Nova Scotia 2021 | Catholic Conscience †

This year’s election offers voters an opportunity to ensure that Nova Scotia is guided by leaders who will provide practical and efficient leadership with the good of all in mind – including the unborn, the elderly, the young, families, and those who are too often forgotten or ostracized by society – as well as workers, farmers, business owners, and all future generations.

Catholics are called to participate in accordance with the full measure of talents entrusted to them by God. At a minimum, this means voting wisely, after having considered all relevant issues, the positions of each of the candidates and parties, and relevant Church teachings; and after having prayed for guidance.

This page provides our summary of issues relevant to this year’s election, along with relevant Catholic teachings and the positions of the parties, using the parties’ own words. This summary should help you in deciding your vote, whether you are Catholic or simply a good person interested in a better world.

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Nova Scotia 2021 Provincial Election Side-by-side Comparison

Our party platform comparisons are based on official publications of the registered parties, and any communications provided by the parties directly to Catholic Conscience, as of July 17, 2021. We will update these materials as best we can as the elections approach. Voters are in all cases encouraged to review the websites, platforms, and other materials published by the parties, and to speak directly to the parties and their candidates. Parties having questions or suggestions for the improvement of these comparisons are invited to contact us at info@CatholicConscience.org.

The Sanctity of Life: from Conception to Natural Death

Catholics care about the sanctity of life because it is the purpose of each soul God chooses to put into this life to find its way back to God. Voluntary termination of life at any time between conception and natural death necessarily frustrates this purpose.

“This is not something subject to alleged reforms or ‘modernizations.’ It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life.” – Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium 214

Catholic Teaching

The source of human dignity is the likeness to God that is bestowed on each of us at the moment we are conceived. We respond appropriately to this gift by using all the time, talent, and treasure that God has entrusted to us to seek and grow closer to God, by sharing in His continuing act of creation and caring for those around us. Our first purpose is to seek God, especially in one another. If we do that, everything else will be given to us. Anything that interferes with that is contrary to the Word of God. Genesis, Chapter 1; Matthew, Chapters 6, 22 & 25

“You shall not kill” – the 5th Commandment.

The right to life from conception to natural death is the foundation of all Catholic Social Teaching. “This is not something subject to alleged reforms or ‘modernizations.’ It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life.” – 155, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church; 214 Evangelii Gaudium

Everyone, man and woman, should acknowledge and accept his sexual identity. Physical, moral and spiritual difference and complementarities are oriented towards the goods of marriage and the flourishing of family life. -224 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. Men and women with homosexual tendencies must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. – 2358 Catechism of the Catholic Church
The solemn proclamation of human rights is contradicted by a painful reality of, including new forms of slavery such as trafficking in human beings, illegal drug trafficking, prostitution. “Even in countries with democratic forms of government, these rights are not always fully respected”. Some serious problems remain unsolved: trafficking in children, the phenomenon of “street children, and the use of children for commerce in pornographic material. 158, 245 Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church.
The use of one’s gifts to seek and serve God necessarily includes work, by which humans cooperate with God in God’s continuing act of creation. Work is an essential expression of the person… Any form of materialism or economic tenet that tries to reduce the worker to a mere instrument of production, a simple labour force with an exclusively material value, would hopelessly distort the essence of work and strip it of its most noble and basic human quality.Work is an obligation to one’s family, neighbors, and nation. 271-274, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Green Party of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Liberal Party

Nova Scotia New Democratic Party

PC Party of NS

Points to Ponder

There is urgency to this issue.

Every Pope since at least Paul VI has written of our need to shift to a more responsible use of the earth and its abundant resources. The Church accepts that the need is now urgent.

“A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system… Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat… at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it. It is true that there are other factors, yet a number of scientific studies indicate that most global warming in recent decades is due to the great concentration of greenhouse gases released mainly as a result of human activity.

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue: it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience.” -23, 217, Laudato Si’

Catholic Teaching

God gave us dominion over the earth, thereby making us stewards of creation as we work with Him in His continuing act of creation. We must constantly consider how our actions protect or harm this glorious gift God has entrusted to us. This is a multi-faceted question, which must not be over-simplified.

The good steward neither allows the resources entrusted to him to lie fallow or to fail to produce their proper fruit, nor does he waste or destroy them (Matthew 25:14-30). Rather, he uses them responsibly, for the Lord’s purposes, to realize their increase so that he may enjoy his livelihood and provide for the good of his family, his descendants, and his neighbors.

Humanity’s relationship with creation and the creatures of the earth “requires the exercise of responsibility, it is not a freedom of arbitrary and selfish exploitation.” – 115, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

There is urgency to this issue.

Every Pope since at least Paul VI has written of our need to shift to a more responsible use of the earth and its abundant resources. The Church accepts that that need is now urgent. “A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system… Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat… at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it. It is true that there are other factors, yet a number of scientific studies indicate that most global warming in recent decades is due to the great concentration of greenhouse gases released mainly as a result of human activity. 23, 217 Laudato si’
“Each of the various creatures, willed in its own being, reflects in its own way a ray of God’s infinite wisdom and goodness. Man must respect the particular goodness of every creature, to avoid any disordered use of things which would be in contempt of the Creator and would bring disastrous consequences for human beings and their environment.” – 339, Catechism of the Catholic Church
Humanity’s relationship with creation and the creatures of the earth “requires the exercise of responsibility, it is not a freedom of arbitrary and selfish exploitation.” – 115, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue:
it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience.”

– Pope Francis, Laudato Si’ 217

Green Party of Nova Scotia

Climate Change, Energy, Resources & Sustainability

The party states that:

– it acknowledges that human beings are part of the natural world
– it respects the specific values of all forms of life, including non-human species
– it acknowledges the wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the world, as custodians of the land and its resources
– it acknowledges that human society depends on the ecological resources of the planet, and must ensure the integrity of ecosystems and preserve biodiversity and the resilience of life supporting systems

As a matter of principle, the party advocates:

– learning to live within the ecological and resource limits of the planet
– protecting animal and plant life, and life itself that is sustained by the natural elements: earth, water, air and sun
– where knowledge is limited, that we take the path of caution, in order to secure the continued abundance of the resources of the planet for present and future generations.

