The National Citizens Alliance membership vote on 2014-05-23/24. The vote resulted in 100 percent of membership in favour of the draft Constitution with a 100 percent quorum. This vote outcome satisfies the minimum 70 percent membership support and 50 percent quorum required for adoption of the draft Constitution as the NCA Constitution as per the Founding Document (2013).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-
-
- PREAMBLE
- ARTICLE I – National Citizens Alliance (NCA)
- ARTICLE II – Rationale for the NCA
- ARTICLE III – Vision for Canada
- ARTICLE IV – Mission
- ARTICLE V – Values
- ARTICLE VI – Objectives
- ARTICLE VII – Principles
- ARTICLE VIII – Membership
- ARTICLE IX – Election Campaigns
- ARTICLE X – Party Finances
- ARTICLE XI – Policy Guidelines
- ARTICLE XII – Annual Convention and Quarterly Forums
- ARTICLE XIII – Amendments
-
Canada is a relatively young country. In 1867 Canada had its first constitution, Constitution Act of 1867. During the 146 years since confederation, Canadian federal politics have come to embody a number of shortcomings, some built into the constitution and others developed along the way:
● The political establishment in Canada is dominated by a small number of federal political parties. (For example, in the history of Canada to date, only two federal parties have been in power.)
● Canada has an entrenchment of political power partly through various laws that are self-serving and biased. (For example, as shown in the 2013 FDA Electoral Fairness Report on Canada, public subsidies, broadcast regulations, and access to national debates favour large, established parties.)
● Currently, Canada’s federal political system is a representative democracy that emphasizes the power of elected officials (i.e., the representatives) over that of the people, even when the people are committed to being involved politically (i.e., are committed to participatory democracy). (For example, Canada has no federal legal mechanisms for citizen-initiated referendum, citizen-initiated recall, and citizen-initiated legislation, which would empower Canadians between elections. These public empowerment mechanisms would be partly held in check by practical thresholds for triggering public empowerment.)
● Currently, the Canadian federal political power rests with the Prime Minister rather than the Canadian Parliament. (For example, the Prime Minister alone can dissolve and prorogue Parliament, and determines the key appointments of the federal government.)
● Canada’s federal political system allows for excessive Prime Ministerial power, and yet it has weak checks and balances on that power. (For example, the Canadian Parliament through strict party discipline, the first-past-the-post system, and the election law requirement that party leaders endorse party candidates weakens the Parliament’s check on the Prime Minister.)
● Due to the excessive powers of the Prime Minister and weak political say of Canadians between elections, special interests with access to elected officials in general and the Prime Minister in particular may have an inappropriate influence on the federal government, including appointments, policies and legislation. (For example, there is nothing stopping in current conflict of interest and lobbyist legislation from Members of Parliament benefiting friends and associates as long as no direct monetary benefit is connected to the Members of Parliament.)
The patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982 established certain rights and freedoms for Canadian citizens, but failed to address the shortcomings in the federal political system. Rather, the Constitution Act of 1982 solidifies Canada’s federal political system and its shortcomings by entrenching the political power of the elected officials and sanctioning the weak political power of Canadians. The NCA believes that the people ought to have sovereign authority over political affairs, and that elected officials are servants of the people (or in service of the people), and thereby accountable to the people.
The National Citizens Alliance of Canada offers Canadians:
● Federal government based on the broad public good.
● Alignment of Canadian federal democracy with a people-based democracy, whereby the people have sovereign authority over political affairs.
● Elimination of the direct, behind-the-scenes influence of special interests in federal politics.
● A restructured federal government in which political power rests with the Canadian Parliament and, ultimately, the Canadian People.
● Mechanisms to encourage public participation during and between elections, thereby empowering Canadians with the opportunity to actively exercise their political authority subject to meeting practical thresholds.
● A federal electoral system which is fair and equal for all registered parties, and serves the interest of Canadians as a whole.
ARTICLE I – NATIONAL CITIZENS ALLIANCE OF CANDA
Seeing Canada from a Democratic Perspective
The National Citizens Alliance (NCA) is a Canadian federal political party rooted in a democratic ideology that includes a people-based democracy. The NCA stands for government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
People-based democracy refers fundamentally to democracy based on the sovereign authority of the people in political affairs. In other words, the people have supreme substantive political say and influence both during and between elections. A people-based democracy is characterized by a high level of public participation in government decision-making, and accountability and transparency of government. In addition, the people’s sovereignty over political affairs is realized through various mechanisms that support the substantive political say and participation of the people in government decision-making. The political authority of the people is superior at all times than the political authority of elected officials who are subordinate to the people or in service of the people. Further, in a people-based democracy, constitutional laws, an independent Canadian federal Judiciary, and practical thresholds for triggering public empowerment place necessary checks on the political power of the people.
