Conservative members have brought forward a number of policy resolutions for the party's convention to combat social justice initiatives the Canadian government has been pushing. .The Western Standard examined the 60 resolutions which will be debated at the Conservative Convention from September 7 to 9. Some of the topics these resolutions cover are the CBC, vaccine mandates and gender ideology. .Resolutions are submitted through an electoral district association (EDA). They can be about modifying or adding a policy to the Conservatives' Constitution. .While the motions are non-binding, Conservative leaders consider them when developing their platforms. Some of the ones advancing to this convention have proven to be contentious, indicating long debates could happen about them on the delegation floor. .Here are some of the motions which the Western Standard anticipates will cause controversy if passed. .Communications .The Lethbridge, AB, Conservative EDA has put forward a motion which cuts out the part of the constitution about requiring the CBC to offer a wide range of Canadian and international content. .“We believe that the control and operations of the CBC/SRC as an entity should be accomplished through independent, non-governmental funding,” it said. .Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said at his Axe the Carbon Tax Rally in Ottawa in 2022 he would defund the CBC, which received thunderous applause. .READ MORE: Hundreds gather for Pierre Poilievre’s ‘Axe the Carbon Tax’ rally in Ottawa.“The room doesn’t seem undecided on that one, does it?” said Poilievre. .“That will save us a lot of money.”.Democratic Reform .The Perth-Wellington, ON, EDA has submitted a motion about the Conservatives recognizing open dialogue is the basis of any democratic society. .“For this reason, the Conservative Party supports freedom of speech for all Canadians,” said the EDA. .“The Conservative Party will promote policies and legislation designed to protect freedom of expression in Canada in the public square, including media and internet platforms in accordance with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.” .In this case, the Conservatives will safeguard Canadians’ rights to create and access content on the internet without government censorship and nullify unconstitutional restrictions. .The Edmonton-Strathcona, AB, EDA has requested the Conservatives not force ideological training as a precondition of employment or practice. .“Those employed in the public sector, unions or self-regulated trades/professions should not be forced to make affirmations, or participate in ideological programs, as a condition of employment or practice,” said the EDA. .Another resolution from the St. Albert-Edmonton EDA would see the Conservatives revoke its policy to incentivize federal funding to universities which have implemented the Chicago Principles. .“The Conservative Party of Canada believes in the protection of free speech in all the post-secondary institutions within Canada,” said the EDA. .“A provincial-federal accord is required given that education is the responsibility of the provinces and the protection granted by the Charter of Rights and Freedom can be removed by invoking the Section 33 notwithstanding clause.”.Criminal justice .The Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame, NL, EDA has submitted a resolution committing the Conservatives to cost-effective gun control measures to stop criminals and respect lawful gun owners. .“Measures will include: mandatory minimum sentences for the criminal use of firearms; strict monitoring of high-risk individuals; increased enforcement and prosecution of smuggling; safe storage provisions; firearms safety training; a certification screening system for all those wishing to acquire firearms legally; and putting more law enforcement officers on our streets,” said the EDA. .“We recognize the legitimacy of private ownership of firearms and will resist any domestic or international pressure to the contrary.” .If enacted, a Conservative government would not deprive Canadian citizens of legal firearms. It will amend firearms laws to ensure no administrative licence expiry could lead to criminal charges or seizures. .The Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner EDA is calling on the Conservatives to eliminate defences to justify child pornography and grooming. .“We will oppose any effort to lower the age of protection below 16 years of age,” said the EDA. .“We believe that government should fight the cyber-stalking of children by allocating more resources for internet monitoring, by increasing the penalty for cyber-stalkers, and by taking measures to raise awareness among all Canadians (particularly young Canadians) about the importance of protecting their online privacy.” .Health .The North Okanagan-Shuswap, BC, EDA said the Conservatives should ban gender transitions in minors to treat gender dysphoria and encourage positive physical and mental health support to everyone suffering from it. .The Repentigny, QC, EDA has introduced a motion stating every Canadian is “entitled to informed consent and bodily autonomy.” .“Health professionals must disclose an uncensored risk benefit analysis for any treatment (including vaccines) while protecting patient privacy,” said the Repentigny EDA. .“No constitutional right shall be restricted for refusing medical treatments or disclosure.” .It said the Conservatives will promote scientific, unprejudiced, balanced, open discourse. .Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre introduced a private member’s bill to abolish all current vaccine mandates and ban any future ones in 2022. .READ MORE: Poilievre tables bill to protect Canadians from vax mandates.“Give people back their medical freedom,” said Poilievre. .“Let them take back control of their lives.”.Social policy .The Edmonton-Strathcona EDA wants the Conservatives' Constitution to define a woman as a female person. .“The Conservative Party supports the full participation of women in the social, economic, and cultural life of Canada, and believes their unique identity and contributions should be celebrated and supported,” it said. .“The Conservative Party of Canada believes that women are entitled to the safety, dignity, and privacy of single-sex spaces (e.g., prisons, shelters, locker rooms, washrooms) and the benefits of women-only categories (e.g., sports, awards, grants, scholarships).”.Canada's workforce has evolved to include more women than ever. It said all Canadians have the right to be free from discrimination in the workplace and equality of opportunity. .Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in March transgender women are women amid a rise in anti-transgender hate in Canada and around the world. .READ MORE: Trudeau says transgender women are women on International Women’s Day.“We will always stand up to this hate — whenever and wherever it occurs,” said Trudeau. .He said when women and girls are empowered, families, communities, and societies succeed. As people mark International Women’s Day and celebrate women and girls, he said they should “keep working to build a more equal and equitable future.”