Climate Change

The party states that:

– both misuse of the living surfaces of the planet and energy choices play a significant role in the present climate instability. The Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act requires that the province reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a level at least 10% below 1990 levels by 2020. While a number of gases contribute to global warming, the situation with carbon dioxide is of particular concern.
– the carbon cycle, one of life’s sustaining systems, is out of balance. We need carbon dioxide in our atmosphere but the concentration is elevated and continuing to rise, with planetary consequences. We have released too much carbon dioxide, particularly through the use of fossil fuels, at the same time as we have reduced Earth’s ability to absorb carbon oxide by our destruction of plant communities, particularly forests.
– an important factor in the rising carbon dioxide levels is the loss of biologically diverse vegetation to biologically impoverished or inanimate cover. Failure to protect terrestrial and aquatic flora communities from toxins, over-use, and destruction has significant impacts on carbon dioxide levels as well as other negative impacts on all life cycles.
– carbon dioxide from our use of fossil fuels for energy has been identified as a major contributor to the carbon cycle imbalance. However, evaluating energy choices is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As well as addressing climate change issues, the goal is to reduce the environmental, health, and security risks of our energy choices. Also, our energy options must be assessed from starting materials to waste products.

Energy & Resources

The party advocates:

– the establishment and maintenance of a focus on the respectful, efficient, and conservative use of our natural resources. A healthy environment is fundamental to healthy communities and a secure livelihood.
– evaluation of the use and development of the province’s natural resources, both renewable and non-renewable, with a view to environmental, social, and economic considerations
– evaluation of the use of a natural resource at a given location from both technical and social perspectives.

Conservation & Sustainable Development

The party states that:

– fossil fuel energy has been the driving force since the Industrial Revolution. With the environmental impact of rising levels of greenhouse gases and the level of dependence on insecure sources of fossil fuels in Nova Scotia, the time to transition to secure renewable energy is now
– the province gets most of its electricity by burning imported coal. Not only does this produce greenhouse gases and other air contaminants, the importation does not give the province a secure source, and much of the coal is imported from mining companies associated with serious human rights abuses. Natural gas from Nova Scotia’s Offshore is mostly exported to the New England States.
– production from the Sable gas field is producing export royalties rather then being distributed widely to Nova Scotians and is expected to play out in about 2012. The Deep Panuke field will carry the supply starting at about this time but will itself play out in approximately 2020. There is no security in these supplies.
– millions of dollars have been invested and the Nova Scotia’s 2009 Energy Strategy reports that plans are to continue to invest millions in Offshore petroleum and promoting Onshore petroleum, even though success in Offshore exploration is uncertain and Onshore gas production from unconventional fields like shale and coal is uncertain.
– transportation presents itself as a serious problem as it is the largest user of refined petroleum products in the province. The province does not have an affordable public transportation over much of its area and it offers little for safe, effective bike use. The switch to alternate energy sources in Nova Scotia should begin as soon as possible.
– Conservation is by far the cheapest and most doable step. There is also great potential in cogeneration, where energy, especially heat that would normally be wasted from a commercial operation, is recovered for use.

The party has published no official statement concerning its polices on:

– Species, diversity & wildlife

Nova Scotia Liberal Party

The party states that it is committed to:

– a cleaner, greener Nova Scotia by 2030
– building more affordable wind and solar energy, and green public transit
– investment in provincial parks
– protecting the province by preserving its environment and promoting sustainability

Climate Change

The party states that climate change is the challenge of our generation, and that it is committed to fighting climate change and preserving the provincial environment.

The party advocates:

– adapting to a changing climate, being good stewards of our resources, and encouraging the industries that rely on the natural world
– innovative, sustainable approaches to protect our environment, and help farmers and fishers become more productive and successful
– tackling climate change by cutting emissions
– ending use of coal within the province by 2030
– in order to make electricity more affordable and sustainable, promoting renewable energy

Energy & Resources

The party has published no specific statement concerning its policies on energy or resources.

Conservation & Sustainable Development

The party advocates:
– protecting provincial ecosystems by meeting the goal of designating 14 percent of the province as protected areas
– to grow the food industry, which is the single biggest industry in the province investing in the Agriculture Clean Technology Program, which includes adopting clean technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable and clean growth, increasing value-added agricultural production, extending growing seasons and improving costs of production
– to ensure food security, helping industry adapt to change while protecting the resources on which they so rely, by creating fair, healthy, and sustainable food systems that improve food security
– incorporating more local food into our public facilities
– fostering the buy local movement across the province
– to promote health, well-being, and environmental sustainability, investing in active modes of transit such as walking and cycling
– continuing rebates for households and businesses to invest in energy efficient upgrades and electric vehicles

Species, Diversity & Wildlife

The party has published no statement concerning its polices on species, diversity & wildlife

Nova Scotia New Democratic Party

Climate Change

The party has published no official position concerning its policies on on climate change.

Energy & Resources

The party states that Nova Scotians:

– are fortunate to share in a wealth of natural resources
– also share a responsibility for maintaining those resources for generations to come
– need to act as stewards of our natural world and ensure that people who work as farmers, fishers, and foresters can do so in conditions that are safe and sustainable

The party advocates:

– introducing an Environmental Bill of Rights to guarantee that communities have the right to clean air and water and establishing an independent Environmental Commissioner to enforce the Bill’s provisions
– fighting climate change by legislating a hard target for Green House Gas emission reductions for 2030
– ensuring that the province leads the country in clean energy generation by setting hard targets and making sustainable power a priority

Conservation & Sustainable Development

The party states that it’s time for a plan to move Nova Scotia to a prosperous clean economy

The party advocates:
– helping local communities meet their energy needs through the development of renewable energy resources
– continued support for the work of Efficiency One in reducing energy consumption
– working towards creating a carbon-neutral government
– establishing new programs to encourage renewable energy generation
– investing in sustainable transportation, including stable core funding for public transportation

Forestry & Agriculture

To encourage sustainable forestry and agriculture, the party advocates:
– ensuring sustainable management of provincial forests by reinstating the 50% clear-cutting target
– establishing the Department of Agriculture and Food to reflect a new food security mandate
– changing the cycle for small farm operating grants so that farmers can make growing decisions in time for planting season
– providing start-up funding for a marketing board for small farms to help local producers get their goods to market at a fair price

Oceans, Lakes & Fisheries

To ensure that sustainable oceans, lakes, & fisheries are available for future generations, the party advocates:

– continuing the moratorium on fracking in Nova Scotia
– strengthening offshore oil and gas regulations to ensure adequate protection of the fishery
– improving environmental baseline data related to tidal energy activities in the Minas Basin
– supporting the owner/operator policy for the inshore fishery
– accepting the findings of the Doelle-Lahey report on aquaculture and work to implement all its recommendations to ensure both environmental and economic prosperity for coastal communities

Species, Diversity & Wildlife
The party has published no statement concerning its polices on species, diversity & wildlife

PC Party of NS

Points to Ponder

The family is the primary unit in society. It is where education begins and the Word of God is first nurtured. The priority of the family over society and the State must be affirmed. – 209-214, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

The Church teaches that the proper role of government and other human institutions is to foster human life and dignity by maintaining social conditions that enable and encourage us to serve God in one another, and thereby to promote that which is truly in the common interest. This includes nurturing and enabling families, as well as supporting the elderly and other marginalized members of society.

