party is dedicated to protecting the rights of minorities.
6. The Yukon Liberal Party believes that compromise and consensus are fundamental characteristics of the political process and should be promoted in public policy.
7. The Yukon Liberal Party is committed to equality of opportunity for all persons.
8. The Yukon Liberal Party is dedicated to encouraging free enterprise and the entrepreneurial spirit.
9. The Yukon Liberal Party is committed to balanced and responsible management and conservation of natural and cultural resources in the territory and to integrating environmental and economic goals and policies.
10. The Yukon Liberal Party is dedicated to the preservation of peace, order and good governance and the fundamental rights and freedoms of all persons under the rule of law.
11. The Yukon Liberal Party believes that Yukoners desire to be productive and participating members of society, and are capable to exercise choice in all of their affairs.
12. The Yukon Liberal Party believes that governments have a role to play in creating opportunities for all Yukoners.
13. The Yukon Liberal Party will develop and promote practicable and coherent social policy frameworks that are based on the goals of Yukoners.
14. The Yukon Liberal Party believes there is strength in cooperative Governance and Partnerships among all governments in Yukon.

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