Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
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Constitution Liberal Party
of CanadaTable of Liberal Party of Canada
Contents
01 04 06 09
A. Establishment
1. Name
D. National Board
(Cont.)
I. Permanent
Appeals Committee
M. Leader (Cont.)
46. Leadership Vote
2. Purpose 17. Powers (Cont.) 33. Establishment Procedure (Cont’d)
3. Language 18. Meetings and 34. Governance 47. Leadership
4. Gender and Process 35. Referrals Endorsement Ballot
10
Diversity 19. Miscellaneous
5. One Constitution J. Chief Agent
6. Property E. National 36. Appointment
Management 37. Governance
B. Registered Committee
Liberals 20. Composition K. Policy
7. Eligibility 21. Powers 38. National Board
8. National Register 22. Meetings and N. General Provisions
9. Period Process 48. Amendment
L. Conventions
10. Rights 49. Interpretation
39. Call
02
50. Notice
11
F. Provincial or 40. Frequency
Territorial Boards 41. Registration
23. Provincial Board and Attendance
Composition
05
M. Leader
42. Office
43. Role
C. Electoral District 44. Election O. Transition
Associations 51. Effective Date
07
11. Recognition 52. Repeal
12. Purpose 53. Dissolutions as of
13. Governance F. Provincial or Effective Date
14. Requirements Territorial Boards 54. Registered Liberals
(Cont.) 55. Commissions
D. National Board 24. Territorial Board 56. Permanent Appeals
15. Composition Composition M. Leader (Cont.) Committee
16. Election and 25. Election and 44. Election (Cont.) 57. National Board
Appointment Provincial or 58. National Convention
08 12
Territorial 59. Chief Agent
03
Conventions 60. Provincial or
26. Responsibilities Territorial Boards
27. Limits
G. National Campaign
Committee
28. Appointment by M. Leader (Cont.)
D. National Board Leader 44. Election (Cont.)
(Cont.) 29. Rules 45. Leadership
16. Election and Contestants O. Transition (Cont.)
30. Ratification
Appointment 46. Leadership Vote 60. Provincial or Territorial
(Cont.) Procedure Boards (Cont.)
H. Commissions
17. Powers 61. Dissolution of PTAs
31. Establishment
62. Blended PTAs
32. Governance
63. Electoral District
Associations
64. Leader
65. By-Laws
66. ExpiryCONSTITUTION OF THE LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA As adopted at the Biennial Convention on May 28, 2016. Preamble: The Liberal Party of Canada is an association of Registered Liberals who share certain principles, as set out below, and who strive to elect candidates to the House of Commons for the purpose of advancing those principles. The Liberal Party of Canada is committed to the view that the dignity of each individual person is the cardinal principle of democratic society and the primary purpose of all political organization and activity in such a society. The Liberal Party of Canada is dedicated to the principles that have historically sustained the Party: individual freedom, responsibility and human dignity in the framework of a just society, and political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all persons. The Liberal Party is bound by the constitution of Canada and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and is committed to the pursuit of equality of opportunity for all persons, to the enhancement of our unique and diverse cultural community, to the recognition that English and French are the official languages of Canada, and to the preservation of the Canadian identity in a global society. In accordance with this philosophy, the Liberal Party of Canada subscribes to the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons under the rule of law and commits itself to the protection of these essential values and their constant adaptation to the changing needs of modern Canadian society. The Liberal Party of Canada recognizes that human dignity in a democratic system requires that all citizens have access to full information concerning the policies and leadership of the Party; the opportunity to participate in open and public assessment of such means, and such modifications of policies and leadership as they deem desirable to promote the political, economic, social, cultural and general well-being of Canadians. To realize this objective, the Liberal Party of Canada strives to provide a flexible and democratic structure whereby all Canadians can obtain such information, participate in such assessment and militate for such reform through open communications, free dialogue and participatory action both electoral and non-electoral. This Constitution sets forth the institutions, systems and procedures by which the Liberal Party of Canada, in co-operation with its provincial and territorial boards and electoral district associations, works to implement these ideas on behalf of all Registered Liberals.
Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
01 A. Establishment
1. Name
B. Registered Liberals
7. Eligibility
There is an association named “The Liberal Party Any person may register as a Registered Liberal,
of Canada”, which is referred to throughout this provided that they meet the requirements set out
Constitution as the “Party”. by the National Board. There shall be no fee for
registration.
2. Purpose
The purpose of the Party is to participate in 8. National Register
the public affairs of Canada by endorsing and The Party will, under the direction of the
supporting Registered Liberals as candidates of National Board, maintain a national register of
the Party for election to the House of Commons, all Registered Liberals, indicating the Electoral
advocating and supporting Liberal values and District Association in which they are resident
philosophies, principles and policies, providing (hereinafter their “home Electoral District
a forum for Registered Liberals to provide input Association”).
into the policies of the Party, and raising money in
support of these purposes. 9. Period
Registration as a Registered Liberal will remain
3. Language current for the period established by the National
English and French are the official languages of Board, and may be renewed and/or terminated
the Party. in the manner and at the times set out by the
National Board.