Catholic Teaching

Green Party of Nova Scotia

Health care

The party states that:

– it views health and wellness in a broad sense, emphasizing healthy communities, healthy lifestyles and a healthy environment, not just health care
– the health of Nova Scotians is not only dependent on the health services they receive but on social policy that provides affordable housing, available employment, and accessible education. Health promotion is fiscally prudent and will lead to improved wellness and more affordable health care for Nova Scotians.

The party advocates:

– reduction of toxins in our environment
– addressing social determinants of health, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices
– strong support for supports publicly funded health care, which should include both the removal of the financial barrier for the patient, and the reorganization and revamping of the health care social support system
– the Canadian single-payer system as a potentially affordable, effective and provide care for all Nova Scotians. However, the system requires a change from the current reactive-focused health care system to the implementation of long-term strategies to promote health, prevent illness and build healthy communities
– reforming the health care system to ensure that monetary commitments resolve challenges in accessing the health care Nova Scotians need and want in their communities, including lack of family physicians, emergency room closures and long wait times, and high drug costs

Education & Support for Young Workers

The party states that:

– it is committed to the principles of lifelong learning. From preschool through post-secondary to Seniors, we recognize the importance of education for providing the stimulation and tools for everyone to participate successfully in society. Education is one of the building blocks for a prosperous sustainable future
– it understands that educating youth to succeed in the 21st century economy requires the development of innovative curriculum and investment in new technologies for classrooms across the province. We also understand new technologies in the classroom need to be paired with professional development for teachers, to ensure they are acquainted with the best practices for using these high-tech tools. These requirements put a demand on smaller local schools
– it is concerned that the benefits of local schools are not being fully valued in closure decisions. Schools are at the heart of a community. Local schools provide better integration of educational programs with parents and caregivers, facilitate access to extracurricular activities, and provide many important services to their communities including space for vibrant community events
– it recognizes that growing numbers of Nova Scotia children and youth require additional assistance in their classrooms and communities. We believe the school should be a place of whole-child development. In addition to traditional curriculum, children and youth require training in social, emotional and psychological literacy. By establishing a formal interdepartmental strategy involving the social services, health, and education departments, educators will be provided with the support required to address more of their students’ needs

The party has published no official position concerning its policies on:

– the Role of the Family
– Care for the Elderly
– Culture, Arts & Tourism, Official Languages

Nova Scotia Liberal Party

The Role & Development of the Family

Child Care

The party states that:

– it implemented province-wide pre-primary to ensure children have a child-centered, play based program to help transition them into the school system, so that Nova Scotian families now have access to universal, free, full day pre-primary for four-year-olds across the province

Health care

The party states that healthcare isn’t just essential to people’s health, but also to strong communities, a strong economy, and overall well-being

The party has committed to investing in quality health care by:

– building state-of-the-art medical facilities, expanding access to mental health supports, rejuvenating long-term care homes and enhance homecare services
– applying to health care the same dedication and evidence-based approach it brought to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic
– through its $1 billion dollars in Long-Term Care, reducing wait times and providing more comfortable homes
– the pandemic has created opportunities such as virtual care
– modernizing delivery of health care services, can help ensure all Nova Scotians have access to the high-quality care they deserve
– during its term in office, it has been able to attach more than 150,000 individuals with a primary healthcare provider
– it advocates continuing to expand on this commitment through providing incentives to attract primary care providers, such as the Nurse Practitioner Education Incentive which has seen improved access to primary care in areas such as Digby, Cape Breton, and Cumberland County
– one of its top priorities is ensuring that all Nova Scotians have access to life-saving services when they need it, where they need it, through investment in initiatives such as new dialysis units at Digby Regional Hospital and Valley Regional Hospital, as well as the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre to provide access to healthcare in all regions of Nova Scotia

Support for the Elderly

The party states that:

– it has, through its $1 billion dollar investment in Long-Term Care, reduced wait times and provided more comfortable homes
– to help seniors with secure and confident retirement, it has eliminated the requirement for Employment Services and Income Assistance recipients to apply for federal CPP-retirement benefits at age 60
– it advocates continued implementation of ways for seniors to have more options to ensure a secure retirement
– to create affordable housing options for seniors, it has invested in the Property Tax Rebate for Seniors program to ease the burden of owning a home, and it will continue to move forward with such investments
– in view of the importance of giving seniors the best possible care to ensure they can grow old with dignity, it has made historic capital investments to better our long-term care facilities, improved continuing care, and has committed to finding ways to reduce social isolation among seniors

Education & Support for Young Workers

The party states that:

– it is committed to empowering youth and encouraging innovation by investing in our universities and community colleges, including expanded capacity in information technology, green energy and in the nursing and health professions
– it is committed to investing in supports that foster a more inclusive education system
– it advocates continued action on the recommendations from the Commission on Inclusive Education to ensure that all students benefit from the education system
– it has invested in building and renovating schools, in order to enable children to have the best possible educational experiences, including $7 million to allow Nova Scotia’s nearly 250 public elementary schools to create new outdoor learning spaces or enhance existing ones

The party has published no official position concerning its policies on:

– Culture, Arts & Tourism

Nova Scotia New Democratic Party

The Role & Development of the Family

The party advocates:

– working in consultation with the child care community in order to make a substantial investment in early childhood education
– eliminating provincial HST for funerals

Health care

The party states that provincial health care is in crisis.