ARTICLE II – RATIONALE FOR THE NCA
The current Canadian federal political system lacks a major party that embraces and supports a people-based democracy. The NCA founders believe that this void is helping to create a perpetual political status quo and corresponding voter apathy, distrust, and discontent as indicated by Canadian federal non-voters consistently in the 40 percent plus/minus range. NCA founders believe that a party that is fundamentally committed to people-based democracy and that has a long-term vision focused on the broad public interest can guide the country forward in the most progressive and positive way. Furthermore, such a party, with participatory democracy as its ideology, can help unite Canadians by embracing and encouraging party membership from anywhere along the political spectrum. In addition, the issues facing Canada domestically and internationally — including climate change, food and water supply, human rights, national security and economic markets — are increasingly critical and relevant. In short, in order to best address these new realities, we need progressive reform of our outdated political system, including a new political approach and vision that impacts all aspects of society and embraces and includes all members of Canadian society.
ARTICLE III – VISION FOR CANADA
An egalitarian and peaceful Canadian society built on the foundation of a people-based democracy, where the government is a direct extension of the people. The pillars of society are freedom, fairness, and equality.
To create a federal government which is a direct extension of the people.
Freedom, fairness, equality, transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness (especially regarding gender and minority status)
Section 1.
The objective of the National Citizens Alliance is:
To improve the lives of present and future generations of Canadians.
We believe that this main objective can best be accomplished by advancing Canada into a people-based democracy. Thus our mission is to reform Canada into a people-based democracy. That reform will not happen overnight; it is a lengthy and labourious process.
To fulfill its mission and objective, the NCA has additional objectives:
Section 1(a).
To encourage the majority of Canadians to be continuously involved and active with select political issues that are close to their hearts.
Section 1(b).
To earn the trust and respect of Canadians.
Section 1(c).
To empower Canadians in political affairs during and after elections.
Section 1(d).
To eliminate the direct, behind-the-scenes influence of special interests in political affairs.
Section 1(e).
To inform Canadians about the impact on their overall lives of past, present, and future government policies.
Section 1(f).
To implement federally the principles of a people-based democracy as outlined in Article I.
Section 1(g).
To build a culture of political trust in which conflicts and differences can be discussed, debated, and resolved peacefully and productively, for the benefit of all Canadians.
Section 1(h).
To create a Canadian society based on a people-based democracy.
Section 1(i).
To form a majority of the Canadian Parliament.
Section 1.
A people-based democracy, where the Canadian people have sovereign authority over political affairs, forms the conceptual core of the NCA founding principles. Elected officials provide leadership as directed by the political authority of the people, and they are accountable at all times to the people. NCA principles aim to support the political sovereignty of the people and, in so doing, enhance and reflect the interests of Canadians as a whole. The following principles establish this position, and any conflict with existing federal legislation and parliamentary procedures, the principles will supersede them.
Section 1(a). Sovereign Political Authority of the People
The people have sovereign authority over political affairs. Elected officials provide leadership, but ultimately they are public servants, not governors. Bureaucrats and elected officials are subordinate to the people. They serve the people (or are in service of the people), not the other way around.
Section 1(b). Substantive Political Say
The people must have substantive, effective, and peaceful ways for determining how elections are conducted and how policy and legislative issues are resolved, and for influencing any governmental action that impacts their lives and those persons who serve in office (whether elected or appointed, including but not limited to legislative, judicial, military, and economic posts).
Section 1(c). Advancement of Broad Public Good
NCA policies are based on the broad public good rather than narrow special interests.
Section 1(d). Leadership by Example
NCA members, volunteers, leaders, and elected officials lead by example, upholding NCA principles and embodying NCA values whether or not they are required to do so by law.
SECTION 1. NCA Members
Section 1(a) Voting Members
The NCA voting membership is available to every Canadian citizen who is 18 years of age or older and of any political persuasion.