4. Gender and Diversity
The Party will promote diversity, inclusiveness 10. Rights
and gender parity at all levels of the Party. This Each Registered Liberal has the right, subject to
Constitution will operate without discrimination this Constitution, to do the following:
on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, a. receive newsletters, information, and notices
colour, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, of general meetings and other activities from
sexual orientation, age or mental or physical the Party (provided that the Party may elect
disability. to limit certain notices to electronic form);
b. attend, speak, and vote at a general meeting
5. One Constitution of their home Electoral District Association
This Constitution and the by-laws made by the or any Commission or Commission Club with
National Board pursuant hereto govern the affairs which they are registered;
of the Party and all of its boards, commissions, c. attend and speak (but not vote) at a general
committees and associations. No board, meeting of any Electoral District Association
commission, committee or association of the other than their home Electoral District
Party may establish a constitution other than this Association;
Constitution. d. attend, speak, and vote at any convention or
general meeting of the Party or their Provincial
6. Property or Territorial Board;
Only the Party, an EDA, or a campaign, acting e. be elected as a candidate, or to any office in
through its Chief Agent, may hold property and the Party, their Provincial or Territorial Board,
money, accept contributions, make expenditures, or any Electoral District Association, provided,
enter into contracts of employment, enter in each case that they comply with the
into leases, or otherwise make agreements or requirements of this Constitution and the
arrangements. No board, commission, committee National Board in respect of such office;
or association of the Party may do any of the f. vote on the Leadership Vote and on the
foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Leadership Endorsement Ballot conducted
nothing herein limits the ability of an Electoral with respect to their home Electoral District
District Association or campaign to hold and Association; and
administer property and funds or to enter into g. exercise any other right granted to them by the
agreements for the provision of services, subject National Board or any other board, commission,
to the by-laws established by the National Board. committee or association of the Party.Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
02 C. Electoral District Associations
11. Recognition
D. National Board
15. Composition
Recognition may be granted by the National The affairs of the Party will be governed by
Board to one Electoral District Association a National Board of Directors (the “National
in each federal electoral district, and such Board”), which will consist of:
recognition may be revoked, pursuant to rules a. the Leader;
and procedures set out in the by-laws (each b. the President;
association so recognized, an “Electoral District c. the Vice-President (English);
Association”) and in accordance with the Canada d. the Vice-President (French);
Elections Act. e. the Policy Secretary;
f. the Party Secretary;
12. Purpose g. the immediate past President;
Each Electoral District Association shall: h. one representative of those Members of
a. endorse and support the candidate of the Parliament who caucus with the Party
Party for election to the House of Commons (the “Caucus”);
for its electoral district; i. one representative from each Province or
b. engage in, and support, field organizing, outreach, Territory (each, a “Director” or a “Director from
and fundraising in its electoral district; and, a Province or Territory”) from each province
c. facilitate input into Party policy by Registered and territory of Canada;
Liberals in its electoral district consistent j. one representative from each commission
with the Party policy process established by (each, a “Commission”) established by the
the National Board and in accordance with National Board;
this Constitution. k. the following non-voting members:
i. the National Director of the Party (the
13. Governance “National Director”);
The executive or governing board of an Electoral ii. a Treasurer (the “Treasurer”);
District Association shall be composed of iii. one representative of the Chief Agent of
Registered Liberals (whether or not living within the Party;
the applicable electoral district) in such numbers iv. one representative of the Leader;
and in such a manner to be determined by Party v. a Revenue Chair (the “Revenue Chair”);
by-law. Electoral District Associations shall vi. up to two Chairs of the National
comply with such other requirements as to their Campaign Committee; and
governance, financial management and reporting, vii. two Constitutional and Legal Advisers.
