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THE CANADIAN FEDERALIST PARTY
CONSTITUTION
DRAFT (February 18, 2008) FOR DISCUSSION PURPOSES ONLY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1 - PHILOSOPHY & POLICIES
ARTICLE 1: THE BODY CONSTITUTED
ARTICLE 2: SCOPE OF CONSTTITUTION
ARTICLE 5: PRINCIPLES OF THE PARTY
PART II - ORGANIZATION
ARTICLE 7: MEMBERSHIP UNITS DEFINITION
ARTICLE 8: ELECTORAL DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS
ARTICLE 9: CANDIDATE RECRUITMENT, SELECTION, AND DEVELOPMENT
ARTICLE 11: THE INTERIM LEADER
ARTICLE 13: NATIONAL CONVENTION OF MEMBERS
PART III - ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE 14: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
ARTICLE 15: AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 16: ENFORCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE 20: PROVINCIAL PARTIES
ARTICLE 23: DISSOLUTION OR MERGER
ARTICLE 1: THE BODY CONSTITUTED
1.1 The body constituted is the Canadian Federalist Party, hereinafter referred to as "CFP".
ARTICLE 2: SCOPE OF CONSTITUTION
2.1 This constitution and bylaws shall govern
2.1.1 the activities of the Party,
2.1.2 all persons operating on behalf of the Party, and
2.1.3 the rights, responsibilities and duties of all recognized units, committees and membership of the Party.
2.2 This constitution shall have precedence over the bylaws and any bylaw that is inconsistent with the constitution shall be null and void to the extent of the inconsistency.
3.1 The basis of unity for the adherents to the CFP is:
3.1.1 Our adoption of the general principles of free-enterprise, democracy, and socialism in a context of moderation and flexibility. The philosophical context for the Canadian Federalist Party, (CFP), identifies its' adherents as Free Enterprise Democratic Socialists, (FEDS).
3.1.2 We believe in basic principles and tenets of free enterprise, whereby an individual is free to utilize their abilities and resources to maximize their earnings in a freely competitive environment. Moreover, it is the government's role and responsibility to monitor and safeguard the economic environment in order to encourage initiative and to protect the interests of domestic enterprise from foreign domination, anti-competitive activities and restraint of trade.
3.1.3 We believe in basic principles and tenets of democracy whereby the majority of citizens are empowered to choose the government of their choice and to hold their government accountable for carrying out their promises and commitments.
3.1.4 We believe in basic principles and tenets of socialism whereby the government is empowered and mandated to provide quality public services that protect, educate and develop it's citizens whilst providing other support services to those unable to provide for themselves on a temporary or permanent basis.
3.1.5 Our commitment to public service is derived from the foundational principle that governments, civil servants, politicians, and political parties' purpose is to serve the nation and its' people. These groups should demonstrate and adhere to this duty and responsibility at all times.
3.1.6 In recognition that Canada can best serve its citizens, and the world's communities, by maintaining its political and economic sovereignty as an independent country, we oppose any subjugation of our national sovereignty and authority to other powers and authorities.
3.1.7 We are committed to the rule of the law, and to the principle that governments and lawmakers are subject to the existing laws of the country.
3.1.8 We seek to establish national programs that promote a Canadian social character that supports and promotes a principle of "Unity in Diversity". Canadian "multiculturism" will encourage diversity of cultural values and heritage that adhere to Canada's defined moral, ethical and social values.
3.1.9 We will promote and protect social justice.
3.1.10 We will encourage party solidarity whilst respecting an individual's right to adopt different beliefs, opinions and attitudes that don't conflict with the CFP's basic moral, ethical and social values.
3.1.11 We believe in the intrinsic value of families and communities.
3.1.12 We are committed to equality of opportunity.
3.1.13 We believe in granting rights conditional upon acceptance of duties and responsibilities.
3.1.14 We honor and respect multiculturalism and biculturalism as important Canadian values and traditions.
3.1.15 We believe that political parties should be guided by stated values and principles which are shared by their members and that are rooted in the political beliefs of our Canadian culture.
3.1.16 We are committed to Canada as one nation, indivisible, and to a vision of Canada as a balanced federation of provinces, communities, families and citizens.
3.1.17 Canada's vision for the future should be rooted in and inspired by our stewardship responsibility for the land and environment within, above and below our borders, and in recognizing the supreme importance to our nationhood of exploring, developing, renewing, and conserving our natural resources and physical environment.
3.1.18 We believe in elevating and nurturing: caring and compassionate values amongst all peoples and all cultures, which in turn will provide the basis for sustaining just, democratic, peaceful and diverse communities.
3.1.19 We commit ourselves to research and dialogue our commonalities and differences in the pursuit of a rich diversity of knowledge, education, cultures and lifestyles.
