Hello, Manitobans! Welcome back to our Manitoba Stronger Together video series. In Episode Nine, we're diving deep into Policy Statement #9: Stronger Democracy, Accountability, and Transparency in Provincial Government.
Our province's strength lies in the voice and power of its citizens. In this episode, we're shining a spotlight on the importance of a robust democratic process that ensures transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in our provincial government.
Policy Statement #9 underscores our commitment to fostering a government that is responsive to the needs, concerns, and aspirations of the people it serves. We believe in open dialogue, clear communication, and responsible governance that puts Manitobans at the forefront.
Join us as we explore the details of Policy Statement #9 - Stronger Democracy, Accountability, and Transparency in Provincial Government. We're dedicated to creating a governance structure that empowers citizens, upholds the values of democracy, and promotes transparency in decision-making.
Stay tuned as we continue to unpack our Policy Statements, each designed to contribute to the betterment of our beloved province. Engage with us, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation that shapes the future of Manitoba.
Forging Our Path to a Stronger Manitoba Manitoba Stronger Together's Policy Platform for the 2023 Provincial Election
9. Stronger Democracy, Accountability, and Transparency in Provincial Government At Manitoba Stronger Together we firmly believe in enhancing democracy, accountability, and transparency in the provincial government.
Our policy advocates for comprehensive reforms that strengthen the democratic processes, promote greater accountability among elected representatives, and ensure transparency in governmental decision-making. By empowering citizens and creating a more open and responsive government we aim to foster public trust and engagement in the democratic process.
Policy Objectives:
Electoral Reforms: We will implement electoral reforms that promote fairness and representation in the electoral system. We are committed to implementing a "Vote on Election Day" policy, alongside a province-wide prohibition of electronic voting systems. Citing data from Elections Manitoba's 2019 General Election, where a total of 478,926 votes were cast, it is evident that this volume can be efficiently processed through traditional paper ballots, manually counted by human hands. Additionally, a vital aspect of our policy emphasizes that candidates must reside within the riding they aspire to represent, ensuring a genuine and grounded connection between representatives and their communities.
Registered Political Party Reforms: We will require that all officially registered political parties in Manitoba follow the provincial requirements for fairness and procedure when conducting party leadership elections.
Citizen-Initiated Referendums: Our policy includes enabling citizen-initiated referendums on important issues, to facilitate Manitobans in having a direct say in matters that affect their lives and communities.
A Citizen-Initiated Recall: is a democratic process that allows constituents to hold their elected representatives accountable. If a political representative fails to fulfill their duties or acts against the best interests of their constituents, citizens can initiate a recall petition to remove the representative from office before their term ends. This mechanism empowers the public to actively participate in the democratic process thereby ensuring that elected officials remain responsive and accountable to the will of the people that voted them into office. It serves as a crucial check and balance reinforcing the principle that political power lies with the citizens and that their voices matter in shaping the government's direction.
Whistleblower Protection: We will establish robust whistleblower protection laws to safeguard individuals who expose wrongdoing, corruption, or inefficiencies within the
Open Data and Access to Information: We will promote the use of open data and ensure easier access to government information for citizens. By making data and documents more accessible we encourage public scrutiny and facilitate informed decision-making.
Lobbying Transparency: Our policy seeks to increase transparency around lobbying activities. We will require comprehensive disclosure of lobbying activities and interactions between lobbyists and government officials, in order to ensure public awareness of potential influences on policy decisions.
Ethical Conduct of Elected Officials: We will strengthen ethical conduct regulations for elected officials by mandating transparency in financial disclosures and implementing strict conflict of interest rules to ensure accountability and public trust. When a violation of these rules occurs there must be legislated consequences.
Public Consultations and Engagement: Our policy emphasizes the importance of genuine public consultations on policy matters. We will establish a systematic and inclusive process to solicit input from citizens and stakeholders thereby fostering a more responsive government.
Conclusion:
Manitoba Stronger Together's policy on stronger democracy, accountability, and transparency in the provincial government aims to create a more vibrant and inclusive democratic process.
By implementing electoral reforms, enabling citizen-initiated referendums, and ensuring whistleblower protection, we empower citizens to actively participate in decision-making.
With open data, lobbying transparency, and ethical conduct guidelines, we will strengthen government accountability and foster public trust.
Through meaningful public consultations and engagement, we create a government that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of Manitobans.
By embracing these reforms, we lay the foundation for a stronger and more transparent democratic system that truly represents the voices and interests of all citizens in Manitoba.
In the spirit of fostering informed and engaged citizens, we're excited to announce that we'll be serving up our Policy Statements one at a time.
Our goal is simple: we want to provide you, the people of Manitoba, with the detailed information you need to consider these statements thoughtfully. Armed with these insights, you can then approach your elected representatives and candidates and ask them the crucial question:
Do you support these policy statements, and are you willing to stand with the thousands of Manitobans who are part of our growing movement?
As we unveil each section, we encourage you to delve in, reflect, and reach out to your candidates. Ask them where they stand on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and your community. The collective voice of Manitobans is powerful, and by engaging with your representatives, you're shaping the direction of our province.
But we can't do it alone. We need your help to spread the word far and wide. Share this blog post with your candidates, family, friends, and social media groups. Let's ignite the conversation, spark dialogue, and ensure that the voices of Manitobans are heard loud and clear.
So, as we dive into these Policy Statements, remember that you're not just reading about our vision for Manitoba – you're actively contributing to it. Let's hold our representatives accountable, engage in meaningful discussions, and work together for a brighter future. Thank you for being part of Manitoba Stronger Together!
Remember to Join Us for a Live Event, this Week in Gimli and Winnipeg