Voting members are NCA members with no membership in any other Canadian federal political party, and who have no outstanding membership dues and have completed the voting membership and registration forms, and the signed declaration form stating that they will uphold the NCA vision, mission, values, objectives, and principles (Articles III – VII).
Section 1(b) Non-voting Members
The NCA non-voting membership is available to Canadian people of any political persuasion and all types of political residency – including residents on work visas and permanent residents, and who are 16 years of age or older.
Non-voting members are NCA members with membership in at least one other Canadian federal political party and/or have completed the non-voting membership form. Non-voting members do not have NCA member voting rights nor do they have membership dues.
SECTION 2. Fees
NCA voting members are required to pay a non-refundable membership fee. The NCA Executive will determine the amount of the membership fees. Upon receiving the membership application and fee, the NCA will issue a membership card.
SECTION 3. New Voting Member Get Involved Period
New voting members must complete a 6-month get involved period and attain at least 70 percent support of the existing voting membership with at minimum 50 percent plus 1 quorum prior to these members having NCA member voting rights. The 6-month period starts as soon as the new voting member submits completed membership forms and pays the membership fee. The membership vote on attaining voting rights will be conducted 1 week after the 6-month period.
SECTION 4. Principles of Conduct for NCA Members
Section 4(a). Involvement
Members are encouraged to be involved with important and personal political issues. In addition, the members’ involvement must be in a manner consistent with the NCA principles, values, and mission. The Board and Executive may set rules for suspending, revoking, or reinstating membership in relation to this section.
Section 4(b). Inclusivity
The NCA welcomes any political belief or position on the political spectrum, providing members uphold and support the NCA vision, mission, values, objectives, and principles (Articles III – VII).
Section 4(c). Freedom of Speech
NCA members enjoy freedom of speech; however, federal law does not allow hate speech, including discriminatory or racist speech. The NCA agrees with this position, and breaching such laws may result in expulsion from the party.
SECTION 5. Rules of Conduct for NCA Members
A minimum 70 percent vote from the membership and vote quorum of 50 percent of the membership population determines party policies, subject to consistency with the NCA principles, values, and mission, and the Canadian Charter (1982).
Amendments to the NCA Constitution requires a minimum of 70 percent support from the membership and a vote quorum of 50 percent of the membership population.
Members who fail to uphold the NCA principles, values, and mission will face disciplinary action, which might include removal of party membership. The NCA Executive oversees internal discipline. Disciplinary decisions are at the sole discretion of the NCA Executive. Determination of such action is subject to due process, including an internal hearing and appeal process.
SECTION 6. Principles for Conduct of NCA Member Elected
Section 6(a). Transparency
NCA elected officials must be transparent about their political decision-making to their constituencies, notwithstanding decisions that require confidentiality relating to personal or national security.
Section 6(b). Advancement of Broad Public Good
NCA elected officials must act in ways that are fully consistent with the broad public good of their constituencies and the country.
SECTION 7. Rules of Conduct for NCA Members Elected
Constituent-initiated recall of an elected NCA member requires at least 35 percent of the electorate in the relevant constituency population endorsing/signing a petition to trigger a recall vote, a minimum 70 percent vote threshold supporting the official’s recall, a vote quorum of 50 percent plus 1 of the constituency’s electorate population, and 6-months elapsed time from the member’s election prior to starting a recall petition. In addition, following an unsuccessful recall vote, a recall vote cannot be initiated with none of the signatures used in the previous recall petition(s) until 2 years has lapsed from date of the previous recall vote(s). Further, constituents interested in initiating the recall process must contact the National Citizens Alliance. After the NCA has promptly acknowledged the initiation of the recall process, the constituents have no more than 60 days to collect the signatures required to initiate a recall vote. Not more than one recall process per constituency can occur at once.
Citizen-guided legislative position through constituent voting, subject to a voter quorum of at least 50 percent plus 1 of the constituency electorate population and a minimum 70 percent electorate support for the legislation. If these conditions are satisfied and the legislation is consistent with the NCA principles, values, and mission, then the NCA elected official’s vote in the Canadian Parliament on the relevant legislation must reflect the view of the constituency. If these conditions are not satisfied, then the NCA elected official is free to vote his or her conscience subject to consistency with the NCA principles, values, and mission.