The party advocates:

– investments to improve long-term care, mental health care
– investments to improve the availability of primary and emergency care throughout our province
– to ensure that Nova Scotians have access to a family doctor and other Health care providers close to home, and to reduce pressure on emergency rooms, investing $120 million over four years in primary care, and recruiting and retaining medical professionals
– expanding the Oral Health Care program to cover kids 17 and under, and adjusting the physician resource plan to increase capacity for dental surgery if necessary
– freezing premiums for Seniors Pharmacare
– doubling the number of midwives in Nova Scotia and beginning work on establishing a midwifery training program
– expanding the availability of emergency rooms open by opening 7 new Collaborative Emergency Centres

Support for the Elderly, Physical & Spiritual

The party advocates:

– investing in additional nursing home beds to take the pressure off of emergency rooms
– fixing the wait list for long-term care, and working with families and care providers to develop a more integrated model of seniors care that will help seniors feel like part of the wider community

Education & Support for Young Workers

The party states that:

– education is a top concern for teachers, parents, students and families in Nova Scotia
– parents face long wait lists for education spaces
– classrooms too often exceed 40 students each
– post-secondary education too often quires loans for young people

The party advocates:
– an overhaul of the school system to increase transparency and accountability
– change that supports students and teachers in the classroom
– unleashing the army of specialists, education assistants and teachers that is needed to address the crisis in our classrooms
– capping class sizes to give teachers and students the support they need
– repealing Bill 75 and start meaningful negotiations with our teachers
– hiring more Educational Assistants and specialists and ensuring that teachers spend more time teaching, not doing data entry or supervising unnecessary assessments
– funding anti-racism initiatives in the Classroom
– establishing a moratorium on school closures and committing to work with communities to move forward with the hub school model
– eliminating tuition for all students enrolled at the Nova Scotia Community College
– reducing university tuition fees by 10% over four years through direct funding to our public post-secondary institutions, with a goal of eventually eliminating tuition fees at Nova Scotia universities

Culture, Arts & Tourism, Official Languages

The party states that arts and culture are the heartbeat of life in Nova Scotia, and that homegrown provincial talent needs a dependable plan if the province is to create good jobs in storytelling.

To build a thriving creative provincial economy, the party advocates:

– a commitment to stable and secure funding
– working with the screen industry to reinstate a film and television production tax credit program to provide a strong foundation for a creative economy
– re-opening Film and Creative Industries Nova Scotia and working with the screen industry to develop a new stream of equity investment that to ensure that filmmakers and television producers do not need to take their projects out-of-province
– increased investment in Arts Nova Scotia

PC Party of Nova Scotia

Health care

The party states that the provincial health care system provides extraordinary care, through incredibly dedicated health professionals for those who have been accepted for treatment, but that it is too difficult to get to that stage

The party advocates:

– ensuring timely access to the healthcare they need
– a future where healthcare in rural Nova Scotia is a priority
– ensuring that the system embraces modernization
– ensuring that patients are able to speak to health professionals when they need to
– ensuring that healthcare professionals feel respected and valued, and empowered to make decisions at the local level, instead of waiting for someone central authorities to make decisions
– emphasizing patient-centric decisions, focused on results, rather than process-centered decisions
– to establish a culture of continuous improvement, appointing a healthcare auditor
– to improve access, implanting telehealth / virtual care for everyone on the waiting list for a primary care provider
– allowing surgeons to operate outside of Monday to Friday, 9-5
– establish benchmark standards for wait times as established by the Wait Time Alliance within 18 months
– to recruit and retain qualified healthcare providers, demonstrating respect through improved salaries for family physicians and increased local decision-making
– establishing a clinical health services plan in every region of the province, and creating regional teams to conduct recruitment on a local level
– creating mentoring relationships for new graduates
– increasing residency seats and supports for foreign-trained physicians
– establishing in-home treatment programs for those with chronic illnesses
– preventive health measures, including mandatory physical education for grades 10-12
– working with schools and community organizations to institute healthy eating courses for every grade 12 student
– establishing a virtual smoking-cessation program through virtual care

Support for the Elderly, Physical & Spiritual

The party states that:
– elder care is a provincial responsibility, and that more options are needed, in order to properly care for the elderly and reduce wait times
– although home care has been expanded, there remains unfilled need

The party advocates:
– committing to at least $460 million to build more single bedroom spaces
– seeking federal support for an additional 1000 single bedrooms
– addressing human resources challenges in the provincial system and normalizing the workload of staff and making training more accessible, by hiring 2000 additional health professionals
– reinstating the CCA training grant
– resuming accredited CCA training programs hosted by long-term care properties
– auditing properties with high unexplained staff absences
– improved measurement of outcomes through technology, through the use of improved technology, monitoring of clinical indictors, and better understanding of the amount of care delivered to individuals
– preparing for the future by creating a new option of care after home care but before nursing home care, called “Supportive Living,” that provides seniors and their families with increased choice and autonomy over care options and services

The party has published no official position concerning its policies on:
– the Role & Development of the Family
– Education & Support for Young Workers
– Culture, Arts & Tourism Official Languages

Points to Ponder

Points to Ponder: Family, Community & the Common Good

Consider discussing the following questions with your local candidates, elected officials, and the parties, and with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow parishioners:

Families & Child Well-Being

When, if ever, is it appropriate for governments to place limits on the right of parents to make decisions pertaining to the care or education of their children?
What, if anything, should be done to address child poverty in Canada? What, if anything, should be done by provincial or federal governments, or by private, non-profit, or community organizations, including the Church and lay Catholic organizations?
Several political parties have stated that full participation by women, including mothers, in the work force is critical for maximizing return from the national economy, and that in order to maximize those returns and ensure full economic participation by women, it is critical to ensure that affordable child care is accessible by all families.
- Which is more important for children, a stable and dignified home with two loving parents, or maximized national economic production?
- What can or should be done, by federal or provincial governments or by private, non-profit, or community organizations, including the Church and lay Catholic organizations, to ensure that quality health care is available to all who need it?
What, if anything, can be done to help single parents struggling to provide dignified homes for their children? If something should be done, who should do it? Federal or provincial governments? Charities? Church organizations?

Care for the Elderly

Some parties are calling for increased space in publicly-funded facilities for the elderly and long-term care patients. Should any other solutions, such as nurturing a culture of life-long intergenerational family cohesiveness and support, including home caregivers, be considered also, as additions or alternatives to long-term residential care?
Is enough being done to support the spiritual well-being of the elderly, particularly those who are separated from family and friends, or who are ill? If not, what more can be done, and who is best placed to do it?