as may be implemented by National Board by
by-law. 16. Election and Appointment
Election or appointment of members of the
14. Requirements National Board shall be on the following basis:
Each officer of an Electoral District Association a. each member of the National Board must be
must be a Registered Liberal, and will be a Registered Liberal and otherwise satisfy
elected at a general meeting of the Registered any requirements set out in the by-laws;
Liberals who reside in such Electoral District b. each of the President, the Vice-President
in accordance with the rules of procedure (English), the Vice-President (French), the
determined by the National Board. Policy Secretary and the Party Secretary
shall be elected by secret ballot, in
accordance with the by-laws established
by the National Board, by all of the
Registered Liberals registered at a National
Convention of the Party (with the manner
of registration and voting, including
any remote registration and voting, to be
determined by the National Board). No
person elected to the positions set out in this
Section 16(b) may serve in the same office for
more than two consecutive terms (as such
terms are provided for in Section 40);Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
03 D. National Board (Cont.) 17. Powers
The National Board will have the power to:
c. if there is a vacancy in the office of the a. make by-laws, by majority vote, to
President, one of the Vice-Presidents (as determine any matter delegated to it in this
determined by the National Board) must Constitution (provided that such by-laws
assume the functions of the President; must be consistent with this Constitution and
d. a person who has resigned the office of published on the website of the Party in order
President cannot subsequently serve as the to be effective, and shall only be effective until
immediate past President unless they are first the next National Convention unless ratified
re–elected to the office of President; or amended at such convention) including
e. if there is a vacancy in any other office, without limitation:
then (i) in the case of offices typically i. the delegation of authority to the
elected at a National Convention or Management Committee;
appointed, the National Board must promptly ii. the establishment and governance
appoint a Registered Liberal to assume the of standing and special committees,
functions of the vacant office for the including without limitation committees
remainder of their predecessor’s term; and dealing with matters of policy, election
(ii) in the case of offices elected at a readiness, conventions, and Leadership
Provincial or Territorial Convention or by a Contests;
Commission, the vacancy will be filled by iii. the establishment and governance of
the executive of the applicable Provincial or Commissions, and the recognition of
Territorial Board, or Commission; sections, branches and clubs;
f. the representative of Caucus shall be selected iv. the governance and administration of
by caucus with the consent of the Leader; Electoral District Associations;
g. each Director from a Province or Territory v. the process of policy consultation and
will be elected by secret ballot, in accordance development followed by the Party;
with the by-laws established by the National vi. the rules governing registration as a
Board, by Registered Liberals of the province Registered Liberal;
or territory in which such Director lives at a vii. the rules governing registration and
Provincial or Territorial Convention; attendance (both remote and in-person)
h. each representative of a Commission will be at any convention of the Party;
selected by such Commission, in accordance viii. the rules governing the election of
with the by-laws established by the National officers to the National Board,
Board; ix. the responsibilities, rules and procedures
i. each of the National Director, Treasurer, of the National Board and the
and Revenue Chair shall be appointed by the Management Committee;
National Board with the consent of the x. the rules governing the election,
Leader and the President; responsibilities, removal and limitation of
j. the Constitutional and Legal Advisers shall Provincial or Territorial Boards;
be appointed by the National Board with the xi. the procedures of the Permanent
consent of the Leader and the President. One Appeals Committee; and
of the two Constitutional and Legal Advisers xii. the Chief Agent;
shall be English speaking, and the other b. oversee the financial administration of the
French speaking, with one with experience Party, including the approval of budgets,
in the common law tradition, and one with fees, expenses and revenue targets and the
experience in the civil law tradition; administration of banking matters;
k. the representative of the Chief Agent will be c. oversee, acting through the National Director,
selected by such Chief Agent, in accordance the hiring and supervision of personnel,
with the by-laws established by the National employed, contract or otherwise, of the
Board; and Party and any Provincial or Territorial Board,
l. the representative of the Leader, and the committee, or commission;
two chairs of the National Campaign d. approve the incurrence of debt and granting
Committee shall be designated by the Leader. of security on behalf of the Party and any
Provincial or Territorial Board, committee, or
commission; andConstitution Liberal Party of Canada
04 D. National Board (Cont.) 21. Powers
Subject to direction from the National Board, the
e. approve the entering into of any lease or Management Committee may exercise all powers
agreement or the acquisition of any real, that the National Board may exercise except
personal, moveable or immovable property the power to appoint or remove officers or to
on behalf of the Party and any Provincial or modify any by-law relating to the establishment,
Territorial Board, committee, or commission. governance or administration of Commissions,
(and subject always to prior or subsequent
18. Meetings and Process decisions of the National Board).
The National Board shall meet not less than four
times per calendar year, and shall establish a by- 22. Meetings and Process
law to govern its procedures. The National Board The Management Committee shall meet not
may meet in person or by electronic means, but if less than four times per calendar year, and the
they meet by electronic means, each member must National Board shall establish a by-law to govern
be able to communicate with each other member. its procedures. The Management Committee may
meet in person or by electronic means, but if they
19. Miscellaneous meet by electronic means, each member must be
Each officer of the National Board will have the able to communicate with each other member.
powers and responsibilities set out for them in
the by-laws of the National Board, and will serve F. Provincial or Territorial Boards
until new officers are elected at the next National
Convention of the Party. 23. Provincial Board Composition
Each province will have a volunteer Provincial or
E. National Management Committee Territorial Board, to be composed of:
a. the Director elected for such Province
20. Composition or Territory, who shall serve as chair of the
There shall be a national management committee Provincial or Territorial Board;
(the “Management Committee”), which will be b. a vice-chair, elected by the Registered
composed of: Liberals who reside in such Province;
a. the Leader (provided that a delegate of the c. a secretary, elected by the Registered
Leader may attend Management Committee Liberals who reside in such Province;
on his or her behalf in the absence thereof); d. an organization chair, elected by the
b. the President; Registered Liberals who reside in such
c. the Vice-President (English); Province;
d. the Vice-President (French); e. a policy chair, elected by the Registered
e. the Policy Secretary; Liberals who reside in such Province;
f. the Party Secretary; f. one director at large, plus up to one
g. two of the Directors from a Province or additional director at large for every ten
Territory elected among themselves for a electoral districts contained in such Province
term determined by them; one of whom (rounded where applicable), with such
must be capable of expressing themselves directors to be elected by the Registered
in English, and the other of expressing Liberals who reside in such Province (or in a
themselves in French; region thereof) in accordance with procedures
h. one of the representatives of the determined by the National Board, or
Commissions who are members of the applicable by-law;
National Board of Directors elected among g. one representative from each Commission
themselves for a term determined by them; established by the National Board, to be
i. one representative of the National selected by the provincial or territorial section
Campaign Committee; of such Commission or, if there is no such
j. the Treasurer (on a non-voting basis); section, in a manner to be determined in the
k. the Revenue Chair (on a non-voting basis); applicable by-law; and
l. the National Director (on a non-voting h. such other positions established by the
basis); and National Board.
m. one representative of the Chief Agent
(on a non-voting basis).Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
05 F. Provincial or Territorial
Boards (Cont.)