Citizen-initiated legislation requires a minimum 70 percent vote threshold of the constituency electoral population that supports the proposed legislation and a voter quorum of 50 percent plus 1 of the constituent electorate population. The NCA elected officials must put forward private member bills based on a successful citizen-initiated legislative propositions and support their passage, and/or support legislation consistent with the successful citizen-initiated legislative propositions. However, if the citizen-initiated legislation is inconsistent with the NCA principles, values, and mission, the NCA elected officials must not support the legislative propositions. In addition, NCA elected officials must consider suggestions from members of their consistency, and may propose bills or put forward private members bills if the officials opt to do so as long as the legislation is consistent with the NCA vision, mission, values, objectives, and principles (Articles III – VII).
NCA elected officials who fail to uphold the NCA principles, values, and mission will face disciplinary action, which may include removal of their NCA membership. The NCA Executive oversees internal discipline. Disciplinary decisions are at the sole discretion of the NCA Executive. Determination of such action is subject to due process, including an internal hearing and appeal process.
SECTION 8. Executive Members of the National Citizens Alliance
Composition of the NCA Executive is comprised of a party leader and minimum three party officers and maximum six party officers. The party leader is responsible for leading the party so that he/she has the right to use his/her discretion in accepting or refusing the decisions that have been made by the NCA members if he/she sees that the interest of the party imposes that. The party officers are responsible for providing leadership in specific areas of the party that they represent such as finance and membership. The party leader must be a voting member in good standing and have at least 1 year of service on the NCA Executive and 1 year experience with active, concrete contributions in the operations of the National Citizens Alliance. The party officers can be non-voting and voting members in good standing as long as at least 50 percent of the officers are voting members in good standing and none of the non-voting members are members of any other Canadian federal party.
The NCA membership elects the party leader for a four-year term subject to a vote quorum of 50 percent of the voting membership population and at least 70 percent support of the voting membership. If the 70 percent threshold is not attained in the first round of voting, there will be a revote of the two leadership candidates with the most votes in the first round. If there is a tie amongst those candidates with the most votes, more than two leadership candidates would be permitted for the second round. In the second round of voting, the candidate with the most votes wins subject to attaining at least 50 percent plus 1 membership support. In the event of a tie, there will be third round of voting. The candidate with the most votes wins. If there is still a tie, the candidate with the longest tenure as a voting member wins. If the members have identical tenures as voting members, then the candidate who has the longest tenure as both a voting and non-voting member wins.
The party leader can serve for a maximum of four four-year terms subject to successful membership elections and to not serving as a Member of the Parliament during any of those terms. If the party leader is elected a Member of the Parliament, he or she can remain party leader for as long as he or she is a Member of the Parliament. The terms as leader of the NCA do not have to be consecutive. In addition, the party leader must be native-born to Canada, and he or she must have been a resident of Canada for at least 10 years.
The party leader is subject to recall based on the following thresholds: a 12-month grace period following his or her election before the start of a recall petition; a petition signed by at least 40 percent of the voting membership population; at least a 70 percent vote of the voting membership in favour of the recall; and at least a vote quorum of 50 percent plus 1 of the voting member population.
A majority vote by NCA voting members elect party officers for four-year terms subject to a vote quorum of at least 50 percent of the voting membership population and at least 70 percent vote of the voting members in the support of the officer candidates. If the 70 percent threshold is not attained in the first round of voting, there will be a revote of the two officer candidates with the most votes in the first round. If there is a tie amongst those candidates with the most votes, more than two officer candidates would be permitted for the second round. In the second round of voting, the candidate with the most votes wins subject to attaining at least 50 percent plus 1 membership support. In the event of a tie, there will be third round of voting. The candidate with the most votes wins. If there is still a tie, the candidate with the longest tenure as a voting member wins. If the members have identical tenures as voting members, then the candidate who has the longest tenure as both a voting and non-voting member wins.
Party officers can run for a maximum of four four-year terms in their officer positions subject to successful membership elections. The terms do not have to be consecutive.
Party officers are subject to recall based on the following thresholds: a 12-month grace period following his or her election before the start of a recall petition; a petition with at least 40 percent signed support of the voting membership population; at least a 70 percent vote by the voting membership in favour of the recall; and at least a vote quorum of 50 percent plus 1 of the voting member population.
Upon creation of the National Alliance Citizens, the founding members will assume leadership and executive responsibilities. In addition, the founding members will hold a vote on the first leader and executive within 12 months of the National Citizens Alliance being officially registered.