Health Care

The costs of natural family planning counselling can be a challenge for young families, while birth control pills are covered by provincial health care programs. Is it reasonable to provide free drugs to young couples while requiring those who seek natural, non-chemical methods, to pay, or should the province consider covering proven natural family planning methods?
In a publicly-funded healthcare system, does there exist an obligation for individual to take reasonable measures to avoid health issues (e.g., wearing a mask in a pandemic, when recommended by public health authorities), so as to avoid becoming a public burden when preventable illness or injury occurs? If so, how individuals be encouraged to such measures?
It is it wise for a country to ensure that it is self-dependent for important health care products, such as vaccines? If so, what can the province do to encourage and support national self-dependence?

Education

In many provinces, progress is being made to end systemic discrimination on a wide variety of grounds. Such measures are highly commendable. Is it possible, however, to go too far, and to teach things that are either unwise or confusing to the children to whom they are presented? If so, what can or should be done about it?
It has been suggested that too many Canadians fail to understand democratic principles, such as the responsibilities of federal, provincial, and local governments, and the proper roles of social institutions such as charities, schools, businesses, and moral and religious organizations. Is it advisable to revisit our schools’ curricula on such topics? If that is true, what can or should be done to correct it?

‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ – Matthew 25:45

The poor, the marginalized and those whose living conditions interfere with their proper growth should be the focus of particular concern. – 182, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

It is by working with the Father as co-creators, using the talents that have been entrusted to them to serve others and build the Kingdom, that humans attain the fullness of their dignity. Matthew 22, 25, Luke 10

“Money must serve, not rule!” – Pope Francis, Joy of the Gospel – 58

Catholic Teaching

Green Party of Nova Scotia

As matters of principle, the party:

– asserts, as a matter of principle, that the key to social justice is the equitable distribution of social and natural resources, both locally and globally, to meet basic human needs unconditionally, and to ensure that all citizens have full opportunities for personal and social development. We declare that there is no social justice without environmental justice, and no environmental justice without social justice
– recognises the limited scope for the material expansion of human society within the biosphere, and the need to maintain biodiversity through sustainable use of renewable resources and responsible use of non-renewable resources
– affirms its belief that to achieve sustainability, and in order to provide for the needs of present and future generations within the finite resources of the earth, continuing growth in global consumption, population and material inequity must be halted and reversed. We recognise that sustainability will not be possible as long as poverty persists

As a result, the party advocates:

– ensuring that the rich limit their consumption to allow the poor their fair share of the earth’s resources
– redefining the concept of wealth, to focus on quality of life rather than capacity for over-consumption
– creating a world economy which aims to satisfy the needs of all, not the greed of a few; and enables those presently living to meet their own needs, without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet theirs
– eliminating the causes of population growth by ensuring economic security, and providing access to basic education and health, for all; giving both men and women greater control over their fertility
– redefining the roles and responsibilities of trans-national corporations in order to support the principles of sustainable development
– implementing mechanisms to tax, as well as regulating, speculative financial flows
– ensuring that market prices of goods and services fully incorporate the environmental costs of their production and consumption
– achieving greater resource and energy efficiency and development and use of environmentally sustainable technologies
– encouraging local self-reliance to the greatest practical extent to create worthwhile, satisfying communities
– recognising the key role of youth culture and encouraging an ethic of sustainability within that culture
– a just organization of the world and a stable world economy which will close the widening gap between rich and poor, both within and between countries; balance the flow of resources from South to North; and lift the burden of debt on poor countries which prevents their development
– the eradication of poverty, as an ethical, social, economic, and ecological imperative
– the elimination of illiteracy
– a new vision of citizenship built on equal rights for all individuals regardless of gender, race, age, religion, class, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, disability, wealth, or health

Poverty Reduction

The party states that:

– building healthy, sustainable communities through a comprehensive strategy that addresses all aspects of poverty in Nova Scotia – its causes and effects
– before Nova Scotians can be expected to become active social and economic investors in their communities, they must first have secure access to affordable shelter, nutritious food, clean water, and a fair wage
– it acknowledges the efforts of government departments and non-governmental organizations towards the relief of poverty in Nova Scotia
– it supports initiatives highlighted in the document Preventing Poverty, Promoting Prosperity. However, it recognizes that fundamental policies are missing from this Poverty Reduction Strategy
– while poverty reduction strategies are important for immediate relief, in a province wealthy with natural resources and social capital, we should be working towards the elimination of poverty
– addressing poverty in our communities requires the collaborative effort of all government departments, along with thoughtful, considered policies and flexible service delivery

Corporations, Competition & Consumers

Agriculture

The party states that:
– agriculture is an important part of the provincial economy through direct, indirect, and induced benefits
– investment in organic food production triples, as it is also an investment in a healthier environment and a healthy population
– local food production increases more than the value reflected by the price tag on a product. There is confidence in the control of the safety and quality of the product, the contribution to food security, reassurance of observance of human rights, support for ecologically sound agriculture, and participation in sustainable communities within the province

The party advocates:

– focusing on sustainability with a reasonable level of profit security for farmers through a program of investment in the broadest sense
– support for the agricultural sector, to ensure that producers, harvesters, and food processors are able to make an adequate livelihood, and that agricultural production, harvesting, and food processing can be environmentally sustainable
– placing particular emphasis on organic production
– supporting these values of agriculture in Nova Scotia as a priority over a multi-national profit margin.

The party has published no official position concerning its policies on:

– the Dignity of Work
– Small & Medium Businesses

Nova Scotia Liberal Party

The party advocates:

– rather than allowing the pandemic stop Nova Scotians, seizing the day to build progress on the economy, on the environment, on equity
– building an economy where business can grow and hire
– acknowledging our obligation to leave a better legacy for our children by increasing equity, protecting the environment and building a better tomorrow
– increasing access to affordable housing
– rejuvenating the long-term care sector and building state-of-the-art health facilities
– to foster inclusive growth, it created the Inclusive Economic Growth department to ensure that government makes sound financial decisions that will benefit all Nova Scotians
– it advocates introduce programs that foster inclusive growth so that all areas of the province benefit

Poverty Reduction

The party states that:

– it believes that everyone benefits when everyone has the chance to prosper
– equity and inclusion should be kept at the heart of everything the province does
– it made the largest single investment in income assistance in 2021
– access to adequate housing is essential to quality of life, and that it is committed to working with all levels of government to provide investments that will create more affordable housing units across the province and to that end it looks forward to the report from the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission and commit to act on its recommendations once it becomes available

The party advocates:

– bringing in affordable childcare through a historic, $645 million agreement with the federal government
– increasing access to housing by committing $25M toward the immediate recommendations of the Affordable Housing Commission Report

Jobs

The party states that:

– it is committed to improving access to skills training and apprenticeships, launching a plan for life-long learning

