The upcoming Conservative Party convention in Calgary is set to feature several contentious policy proposals that members are urging their leader to consider. Among these proposals are calls for the introduction of private health care options, the removal of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies, and a shift in stance regarding abortion.
These proposed policies cover a wide range of topics, from ending the temporary foreign worker program to granting more authority to the ethics commissioner, banning a central bank digital currency, and enhancing oversight on the appointment of judges. While policies approved at the convention carry significance as reflections of grassroots member views, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is not obligated to adopt them.
One significant health care-related proposal suggests providing provinces with “private delivery options” within the public health-care system, aligning with models seen in other countries with two-tier health care systems. Another proposal aims to restrict access to medical assistance in dying (MAID), proposing the removal of the current referral requirement for doctors and nurses.
Regarding abortion, the current Conservative policy book states a commitment to not support legislation regulating abortion. However, some proposals up for debate seek to erase this commitment, citing inconsistencies with the party’s allowance for free votes on abortion legislation, conscience rights for doctors, and opposition to sex-selective abortions.
Additionally, a proposal challenges the ban on conversion therapy, framing it as a parental rights issue and advocating for the right of parents to arrange body-affirming talk therapy for gender-confused children. Another proposal, known as the Jordan Peterson Policy, aims to protect individuals from professional repercussions for expressing opinions or refusing compelled speech.
The convention will also address issues related to the CBC/Radio-Canada, with a proposal advocating for defunding the organization and minimizing government interference in media operations. Immigration proposals are also on the agenda, including calls to end the temporary foreign worker program and support TFWs in becoming permanent residents.
While these policy proposals represent diverse viewpoints within the Conservative Party, their adoption is not automatic, and Poilievre retains the discretion to decide which policies the party will officially endorse.