SECTION 9. NCA Hearing Process
The NCA Executive shall form a committee as required to deal directly with internal disciplinary issues and conduct internal hearings to resolve disputes or issues. The NCA Executive will set the general rules and procedures.
The NCA Executive is required at all times to uphold the NCA principles, values and mission, and conduct itself with transparency to the membership.
SECTION 10. NCA Executive Decision-making Process
The broad interest of the NCA, combined with the substantive say of the voting membership, and regulated by the NCA principles, values and mission, guide the NCA executive decision-making process.
ARTICLE IX – ELECTION CAMPAIGNS
SECTION 1. Organization of Federal Election Campaigns
The NCA Executive directs and organizes the overall national federal election campaign strategy.
SECTION 2. Authority of Local Constituency Centres
At least a 70 percent vote of the relevant local constituency membership determines the NCA candidates for that constituency. The vote is contingent on at least a vote quorum of 50 percent plus 1 of the constituency membership population. If there is only one candidate for a constituency then no vote is required, and the candidate wins the candidacy by acclamation. If the election results do not satisfy the 70 percent threshold, then there will be a revote of the top two candidates, with a maximum of three reelections. If this process does not meet the 70 percent support and/or 50 percent quorum thresholds, then there will be no candidates for the constituency.
SECTION 3. Vetting Process of Potential Candidates
The local constituency centres must conduct a vetting process of potential political candidates. The process must include background checks, interviews of potential candidates, and reference checks.
SECTION 4. Members in Good Standing
Voting members in good standing are eligible to run in federal elections subject to attaining the required membership support from the voting membership in local constituencies. The NCA Executive defines “good standing” as serving a minimum of one year as a NCA member and having no current party misconduct issues. The NCA Executive can use its discretion in regard to the minimum of one year as a NCA member.
SECTION 1. Complete Financial Transparency
The NCA requires complete financial transparency of its finances to the public.
SECTION 2. Caps on Contributions to Party and Candidates
The NCA supports legislative caps on contributions that are reflective of 10 percent of national net disposable income for individuals.
SECTION 3. Prohibits Contributions from Corporations and Trade Unions
The NCA does not allow contributions to its candidates and the party from corporations, unions, and other organizations.
SECTION 4. Campaign Expenditure Limits
The NCA supports campaign expenditure limits that are reflective of 10 percent of national net disposable income for individuals.
SECTION 5. Prohibits Indirect Contributions
The NCA allows contributions that come directly from an individual donor, and it will not accept contributions it receives indirectly from a donor.
SECTION 6. Membership Discipline
The NCA will expel NCA members, candidates, and elected officials that violate either the federal election finance laws or NCA finance requirements, subject to due process.
SECTION 7. Public Disclosure of Finances
The NCA will publish its financial contributions every 6-months for public examination.
ARTICLE XI – POLICY GUIDELINES
SECTION 1. Checks on Legislation and Policy
NCA legislation and policies must be consistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), the United Nations’ Declaration of the Rights of the Child (1959), and United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2007) subject to inconsistency with the NCA principles, values, and mission. In case of inconsistency, the NCA principles, values, and mission will supersede.
SECTION 2. People’s Overall Interest
The NCA’s mission is rooted in a people-based democracy, ergo, the direction and content of policies and legislative decisions aim to establish and uphold what is in the people’s overall interest.
SECTION 3. Membership Authority over NCA Direction and Policy
The NCA membership determines party direction and policy position. Any member can propose policy and constitutional amendments to the NCA Executive for the entire membership to vote on. The NCA voting members have the right to vote in a way that reflects their individual political position on existing or proposed policy issues.
Section 3(a).
A petition signed by at least 10 percent of NCA voting member population in favour of a proposed policy, or constitutional amendment must be presented to the NCA Executive in order to trigger a member vote on the proposed policy or constitutional amendment.
Section 3(b).
Proposed policies, constitutional amendments must be consistent with the NCA principles, values, and mission as set out in Articles IV, V, and VII. The NCA Executive will reject proposals that are inconsistent with these principles, values, and mission at its discretion, after review, and with full transparency to the membership.
Section 3(c).
Proposed policies must attain at least 70 percent support of the voting membership and a vote quorum of at least 50 percent plus 1 of the membership population for passage.
Section 3(d).
Constitutional amendments must attain at least 80 percent support of the voting membership and a vote quorum of at least 50 percent plus 1 of the membership population for passage.