The party advocates:

– in order to build the workforce of tomorrow helping our traditional industries to innovate and adapt – like seeing agriculture and forestry grow more sustainably
– empowering youth and encouraging innovation by investing in our universities and community colleges, including expanded capacity in information technology, green energy and in the nursing and health professions

Agriculture

The party advocates:

– protecting provincial ecosystems by meeting the goal of designating 14 percent of the province as protected areas
– to grow the food industry, which is the single biggest industry in the province investing in the Agriculture Clean Technology Program, which includes adopting clean technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable and clean growth, increasing value-added agricultural production, extending growing seasons and improving costs of production

Transportation & Infrastructure

The party states that:

– strong infrastructure helps to build strong economies
– it is committed to ensuring that modern and innovative infrastructure exists across Nova Scotia, by investing in infrastructure to help people and communities thrive in every region

Small & Medium Businesses

The party states that:

– small businesses are the backbone of the provincial economy, and have earned international standards of excellence and recognition
– to help small businesses through the pandemic, it reduced the regulatory burdens and provided emergency support, including property rebates and paid sick leave
– it will continue to make advocate making it easier for small businesses to recover from the pandemic, to create more jobs, and to grow

Corporations, Competition & Consumers

The party advocates supporting business innovation, cutting business red tape, and making the province a start-up capital

Nova Scotia is ready to grow, by:

– unleashing the innovative power of Nova Scotians
– building on traditional strengths like agriculture
– helping small businesses and tourism
– cutting $10 million in red tape
– through the Economic Growth Council, cutting another $30M

Nova Scotia New Democratic Party

PC Party of Nova Scotia

Points to Ponder

Points to Ponder: An Economy to Serve People

Consider discussing the following questions with your local candidates, elected officials, and the parties, and with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow parishioners:

What strategies should be adopted in the treatment of those who suffer harmful addictions? Is it consistent with principles of solidarity and good stewardship to simply feed and enable addictive behaviors, rather than working toward true rehabilitation?
- Who is best positioned to provide care for those suffering addictions? Government, or community/charitable organizations, or some combination?
What, if anything, should be done to ensure that a minimum or living wage is available to workers, or those willing to work, or to reduce poverty within the province? Should a basic income policy be considered?
What can be done to ensure that all Nova Scotians are encouraged and enabled to use the full range of their talents and gifts to care for their families, to lift themselves out of poverty, and in doing so to give praise to God through meaningful work?
How can Canada and the province best strike a balance between the principles of solidarity – ‘we’re all in this together’ – and subsidiarity – ‘everyone should do what he or she can to support themselves, before burdening others?’
What, if anything, should be done to ensure that a minimum, dignified wage, capable of providing a dignified home and opportunity to support a family is available to workers, or those willing to work, or to reduce poverty in Canada? Should a basic income policy be considered? What can or should be done by the provinces, and what should be left to the federal government, or to private or community organizations?
What is the proper social role of a business corporation?
- For decades, corporate lobby groups and business schools have taught that the only legitimate object of a business corporation is to make money for its shareholders. More recently, some business voices have begun to advocate a broader role for corporations, to include service of its employees, its customers, and the community, and protection of the environment, as part of a corporation’s proper role.
- Which of these object definitions is more consistent with church teachings? Should anything be done to encourage development of a corporate and business culture that aims to serve people, rather than profits?
How should governments measure national, provincial, or local well-being?
- For decades, governments have focused exclusively on gross domestic product – a measure of an economy’s sheer productivity – as a measure of national economic health. More recently, some voices have begun to advocate for a broader index of national well-being, to include factors such as physical and emotional health, the health of the environment, equity in housing, income, and opportunity, and food security.
- Which of these object definitions is more likely to reflect the well being of current and future national, provincial, or local populations, and their ability to achieve personal fulfillment in finding truth?
What is the proper definition of poverty, particularly in a society overflowing with consumer objects and material wealth? Should such definitions include consideration of the ability of individuals to seek personal fulfillment in pursuing truth?
What else can or should be done to ensure that the national and provincial economies serve the people, rather than the other way around? Is it reasonable to demand continuous economic growth, or might it be preferable to seek sustainable contentment?

Conscience Rights

With euthanasia and medically-assisted death and abortion legalized, it is critical that healthcare providers whose deepest moral convictions tell them that such procedures are wrong, not be forced to participate.

Housing

Many Canadians live in substandard housing, or have no homes at all. Choices of decent housing must be offered for all, and the people directly involved must be part of the process.

Food & Water

Access to nutritious food and drinkable water are among the fundamental human rights recognized by the Church. Lack of proper food and water have been linked to long-term poverty and ill health.

Individual Duties

With individual rights come corresponding individual obligations. What can Canadians fairly be expected to give back?

Catholic Teaching

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul.”

– the 1^st Commandment

Every member of society is imbued with a number of rights. With them come responsibilities.

The Catholic Church emphasizes, among other rights, the right to religious freedom. With euthanasia and medically-assisted death and abortion legalized, it is critical that healthcare providers whose deepest moral convictions tell them that such procedures are wrong, not be forced to participate. Catholic teaching says workers should be safeguarded from suffering any affront to conscience or personal dignity. It is a grave duty of conscience to avoid cooperating, even formally, with practices contrary to the Law of God.
The feminine genius is needed in all expressions in the life of society. The first indispensable step in this direction is the concrete possibility of access to professional formation. The persistence of many forms of discrimination offensive to the dignity and vocation of women is due to a long series of conditioning that penalizes women, who have seen themselves relegated to the margins of society and even reduced to servitude… An urgent need to recognize effectively the rights of women in the workplace is seen especially under the aspects of pay, insurance and social security. -295, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
The Church also emphases rights to adequate housing, clean water, and secure, nutritious food.

Subsidiarity is the principle that each individual, and smaller groups of people, should be allowed to make for themselves all the decisions that can responsibly be left to them, rather than to larger groups or greater authorities. This is one of the fundamental social teachings of the Church, since it helps to ensure that each individual is empowered to find his or her own way to God, and to avoid large group errors.

