13 Oct 2021
Greetings Fellow Pirates,
As many know by now Travis McCrea has stepped down as leader of the Pirate Party of Canada. On behalf of the Party I would like to thank him for his dedicated service this last year. Under his leadership the Pirate Party of Canada preserved its status as a registered party, began the process of expanding its platform, brought new people into the party and substantially increased its media coverage. Most importantly his drive and vision kept the party together through the challenges of this year.
There are also some people wondering who the heck this James Wilson fellow is. Fair question. I was born and raised in Albert County, New Brunswick but currently reside in Fox Creek, Alberta for reasons familiar to many New Brunswickers. I joined the Pirate Party of Canada during the 2011 Federal Election. Since then I have been involved in the party as a forum commenter, committee member, social media poster and member of the party leadership. I am also the prospective candidate for the riding of Fundy Royal in 2015.
I never aspired to be the leader of the party. I let my nomination stand during the last leadership election due to worries there were not enough candidates running rather than any great desire to lead. For that reason I ultimately threw my support behind Travis, who had a clearly defined vision for the party. It was the right decision. Travis has left some big shoes to fill and I promise you all I will fill them to the best of my ability.
If you have further questions about me, or if you just want to chat, I can be reached at [email protected]
Sincerely,
James Wilson
Interim Leader
Pirate Party of Canada
09 Aug 2022
Canada puts a great deal of funds towards research into illnesses affecting Canadians. Researchers are able to apply for grants that help expand medical knowledge and lead to cures. However, research into ageing cannot benefit as ageing is not classified as an illness.
By opening up funding to those researching ageing we stand to improve the quality of life of the elderly by not only extending old age but extending healthy old age.
09 Aug 2022
With the salary increase adopted in 2013 Canadian MPs now make $160,200 yearly. This figure is higher than that of politicians in Great Britain, Australia and several other industrial nations. This is unacceptable when Canadians are being asked to make due with less.
To help our federal politicians lead by example the salary of all MPs and Senators will be reduced to $100,000 yearly.
09 Aug 2022
Canadians’ trust in government remains at an all-time low. Part of the problem is a sense that MPs are unable to represent their constituents well due to over-bearing party discipline. Canadians want MPs who are able to represent them fully.
The Pirate Party recognizes that party candidates and MPs may not agree on every issue and that parties are at their heart a collection of like-minded equals. As such the party will avoid the use of whipped votes in Parliament. Instead opting to seek caucus consensus through debate and discussion. The party will for each vote state a recommended way of voting but will not hold its members to it.
The following policies have been approved by the Political Council and will be sent to the membership to be voted on:
-The party will avoid the use of whipped votes in Parliament. Instead opting to seek caucus consensus through debate and discussion.
-The party will for each vote state a recommended way of voting but will not hold its members to it.
09 Aug 2022
Our political system makes it difficult for independent candidates to run for public office successfully. Donations raised by an independent candidate are forfeited to Elections Canada after the election is over. They are then forced to start over in the following election, a problem not shared by political parties who can create large stores of funds at the riding association and party level.
The following policies have been approved by the Political Council and will be sent to the membership to be voted on:
-We propose allowing independent candidates to raise funds in the two months leading up to a scheduled general election provided the candidate submits the names of their official agent and their auditor to Elections Canada beforehand. Should the independent candidate receive a party’s nomination, they must hand over all money raised during this period to Elections Canada. All funds will be subject to the same reporting rules as those raised during the election itself.
-Additionally, we propose a new system by which money raised by independent candidates before the end of an election will instead be held in trust by Elections Canada until the next Federal election. If the person runs again as an independent candidate, the money that is held in trust will be returned to them for use in their campaign. If the person decides not to run at all or runs as a candidate under a party banner, the money held in trust will be forfeited to Elections Canada in whole. All interest accrued from money held by Elections Canada in this manner will belong to Elections Canada.
-Finally, we would reinstate the ability of independent MPs to introduce significant amendments at a bills report stage. As independent MPs do not currently get a vote on committees, this would allow for a more fair playing field.