Section 4. Policy Writers
The NCA policy writers can be non-NCA members or NCA members in good standing. The NCA Executive screens policy writers. The NCA membership has opportunity for feedback on all proposed policies, and the NCA voting members have final say through a membership vote on whether or not a policy passes or fails. In addition, all policies must be consistent with the NCA values, principles, mission and other criteria as established in section 1 of Article XI.
Section 5. Policy Amendments
NCA policies that have been adopted by the party can be amended without another membership vote on the policy only if any and all amendments to the policy do not substantively change the spirit, meaning, intent, and direction of the policy. The NCA Executive must give the membership reasonable opportunity for feedback on any proposed amendments prior to the adoption or rejection of the amendments. Any NCA member in good standing can propose policy amendments to the NCA Executive.
ARTICLE XII – ANNUAL CONVENTION AND QUARTERLY FORUMS
SECTION 1. Location of Conventions
The NCA will organize an annual convention in various regions of Canada. The NCA Executive will determine the site of the convention, selecting a different location for every conference. The convention will occur in every Canadian region before it repeats a location.
SECTION 2. Membership Vote at Conventions
At the conventions, the NCA voting membership will vote on policies, constitutional amendments, and other successful NCA petitions relating to policy direction and the NCA Constitution.
SECTION 3. Quarterly Forums
Quarterly forums will be held in different parts of the country to give local members an opportunity to meet and share ideas with members from other parts of the country. The NCA Executive will determine the site of the quarterly forums, selecting a different location for every forum. The forum will occur in every Canadian region before it repeats a location.
Amendment 1: Vote Count Procedure for Abstained Votes
When a voting member marks “abstain” on a ballot, this member will have participated in the NCA vote or election, and therefore, he or she will be part of the vote’s or election’s quorum.
Amendment 1 adopted on 2014-08-02 with 83.3 percent support of the voting membership and 100 percent quorum; vote occurred electronically from 2014-07-31 to 2014-08-02.
Amendment 2: Vote Procedure for Two or More Voting Items
2 When two or more policies or constitutional amendments are to be voted on by the voting membership, the following procedure will occur:
2(a) Voting members will vote on the two or more policies or constitutional amendments.
2(b) The policy or constitutional amendment with the most votes from subsection 2(a) will then be voted on, within a reasonable amount of time, by the voting membership. The policy or constitutional amendment must attain at least 70 percent support of the voting membership and a vote quorum of at least 50 percent plus 1 of the membership population for passage.
2(c) If two policies or constitutional amendments receive the identical percentage of vote, then a revote will reoccur to determine the policy or amendment with the most votes. If after three revotes there is no policy or constitutional amendment with more votes than the rest of the policies or amendments, then all the policies or amendments will fail to be passed.
Amendment 2 adopted on 2014-11-30 with 100 percent support of the voting membership and 80 percent quorum; vote occurred electronically from 2014-11-28 to 2014-11-30.
Amendment 3: Constituent-initiated Recall of Elected NCA Member
Increase recall initiation threshold to 35 percent (from 10 percent).
Following an unsuccessful recall vote, a recall vote cannot be initiated with none of the signatures used in the previous recall petition(s) until 2 years has lapsed from date of the previous recall vote(s).
Constituents interested in initiating the recall process must contact the National Citizens Alliance. After the NCA has promptly acknowledged the initiation of the recall process, the constituents have no more than 60 days to collect the signatures required to initiate a recall vote. Not more than one recall process per constituency can occur at once.
Amendment 3 adopted on 2015-04-05 with 100 percent support of the voting membership and 100 percent quorum; vote occurred electronically from 2015-04-03 to 2015-04-05.
Amendment 4: Membership Fees
Remove actual amount of membership fees of $15.00 for five years and $100 for lifetime membership, thereby leaving it up to the NCA Executive to determine the membership fee amounts. In addition, make the membership fee annual instead of every five years, with the exception of lifetime membership.
The amended Article XIII, Section 2:
“NCA voting members are required to pay a non-refundable membership fee. The NCA Executive will determine the amount of the membership fees. Upon receiving the membership application and fee, the NCA will issue a membership card.”
Amendment 4 passed on 2018-01-23 with 83.3% support and 100% quorum by the founding members.
Amendment 5: Members in Good Standing
Add the following line: The NCA Executive can use its discretion in regard to the minimum of one year as a NCA member.