“Higher” orders of government or society should never make decisions that can responsibly be left to “lower” levels. -185, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church

Green Party of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Liberal Party

Nova Scotia New Democratic Party

PC Party of Nova Scotia

Points to Ponder

Points to Ponder: Rights & Responsibilities; Subsidiarity

Consider asking your local candidates, elected representatives, and the parties the following questions, and discussing their answers with your family, friends, neighbours, coworkers, and fellow parishioners:

Individual Responsibilities

What responsibilities do individuals have toward their communities, provinces, the nation, and the world? For example, to what extent are citizens called to:
- Live sustainable lifestyles, for example by conserving energy, avoiding waste, and ensuring that they minimize their impact on future generations?
- Participate in society, for example by informed voting, continued engagement with candidates and elected representatives, and keeping up responsibly with the news?
- Lend a hand to their neighbours, for example by volunteering at home or within the community?

Government, Individuals, and Civil Society

To what extent, if any, should powers or responsibilities of federal, provincial, or local governments be expanded, reduced, or redistributed in order to ensure that individuals, public interest groups, and service organizations have opportunities o employ their lives and talents in the service of others, and the common good? What roles should other social institutions – for example, the Church, schools, and civic organizations – play in increasing social and civic equity and caring for all?
Some parties appear to have recommended enforcement of strict gender balance in industry and of immigrant participation in teaching, and front-line workers
- To what extent is it appropriate for a government to mandate and enforce strict balance (as opposed to equality of opportunity, or equity) of gender, racial, and immigration or status representation in all fields and industries? It is appropriate in all circumstances, or do any conditions apply? Is it possible that imbalances in some fields are either voluntary or otherwise appropriate?

Social Health Care

To what extent is appropriate for federal, state, or local governments to provide taxpayer-supported health care to citizens? Is it appropriate to give any medical services to anyone, any time they ask? If not, how an one properly and even-handedly determined what needs should be met at public expense? To what extent is it appropriate to rely on private service providers, including non-profit and community organizations, such as church-supported hospitals, to provide health care services? What are the costs and benefits of providing services through the government, private businesses, or community organizations?
- Is it fair for governments – and taxpayers – to expect individuals to make any efforts to maintain their own health? As an extreme example, is it fair for those who flout recommendations of responsible health authorities during pandemics, and become sick as a result, to look to society at large to carry the burden of their health care?
Under what conditions, if any, is it just to require health care providers or practitioners to participate in abortion or assisted death, when it is contrary to their moral holdings or religious beliefs?

Solidarity is acceptance of the truth that because all peoples are part of the same human family – part of the one body of Christ – what happens to others affects us as well, regardless of differences in location or life circumstances.

Solidarity is found in a commitment to the good of one’s neighbour. The good of one is the good of all, and the other is as important as the self. Injustice done to another is an injustice that affects everyone. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 193

Catholic Teaching

Green Party of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Liberal Party

Nova Scotia New Democratic Party

PC Party of Nova Scotia

Points to Ponder

The Church teaches that the proper role of government is to provide a legal and economic framework in which the common good can flourish, in order that the people may accomplish their mission; that is, so that the people may use the freedom God has given them to find their way back to Him. Public administration at any level — national, regional, community — must be oriented towards the service of citizens, serving as steward of the people’s resources, which it must administer with a view to the common good. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 406-412

The province has the twofold responsibility of discouraging behaviour that is harmful to human rights and the fundamental norms of civil life, and of repairing, through the penal system, the disorder created by criminal activity. Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 402

Catholic Teaching

Green Party of Nova Scotia

The Role & Purpose of Government

As a matter of principle, the party:

– declares its commitment to nonviolence and a culture of peace and cooperation between states, inside societies and between individuals, as the basis of global security
– affirms its belief that security should not rest mainly on military strength but on cooperation, sound economic and social development, environmental safety, and respect for human rights

The party advocates:

– a comprehensive concept of global security, which gives priority to social, economic, ecological, psychological and cultural aspects of conflict, instead of a concept based primarily on military balances of power
– a global security system capable of the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts
– removing the causes of war by understanding and respecting other cultures, eradicating racism, promoting freedom and democracy, and ending global poverty
– pursuing general and complete disarmament including international agreements to ensure a complete and definitive ban of nuclear, biological and chemical arms, anti-personnel mines and depleted uranium weapons
– strengthening the United Nations (UN) as the global organisation of conflict management and peacekeeping
– pursuing a rigorous code of conduct on arms exports to countries where human rights are being violated

The also party states that:

– it understands that in order to build and sustain a self-reliant and prosperous province, the basic needs of every Nova Scotian must first be met in their own communities in equitable and inclusive ways. We embrace social justice and respect for diversity as two of our six core principles; and in that, we acknowledge that effective social policy cannot be implemented using a one-size-fits-all framework.

Democratic Reform

As a matter of principle, the party strives for a democracy in which all citizens have the right to express their views, and are able to directly participate in the environmental, economic, social and political decisions which affect their lives; so that power and responsibility are concentrated in local and regional communities, and devolved only where essential to higher tiers of governance.

The party advocates:

– individual empowerment through access to all the relevant information required for any decision, and access to education to enable all to participate
– breaking down inequalities of wealth and power that inhibit participation
– building grassroots institutions that enable decisions to be made directly at the appropriate level by those affected, based on systems which encourage civic vitality, voluntary action, and community responsibility
– giving young people a voice through educating, encouraging and assisting youth involvement in every aspect of political life including their participation in all decision-making bodies
– that all elected representatives are committed to the principles of transparency, truthfulness, and accountability in governance
– that all electoral systems are transparent and democratic, and that this is enforced by law
– that in all electoral systems, each adult has an equal vote
– that all electoral systems are based on proportional representation, and all elections are publicly funded with strict limits on, and full transparency of, corporate and private donations
– that all citizens have the right to be a member of the political party of their choice within a multi-party system
– provincial democracy would benefit by reducing the financial barriers to running for political office, decision-making with meaningful participation of the citizens, and change to a voting system that more fairly translates people’s votes into representation in the Legislative Assembly

Nova Scotia Liberal Party

Nova Scotia New Democratic Party

Stewardship of Office

Fiscal Plan

The party states that:

– the province has never been in a better position to make investments in helping each other out, or protecting natural resources in our province
– interest rates are lower than ever, and our debt-to-GDP ratio (the measure of our ability to pay off accumulated debt without incurring more) is low compared to our neighbours (including New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario and Quebec), and we are on an overall downward trajectory
– while GDP growth is not the only measure of our province’s well-being, its proposed investments in health care and education will have a significant positive impact on economic activity
– the NDP’s plan for Nova Scotia will see the budget balanced in 6-8 years

The party advocates:

– borrowing to make the investments our people need
– introducing a small surtax on the individuals making more than $250,000
– running a deficit for the next several years, including its next four-year mandate, starting with an estimated deficit of $256 million
– through deficit spending, stimulating the creation of jobs and boosting consumer spending within the province, to drive GDP up
– creating an economy where everyone has a fighting chance to make ends meet
– strengthening schools and communities will be stronger
– ensuring that young people have the opportunity to train for good jobs without worrying about student debt
– protecting our air and water, and guaranteeing a sustainable environment now, and for generations to come

Democratic Reform

The party advocates:

– fixed election dates
– introducing a system of proportional representation

Criminal Justice & Public Safety

The party advocates:

– restored funding to community groups working on the ground to support people within the province
– renewing the Sexual Violence Strategy
– allocating $500,000 in additional funding to sexual assault service providers with multi-year funding agreements for sexual assault centres and other community organizations providing sexual assault services
– allocating $500,000 in additional funding for Nova Scotia’s women’s centres, to provide prevention and support programs
– investing $1 million to immediately
– double the number of sexual assault therapists available across the province
– commit to working with service providers to further increase therapy services to meet the needs of sexual assault survivors across the province

PC Party of Nova Scotia

Points to Ponder

Points to Ponder: Good Government

Consider asking your local candidates, elected representatives, and the parties, the following questions, and discussing their answers with your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and fellow parishioners:

The Role and Purpose of Government

Catholics have definite ideas about the purpose of life, and the roles of civil society, government, and other social institutions. Are those ideas shared by most Canadians? Are any values held in common by most Canadians? If so, what are they, and how do (or should) they inform the proper role of government and other social institutions?

Is it possible to meaningfully or responsibly define a role for government – and therefore a party’s platform –without reference to the meaning and the purpose of life? Should Catholics look to political parties to share their views on the role and the purpose of government as a part of their platforms?
It is an unfortunate and nearly universal practice for our political parties, in framing their platforms and policy statements, to focus at least as much on what’s wrong with the other parties as they do on what’s right about themselves. How can we, as citizens and voters, help encourage parties to look for common ground, speak positively about one another, and voice their suggestions for improvement in respectful and collaborative terms?
- We have found, in our conversations with candidates and even the most partisan party adherents, that the greatest number of people agree on far more points of right, wrong, good, and bad than they disagree on. Is it possible for us to start conversations by assessing our points of agreement, and the things we have already achieved, before leaping to differences and deficiencies that might tend to distance us from one another?
The church is clear on the conviction that elected leaders should seek to serve the common good, bringing with them to their work deep feelings of humility and deep commitments to wisdom. How can we, as citizens and voters, encourage wisdom, humility and respect in those we elect, rather than selfishness and exclusion?
- Are the forces that tend to divide us limited to the political world, or do we encounter them in other parts of our lives as well? Do we ourselves contribute to further division, or to gathering for common purposes?
As control of successive governments passes from party to party, significant policy shifts can have immediate and unplanned effects on ongoing relationships with other governments, including Indigenous authorities. In a democracy, to what extent, if any, should written commitments to specific countries be carried forward through changes in party control, and how should such continuity be assured?
It is reported that some governments have reviewed contributions to political parties as a part of a vetting process for judicial appointments. Is it appropriate to select candidates for judicial office on the basis of their support for particular parties, or favored political causes? If not, what can be done about it?
The federal government and most provincial governments collect and distribute money to political parties. How is such money divided between the parties? What arguments exist in favor of this practice? Are there arguments against it?
Canada has long debated the advantages and disadvantages of first-past-the-post vs. proportional voting schemes. Should the present system be changed? If so, how?
It is very often the case that party members and candidates – particularly rank-and-file members – are very good people, who sacrifice much in order to contribute to a better world. And it seems too seldom that we thank them, or have anything other than criticism to offer. What can we, as individuals, do to thank and support these selfless people?

Public – Private Partnerships

Cooperation between government and corporations or other private entities can be instrumental in accomplishing great common projects. On the other hand, unwatched they can become instruments of misuse.
- To what extent should they be allowed, for research, infrastructure development, or other purposes?
- How should they be monitored or regulated, in order to assure that arms-length relationships are maintained, and that principles of subsidiarity are respected?
- Should public universities be allowed or encouraged to engage in profit-making ventures such as research and development directed toward specific products or commercial goals, or major sports events? If so, how can the primary educational function of such institutions be maintained, while respecting independence of educators is respected?
To what extent should governments, NGOs, or public-private partnerships be allowed or encouraged to engage in social or cultural engineering of other countries? Under what, if any, circumstances should aid be tied to social objectives such as birth control or ideological control?

Fiscal Responsibility

What, if anything, should be done to address growing national debt and evolve a long-term practice of fiscal prudence?

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Nova Scotia General Election
August 17, 2021

Nova Scotia 2021 – Platform Comparisons

LIFE & HUMAN DIGNITY | From Conception to Natural Death – Human Engineering – Family Planning

STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION | Climate Change – Energy & Resources – Sustainability

FAMILY, COMMUNITY, & THE COMMON GOOD | Health Care, Child Care, Elder Care – Education – Culture

AN ECONOMY TO SERVE PEOPLE | Poverty Reduction – the Marginalized & Vulnerable – the Dignity of Work

THE INDIVIDUAL & SOCIETY | Rights & Responsibilities – Diversity – Subsidiarity & Participation

SOLIDARITY | Indigenous Rights & Reconciliation – Marginalized & Vulnerable – Refugees & Newcomers

GOOD GOVERNMENT | Stewardship of Office – Democratic Reform – Criminal Justice & Public Safety

Canada Federal Election 2025

Nova Scotia General Election August 17, 2021

Nova Scotia 2021 – Platform Comparisons

LIFE & HUMAN DIGNITY | From Conception to Natural Death – Human Engineering – Family Planning

STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION | Climate Change – Energy & Resources – Sustainability

FAMILY, COMMUNITY, & THE COMMON GOOD | Health Care, Child Care, Elder Care – Education – Culture

AN ECONOMY TO SERVE PEOPLE | Poverty Reduction – the Marginalized & Vulnerable – the Dignity of Work

THE INDIVIDUAL & SOCIETY | Rights & Responsibilities – Diversity – Subsidiarity & Participation

SOLIDARITY | Indigenous Rights & Reconciliation – Marginalized & Vulnerable – Refugees & Newcomers

GOOD GOVERNMENT | Stewardship of Office – Democratic Reform – Criminal Justice & Public Safety

Nova Scotia General Election
August 17, 2021