G. National Campaign Committee
28. Appointment by Leader
24. Territorial Board Composition There shall be a national campaign committee
Each Territory will have a Provincial or Territorial (the “National Campaign Committee”), composed
Board composed of the board of the Electoral of such national campaign chairs and Registered
District Association recognized for such Territory. Liberals as the Leader shall designate.
25. Election and Provincial or Territorial 29. Rules
Conventions The National Campaign Committee shall have the
Each member of a Provincial or Territorial power to establish national rules with respect to
Board must be a Registered Liberal, and will be nominations (including any associated fees), the
elected by secret ballot at a convention (each, a process of registering to vote at a nomination
“Provincial or Territorial Convention”) at which meeting, vetting of candidates for nomination,
all Registered Liberals living in the Province or removals of nominated candidates, disputes,
Territory which such Provincial or Territorial campaign matters and election readiness.
Board represents are eligible to vote. Such
election shall be conducted according to the 30. Ratification
procedures established by the National Board. A Rules established by the National Campaign
Provincial or Territorial Convention shall be held Committee shall be subject to ratification by the
not less frequently than National Conventions, National Board.
and otherwise in accordance with by-laws made
by the National Board. H. Commissions
26. Responsibilities 31. Establishment
Subject to this Constitution and any by-laws The National Board may establish a Commission
made by the National Board, each Provincial or to provide a forum for engagement and
Territorial Board will have the power, with respect representation of a demographic group of
only to its Province or Territory, to determine Registered Liberals.
matters expressly delegated to it in this
Constitution or by the National Board, including 32. Governance
without limitation: Commissions shall be governed by the by-laws
a. the establishment and governance of standing established by the National Board, and shall
and special committees dealing with matters have such sections, branches and clubs as are
of election readiness, policy and Provincial or recognized in accordance with the by-laws.
Territorial conventions; Any amendments to Commission by-laws
b. the implementation of election readiness will only occur after thorough and effective
programs in its Province or Territory communication and consultation with the
established by the National Campaign affected Commission.
Committee; and
c. the organization of the policy consultation
and development process in its Province or
Territory.
27. Limits
For greater certainty, no Provincial or Territorial
Board may hold property or money, enter into
agreements or leases, or employ or engage
personnel.Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
06 I. Permanent Appeals Committee
33. Establishment
L. Conventions
39. Call
There shall be a Permanent Appeals Committee The National Board shall hold such national
composed of persons appointed by the National conventions (each, a “National Convention”) and
Board, to hear disputes arising out of this Provincial or Territorial conventions as may be
Constitution, the by-laws made by the National required to give effect to the provisions hereof,
Board, and any rules made by the National including the election of those elected officers
Campaign Committee. of the National Board who are not elected at
a Provincial or Territorial Convention or by
34. Governance Commissions, and to deal with policy, by-law
The procedures governing the Permanent Appeals ratification, training, election readiness and such
Committee shall be established by the National other matters as it may determine.
Board. Decisions of the Permanent Appeals
Committee shall be final and binding on the Party 40. Frequency
and not subject to appeal to any other body. National Conventions shall be held
approximately every two years and in any event
35. Referrals not later than three years following the previous
The National Board and/or the National Campaign National Convention.
Committee may refer a question of interpretation
of this Constitution, Party by-laws, or rules that 41. Registration and Attendance
is not resolved by the Constitutional & Legal Any Registered Liberals who pay the fees
Advisors to the Permanent Appeals Committee. established by the National Board may register
and attend such Convention (remotely, or in
person, to the extent and in the manner provided
J. Chief Agent for by the National Board).
36. Appointment
The National Board may, with the consent of the M. Leader
President and the Leader, appoint a corporation
incorporated under the laws of Canada as the 42. Office
chief agent for the Party contemplated under the The Leader is entitled to exercise all authority
Canada Elections Act. of a leader under the Canada Elections Act and is
elected by the Registered Liberals of the Party.