The amended ARTICLE IX – ELECTION CAMPAIGNS, Section 4:
“Voting members in good standing are eligible to run in federal elections subject to attaining the required membership support from the voting membership in local constituencies. The NCA Executive defines “good standing” as serving a minimum of one year as a NCA member and having no current party misconduct issues. The NCA Executive can use its discretion in regard to the minimum of one year as a NCA member.”
Amendment 5 passed on 2018-01-23 with 100% support and 100% quorum from the founding members.
Amendment 6: ARTICLE VIII – MEMBERSHIP, section 8
Amendment in bold:
SECTION 8. Executive Members of the National Citizens Alliance
Composition of the NCA Executive is comprised of a party leader and minimum three party officers and maximum six party officers. The party leader is responsible for leading the party so that he/she has the right to use his/her discretion in accepting or refusing the decisions that have been made by the NCA members if he/she sees that the interest of the party imposes that. The party officers are responsible for providing leadership in specific areas of the party that they represent such as finance and membership. The party leader must be a voting member in good standing and have at least 1 year of service on the NCA Executive and 1 year experience with active, concrete contributions in the operations of the National Citizens Alliance. The party officers can be non-voting and voting members in good standing as long as at least 50 percent of the officers are voting members in good standing and none of the non-voting members are members of any other Canadian federal party.
The NCA membership elects the party leader for a four-year term subject to a vote quorum of 50 percent of the voting membership population and at least 70 percent support of the voting membership. If the 70 percent threshold is not attained in the first round of voting, there will be a revote of the two leadership candidates with the most votes in the first round. If there is a tie amongst those candidates with the most votes, more than two leadership candidates would be permitted for the second round. In the second round of voting, the candidate with the most votes wins subject to attaining at least 50 percent plus 1 membership support. In the event of a tie, there will be third round of voting. The candidate with the most votes wins. If there is still a tie, the candidate with the longest tenure as a voting member wins. If the members have identical tenures as voting members, then the candidate who has the longest tenure as both a voting and non-voting member wins.
The party leader can serve for a maximum of four four-year terms subject to successful membership elections and to not serving as a Member of the Parliament during any of those terms. If the party leader is elected a Member of the Parliament, he or she can remain party leader for as long as he or she is a Member of the Parliament. The terms as leader of the NCA do not have to be consecutive. In addition, the party leader must be native-born to Canada, and he or she must have been a resident of Canada for at least 10 years.
The party leader is subject to recall based on the following thresholds: a 12-month grace period following his or her election before the start of a recall petition; a petition signed by at least 40 percent of the voting membership population; at least a 70 percent vote of the voting membership in favour of the recall; and at least a vote quorum of 50 percent plus 1 of the voting member population.
A majority vote by NCA voting members elect party officers for four-year terms subject to a vote quorum of at least 50 percent of the voting membership population and at least 70 percent vote of the voting members in the support of the officer candidates. If the 70 percent threshold is not attained in the first round of voting, there will be a revote of the two officer candidates with the most votes in the first round. If there is a tie amongst those candidates with the most votes, more than two officer candidates would be permitted for the second round. In the second round of voting, the candidate with the most votes wins subject to attaining at least 50 percent plus 1 membership support. In the event of a tie, there will be third round of voting. The candidate with the most votes wins. If there is still a tie, the candidate with the longest tenure as a voting member wins. If the members have identical tenures as voting members, then the candidate who has the longest tenure as both a voting and non-voting member wins.
Party officers can run for a maximum of four four-year terms in their officer positions subject to successful membership elections. The terms do not have to be consecutive.
Party officers are subject to recall based on the following thresholds: a 12-month grace period following his or her election before the start of a recall petition; a petition with at least 40 percent signed support of the voting membership population; at least a 70 percent vote by the voting membership in favour of the recall; and at least a vote quorum of 50 percent plus 1 of the voting member population.
Upon creation of the National Alliance Citizens, the founding members will assume leadership and executive responsibilities. In addition, the founding members will hold a vote on the first leader and executive within 12 months of the National Citizens Alliance being officially registered.
Amendment 6 passed on 2018-01-18 with 100% support and 100% quorum of the founding members.
Amendment 7: ARTICLE XII – ANNUAL CONVENTION AND QUARTERLY FORUMS, ARTICLE VIII – SECTION 1. Location of Conventions
Delete “three-day” from annual three-day convention.
Amendment 7 subject to vote of the NCA founding members.