37. Governance
The constating documents of the Chief Agent 43. Role
shall provide that its board shall be elected The Leader is responsible to:
annually from amongst a list of candidates a. speak for the Party concerning any political
nominated jointly by the Leader and President, issue;
which list shall include at least one member of the b. take part in the development of the Party
Management Committee. policies and Party platform;
c. be guided by the Party policies and the Party
platform;
K. Policy d. report to the Party at every National
Convention; and,
38. The National Board e. appoint the Campaign Chairs.
The National Board shall establish and maintain
a national policy process, to be coordinated by 44. Election
the Policy Secretary, which must provide for the a. Whenever a Leader is to be chosen for the
following: Party, the Party must elect a new Leader
a. communication and discussion between according to the procedures set out in
Registered Liberals; this Chapter (which is referred to in this
b. engagement of Registered Liberals; Constitution as a “Leadership Vote”).
c. reporting and accountability to Registered b. The Leader ceases immediately to be the
Liberals; Leader (a “Leadership Trigger Event”) when:
d. flexibility to accommodate changing
technology, conditions and electoral cycles; and
e. input into platform development process.Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
07 M. Leader (Cont.) participation of men and women and
the recognition of English and French as
i. due to incapacity, the Leader ceases to the official languages of Canada;
be recognized by the Governor-General iv. establish the Leadership Vote Committee
as the leader of the Party in the House of consisting of:
Commons; 1. two co-chairs, one of whom must be a
ii. the Leader dies; man and one of whom must a woman
iii. there are published in accordance and one of whom must be English-
with this Constitution the results of a speaking and one of whom must be
Leadership Endorsement Ballot in which French-speaking;
the Leader is not endorsed; or 2. the National President;
iv. the National Board of Directors declares 3. two persons elected by the National
that the result of a Leadership Vote is Board from among the members of
invalid. the National Board, one of whom must
c. If the Leader publicly announces an intention be English-speaking and one of whom
to resign or if the Leader delivers to the must be French-speaking;
National President a written resignation or 4. two representatives appointed by the
a written request to call a Leadership Vote, Caucus;
then the Leader ceases to be the Leader on 5. any number of other Registered
the earlier of the appointment of an Interim Liberals appointed by the co-chairs in
Leader and when a new Leader is elected by consultation with the National Board
Registered Liberals. and respecting the principle of equal
d. Upon the occurrence of a Leadership Trigger participation of men and women and
Event, or if the Leader publicly announces an the recognition of English and French as
intention to resign or if the Leader delivers to the official languages of Canada.
the National President a written resignation or e. The Leadership Expenses Committee is
a written request to call a Leadership Vote, the responsible to:
National President must call a meeting of the i. fix a deposit, refundable or otherwise, to
National Board of Directors to be held within be paid by each leadership contestant in
27 days, and at that meeting the National accordance with the requirements of the
Board of Directors must: National Board before the Leadership
i. upon the occurrence of a Leadership Vote is completed;
Trigger Event, or if the Leader so ii. set a maximum limit for the leadership
requests, in consultation with the contestant expenses that may be incurred
Caucus, appoint an “Interim Leader”; by any leadership contestant;
ii. set a date for a Leadership Vote; iii. adopt rules (to be known as the
iii. establish the Leadership Expenses “Leadership Expense Rules”) that provide
committee consisting of: for procedures to supervise compliance
1. two co-chairs, one of whom must be a with the maximum limit for the
man and one of whom must a woman leadership contestant expenses that may
and one of whom must be English- be incurred by any leadership contestant
speaking and one of whom must be and to ensure full and frank disclosure
French-speaking; of all contributions to leadership
2. the Treasurer; campaigns;
3. two persons elected by the National iiv. on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance
Board from among the members of with the Leadership Expense Rules.
the National Board, one of whom must f. The Leadership Vote Committee is responsible
be English-speaking and one of whom to plan, organize and carry out the Leadership
must be French-speaking; Vote.
4. two representatives appointed by the g. Each member of the Leadership Expenses
Caucus; Committee and the Leadership Vote
5. any number of other Registered Liberals Committee must agree in writing to remain
of the Party appointed by the co-chairs neutral in the election of the Leader.
in consultation with the National Board
and respecting the principle of equalConstitution Liberal Party of Canada
08 M. Leader (Cont.) 46. Leadership Vote Procedure
a. The Leadership Vote is a direct vote of all
h. The person appointed as the Interim Leader Registered Liberals who have a right to vote
may exercise all the powers of the Leader on the Leadership Vote weighted equally for
under this Constitution until a new Leader is each electoral district in Canada and counted
elected by the Registered Liberals of the Party. in accordance with this Section.
i. If a date has been set for a Leadership Vote b. Every Registered Liberal who ordinarily
and the National Board, by resolution passed resides in Canada has the right to vote on the
by three-quarters of its voting members, Leadership Vote, if that Registered Liberal has:
determines that political circumstances require i. been a Registered Liberal for the 41 days
that the date be reset to another date, then immediately preceding the day of the
the National Board may, by resolution passed Leadership Vote; and,
by a majority of the votes cast, reset the ii. complied with the registration procedures
date for the Leadership Vote to another date established by the National Board or by
and may review and alter any arrangements the Leadership Vote Committee.
already made for the Leadership Vote. c. At least 27 days before the day of the
Leadership Vote, the National Board must
45. Leadership Contestants publish on the public website of the Party the
To be eligible for election as Leader, a person must: registration procedures for the Leadership Vote.
a. be a Registered Liberal; d. Each Registered Liberal who has a right to
b. be eligible to be a candidate in an election of vote in a Leadership Vote may vote by a
a member to serve in the House of Commons preferential ballot on which the voter indicates
under the Canada Elections Act; their preference for leadership contestants.
c. deliver to the National President, at least 90 A ballot is not spoiled because the voter has
days before the day of the Leadership Vote, not indicated a preference for all leadership
a written nomination (which may be in one contestants.
or more counterparts) signed by at least 300 e. The ballots must be counted, under the
Registered Liberals including at least 100 direction of the Chief Electoral Officer, in
Registered Liberals of the Party from each of accordance with the following procedure:
three different provinces or territories; and i. each electoral district is allocated 100
d. within the time limits established by the points;
Leadership Vote Committee, provide to the ii. on the first count:
President or their designate, an undertaking in 1. for each electoral district, the first
writing that: preference votes recorded in favour
i. they agree to be bound by this of leadership contestants on the
Constitution, any by-laws made by the ballots cast by those Registered
National Board, and the Leadership Liberals who live in that electoral
Expense Rules; district are counted and then the
ii. they will submit all disputes concerning 100 points allocated to the electoral
any matter relating to the selection of district are allocated to each
the Leader and the Leadership Vote leadership contestant on the basis
and the construction or application of of the ratio the number of the first
this Constitution, any by-laws made by preference votes received by that
the National Board and the Leadership leadership contestant bears to the
Expense Rules to, and abide by the total number of votes counted;
decision of, the Permanent Appeal 2. the total number of points allocated
Committee; and to each leadership contestant from
iii. have otherwise complied with the all electoral districts in Canada are
bylaws made by the National Board and added to produce a total for the
the Leadership Expense Rules and with “national count”;
the Canada Elections Act.Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
09 M. Leader (Cont.) 47. Leadership Endorsement Ballot
a. The National Board is responsible to ensure
iii. on the second count, the leadership that a ballot (referred to throughout this
contestant who received the least points Constitution as the “Leadership Endorsement
on the first national count is eliminated Ballot”), in a form approved by the National
and that leadership contestant’s first Board of Directors which permits the voter to
count ballots are distributed in each indicate whether or not they are in favour of
electoral district among the remaining endorsing the Leader, is voted on at or prior
leadership contestants according to to the first National Convention of the Party
the second preferences indicated and held after each general election in which the
counted according to the procedure set Leader does not become or continue to be the
out above as if they were first preference Prime Minister, with sufficient time that the
votes; results may be announced at such National
iv. on each subsequent count, the Convention.
leadership contestant who received b. The Leadership Endorsement Ballot is a direct
the least votes in the preceding count vote of all Registered Liberals, voting in their
is eliminated, and that leadership home Electoral District Association, weighted
contestant’s ballots are distributed equally for each electoral district in Canada
among the remaining leadership and counted in accordance with this Section.
contestants according to the next c. The vote on the Leadership Endorsement
preferences indicated; Ballot must be conducted by secret ballot, and
v. the first leadership contestant to receive the ballots must be delivered promptly and
more than 50% of the points allocated directly to the auditors of the Party or another
on any national count is selected as the independent accounting firm appointed by the
Leader. National Board (the “Leadership Endorsement
f. The Leadership Vote Committee and the Ballot Auditor”).
National Board must jointly appoint a d. The President and the National Director
chief electoral officer (the “Chief Electoral are jointly responsible to ensure that the
Officer”) who will be responsible to make ballots are counted in secrecy by the
all arrangements necessary for the conduct Leadership Endorsement Ballot Auditor and
of the balloting on the Leadership Vote and that the national count for the Leadership
adjudicate all disputes over accreditation and Endorsement Ballot is published at the
the right to vote on the Leadership Vote. National Convention of the Party before any
g. The Chief Electoral Officer must act results are otherwise announced or published.
independently of the National Board and each e. The ballots must be counted in accordance
of the leadership contestants. with the following procedure:
h. The National Board may make any by-law in i. each electoral district is allocated 100
accordance with the procedure set out above points.
to regulate the procedures of the Leadership ii. for each electoral district, the votes
Vote, that is consistent with this Constitution, recorded in favour of endorsing the
including but not limited to: Leader on the ballots cast by Registered
i. voting procedures (including Internet Liberals who live in that electoral district
balloting and electronic balloting); are counted and then the 100 points
ii. nomination criteria; allocated to the electoral district are
iii. registration fees and procedures; and allocated in favour of endorsing the
iv. leadership contestant deposit Leader on the basis of the ratio the
requirements. number of votes recorded in favour of
endorsing the Leader bears to the total
number of valid ballots cast.
iii. the total number of points allocated in
favour of endorsing the Leader from all
electoral districts in Canada are added to
produce a total for the “national count”; and
iv. the Leader is not endorsed if the
“national count” is less than the product
of 50 multiplied by the number of all
electoral districts in Canada.Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
10 N. General Provisions 49. Interpretation
This Constitution will be governed by the
48. Amendment interpretation provisions of this paragraph,
a. This Constitution may be amended in and the National Board will have authority to
accordance with this Section by a resolution interpret this Constitution, subject to appeal
of two-thirds of Registered Liberals registered to the Permanent Appeals Committee. Words
at a National Convention (with the manner of importing the singular include the plural, and
registration and voting, including any remote vice versa. The power to appoint includes the
registration and voting, to be determined by power to replace. The power to make a by-law
the National Board). or adopt rules includes the power to amend
b. Amendments to this Constitution may be or repeal the by-law or rule. Wherever any
proposed by: period between two events is expressed as a
i. the Leader; number of days, the days on which the first and
ii. the Management Committee; second events take place are not to be counted.
iii. the National Board; Wherever it is stated that a person must have
iv. any Provincial or Territorial Board; or been a Registered Liberal for a number of days
v. any Commission. immediately preceding an event, then their
c. Proposed amendments must be submitted application to be a Registered Liberal must have
in writing to the President at least 48 days been received (a) during regular business hours
before the National Convention at which they on a day when the receiving office was open at
are to be considered. least that number of days before the event or
d. The President must publish a copy of each (b) electronically in a manner approved by the
proposed amendment to this Constitution that National Board of Directors before midnight,
must be submitted to a National Convention local time of the residence of the applicant, that
on the public website of the Party at least 27 number of days before the event. For all purposes
days before such National Convention. of this Constitution, a Registered Liberal will
e. A constitutional amendment takes effect on be considered to live at the place of their
the later of the time it is adopted and the date ordinary residence, which must be determined
(if any) specified in the amendment. in accordance with the Canada Elections Act.
f. After each convention at which this Each member of the House of Commons, each
Constitution is amended, the Constitutional candidate at a general election or a by-election
and Legal Advisers shall oversee the and each Registered Liberal living with the
publication of this Constitution as amended member of the House of Commons or candidate
and may, in so doing, and subject to the is entitled to be deemed to have a place of
ratification of the National Board: ordinary residence in the electoral district
i. renumber the provisions of this represented by the Member of Parliament or in
Constitution to accommodate the which the candidate seeks to be elected, as the
changes that have been made; case may be. A document is delivered to a person
ii. correct typographical errors, spelling when it is actually received by that person, and a
errors, and cross-references between document is delivered to an office designated by
provisions which are no longer accurate; the National Board when it is actually received at
iii. correct errors which are purely that office.
typographical;
iv. replace gender biased language with 50. Notice
gender neutral language; and Unless this Constitution otherwise provides,
v. correct inconsistencies between the any notice to a Registered Liberal may be given
English and French versions of this by mail to each household, by electronic mail,
Constitution only insofar as such or in any other manner established by the
changes will not change the substantive National Board. A notice need not be given to
meaning of any provision. any Registered Liberal designated as “inactive” in
accordance with procedures established by the
National Board in a by-law, or who has requested
not to receive correspondence. The inadvertent
failure to give notice to any Registered Liberal
of the Party of anything does not invalidate the
notice, the meeting or any business of the meeting.Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
11 O. Transition 56. Permanent Appeals Committee.
As of the Effective Date, the Permanent Appeals
51. Effective Date Committee existing immediately prior to the
This Constitution takes effect on the date it is Effective Date is continued as the Permanent
adopted (the “Effective Date”), except as noted Appeals Committee of the Party.
below.
57. National Board
52. Repeal Each officer of the Party elected at the May, 2016
As of the Effective Date, the Existing Constitution, Biennial Convention of the Party in Winnipeg will
the constitution of each Commission, and every continue to hold the office to which they were
previously adopted by-law of the Party is elected until the next National Convention of the
repealed. As of January 1, 2017 (the “Transfer Party, except that the titles of such officers shall
Date”), the constitution and any by-laws of each changes as follows:
Provincial and Territorial Association (each, a “PTA”)
existing under the Existing Constitution (other
than a blended PTA) is repealed. As Elected Under Existing New Title
Constitution
53. Dissolutions as of Effective Date
As of the Effective Date, each of the Council National President President
of Presidents, the National Election Readiness
Committee, and the National Policy and Platform National Vice-President Vice-President
Committee are dissolved. (English) (English)
54. Registered Liberals National Vice-President Vice-President
Each person who was, pursuant to the Existing (French) (French)
Constitution, a member or supporter of the
Party immediately prior to the Effective Date, National Policy Chair Policy Secretary
is, as of the Effective Date, a Registered Liberal.
The National Membership By-Law of the Party National Membership Party Secretary
will continue to apply to all Registered Liberals, Secretary
mutatis mutandis, until the earlier of the date
on which the National Board passes a by-law
governing the process of registration as a 58. National Convention
Registered Liberal, or the Transfer Date. The next National Convention of the Party will
be held between September 1, 2017 and April
55. Commissions 30, 2018, as determined by the National Board
As of the Effective Date, each of the Indigenous (and provided that the National Board may in its
Peoples’ Commission, the National Women’s discretion elect to hold a convention outside of
Liberal Commission, the Commission of Young this period where, in its view, it is necessary to
Liberals of Canada, and the Senior Liberals’ accommodate venue availability requirements) to
Commission are continued as Commissions elect a new National Board in accordance with
(the “Existing Commissions”) established by the the terms hereof.
National Board. As of the Effective Date, the
constitutions and any by-laws of each Existing 59. Chief Agent
Commission will be deemed, mutatis mutandis, As of the Effective Date, the Federal Liberal
to become a by-law of the National Board until Agency of Canada is deemed to be continued as
such time as the National Board passes a by-law the Chief Agent of the Party. The provisions of
relating to the governance of Commissions. As Section 37 shall take effect as of the Transfer Date.
of the Effective Date, all property of the Existing
Commissions is transferred to the Party, each section 60. Provincial or Territorial Boards
and club of an Existing Commission will continue As of the Effective Date, the President of each
as a section or club of the applicable Commission, PTA shall be designated as a Director from the
and each officer of an Existing Commission shall province or territory they represent. As of the
continue as an officer of such Commission. Effective Date, the executive or board of each
PTA shall be deemed to also constituteConstitution Liberal Party of Canada
12 O. Transition (Cont.) in this Constitution or its transition prevents
the Party from (a) sharing personnel, assets,
the Provincial or Territorial Board for their information and/or meeting arrangements
province or territory. Any Provincial or Territorial with the formerly blended PTAs, as described
Conventions held following the date hereof and above, or to continue to cooperate in election
prior to the Transfer Date will elect a Provincial readiness, campaign activities, and other mutually
or Territorial Board consistent with Section agreed to activities and (b) allowing Registered
23 hereof, and such election shall take effect Liberals from holding office in a provincial Liberal
immediately, with such Provincial and Territorial association or any association thereof.
Board serving as the executive of the relevant
PTA from its date of election, and automatically 63. Electoral District Associations
becoming the applicable Provincial or Territorial Each Electoral District Association subsisting
Board on the Transfer Date. Following the under the Existing Constitution is deemed to be
Transfer Date, each Provincial or Territorial recognized by the National Board and continued
Convention (which shall be scheduled and held as an Electoral District Association under this
in accordance with the terms hereof) will elect Constitution. The constitution of each Electoral
a Provincial or Territorial Board consistent with District Association will continue to govern such
Section 23 hereof. Electoral District Association until the Transfer
Date, at which time such Electoral District
61. Dissolution of PTAs Association will be governed by the by-laws of
On the Transfer Date, each PTA (other than the National Board.
a Blended PTA) shall be dissolved, and the
property, leases and contracts of each such 64. Leader
PTA transferred to the Party. Each employee The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau shall be
of such a PTA immediately prior to the Transfer continued as the Leader on the Effective Date.
Date shall be an employee of the Party as of the
Transfer Date. Each office location of such a PTA 65. By-Laws
immediately prior to the Transfer Date shall be On or prior to the Transfer Date, the National
an office location of the Party as of the Transfer Board shall pass by-laws with respect to each of
Date. No PTA shall enter into any new contract the following:
or financial commitment, following the Effective a. the establishment and governance of
Date, except with the prior express written Commissions, and the recognition of sections,
consent of the National Director. branches and clubs;
b. the governance and administration of
62. Blended PTAs Electoral District Associations;
On the Transfer Date, each of The Liberal Party c. the process of policy consultation and
of Newfoundland and Labrador, The Liberal Party development followed by the Party;
of Prince Edward Island, The Nova Scotia Liberal d. the rules governing registration as Registered
Party and The New Brunswick Liberal Association Liberals;
(each, a Blended PTA) shall be continued as e. the rules governing registration and
associations whose purpose is to participate in attendance at any convention of the Party;
the public affairs of their Province by endorsing f. the rules governing the election of officers to
Liberals as candidates for election to the the National Board;
Legislature of those Provinces. Such Blended g. the responsibilities, rules and procedures of
PTAs shall, as of the Transfer Date, have no further the National Board and the Management
federation with the Party. As of the Transfer Committee;
Date, each Blended Association will continue h. the rules governing the election,
to hold the property, leases and contracts held responsibilities, removal and limitation on
by it, and employ the person employed by it, Provincial or Territorial Boards;
immediately prior to the Transfer Date, except i. the procedures of the Permanent Appeals
as may be otherwise agreed between the Party Committee; and
and such Blended PTA. The Party will negotiate j. the Chief Agent.
in good faith to provide for administration
agreements between itself and each Blended PTA 66. Expiry
with respect to the shared used of personnel, Part O of this Constitution will expire as of the
assets and offices. For greater clarity, nothing date of the first National Convention convened
after the Transfer Date.Constitution Liberal Party of Canada
13
Index of Defined Terms
Term Section Page
“Caucus” 15 h 02
“Chief Electoral Officer” 46 f 09
“Revenue Chair” 15 k, v 02
“Commission” 15 j 02
“Constitution” Preamble Preamble
“Director” 15 i 02
“Director from a Province or Territory” 15 i 02
“Effective Date” 51 11
“Electoral District Association: 11 02
“Existing Commissions” 55 11
“Existing Constitution” Preamble Preamble
“Home Electoral District Association” 8 01
“Leadership Endorsement Ballot” 47 a 09
“Leadership Endorsement Ballot Auditor” 47 c 09
“Leadership Expense Rules” 44 e, i 07
“Leadership Trigger Event” 44 b 06-07
“Leadership Vote” 44 a 06
“Management Committee” 20 04
“National Board” 15 02
“National Campaign Committee” 28 05
“National Convention” 39 06
“National Director” 15 k, i 02
“Party” 1 01
“Provincial or Territorial Convention” 25 05
“PTA” 52 11
“Transfer Date” 52 11
“Treasurer” 15k-ii 02You can also read