4.1 It is the purpose of the CFP to advance the Party's platform, policies, values and basis of unity, and to contribute to the welfare of Canada, Canadians and the community of life in Canada by:
4.1.1 Fielding and electing candidates in federal elections,
4.1.2 Debating and forming legislation in the Canadian parliament and by participating in the government of Canada,
4.1.3 Developing policy and platforms consistent with its values and basis of unity,
4.1.4 Advancing the CFP's platform, policy, values and basis of unity outside of electoral periods,
4.1.5 Building a national coalition of people who share these beliefs and who reflect the regional, cultural and socio-economic diversity of Canada,
4.1.6 Operating in a manner accountable and responsive to members,
4.1.7 Forming and maintaining CFP organizations at the federal and electoral district levels.
ARTICLE 5: PRINCIPLES OF THE PARTY
5.1 The principles of the CFP include:
5.1.1 We believe in preventing crime, the punishment and rehabilitation of criminals, the responsibility for reasonable restitution to victims by criminals and that Canada's criminal justice system should be responsive to the communities it serves.
5.1.2 We believe that the family is the foundation of Canadian society. We affirm the value and dignity of the individual person and the importance of strengthening and protecting the family unit as essential to the well-being of individuals and society. Government and businesses have a responsibility to help parents balance work and family, and parents have a responsibility to support their children and spend the time to raise them according to our national values, responsibilities and rights.
5.1.3 We believe that Canadian citizenship should entail responsibilities as well as rights.
5.1.4 We believe in cooperation amongst societies through global and regional organizations that are subject to the framework of international law. We respect human rights, rights for national and ethnic minorities, and acknowledge a shared commitment to economic development worldwide. We believe that these principles are a necessary foundation for world peace, economic development and environmental sustainability.
5.1.5 We believe that the state is only the instrument of the citizens it serves; that any action of the state must respect the principles of democratic accountability; that constitutional liberty is based upon the principles of separation of powers; that justice requires that in all criminal prosecution the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, and to a fair verdict free from any political influence; that private monopolies, cartels and oligopolies threaten free-enterprise; that rights are subordinate to duties and responsibilities, and that every citizen has a moral responsibility to respect and help other members of society; and that a peaceful world can only be built upon the pursuit and adherence to these principles.
5.1.6 We believe in freedom of conscience, and the right of Canadians to advocate, without fear of intimidation or suppression, public policies that reflect their most deeply held values.
5.1.7 We believe in freedom of religious beliefs provided they don't contradict Canadian moral values, stated Canadian cultural values and Canadian rights and freedoms. Thus, religions that support beliefs in: Satanism, polygamy, infanticide, forced marriages, misogyny or acts of terrorism are not condoned by the CFP.
5.1.8 We believe that minority groups have equal rights to employment opportunities in government agencies and organizations, and that incorporated private sector enterprises and mixed-family partnerships should adhere to minority employment practices, standards and rights.
5.1.9 We believe that low-populated regions of Canada should be safeguarded by constitutional guarantees and parliamentary institutions that effectively balance representation by population with regional representation.
5.1.10 We believe in the constitutional role of the Senate, consisting of appointed respected and deserving citizens, who will continue to function in Canada as a watch-dog and advisory group to the federal parliament and all Canadians.
5.1.11 We recognize that there is an inherent dilution of the democratic process by party political systems and thus support free elections to the Federal parliament no later than four years from the previous election on the 2nd Monday of November.
5.1.12 We believe in the accountability of elected representatives to the people who elect them, and that the duty of elected members to their conscience and constituents should supersede their obligations to their political parties.
5.1.13 We believe that governments should regard public money as "funds held in trust," and that governments should practice fiscal responsibility - in particular, the responsibility to balance expenditures and revenues.
5.1.14 We believe that Canada exists because we as Canadians will it to exist. Thus, we oppose factionalism designed to weaken federalism and enhance provincial inequalities.
5.1.15 We believe in the elimination of discrimination and exploitation on the grounds of class, race, sex, sexuality, religion, political affiliation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, regional location, economic or household status.
5.1.16 We believe in the recognition and protection of fundamental political and civil rights, including freedom of expression, the press, assembly, association, conscience and religion; the right to privacy; and the protection of the individual from oppression by the state.
5.1.17 We believe that our provincialized federalism ((asymmetrical federalism?) I like this term, but am not sure how many people will understand its' meaning.)) is the genius of Canadian confederation and that it is the reason our diverse regions have succeeded in producing the best national society on earth.
5.1.18 We believe that the roles of the Provincial governments should be inherently different from the Federal government and that their jurisdictions should reflect this. However, we also recognize that our country is considerably changed from the time of Confederation. Present knowledge and capabilities and circumstances strongly suggest that there are many opportunities to more equitably and efficiently allocate, share and distribute governing authority in our country.
5.1.19 We believe that the structure of global economics is rapidly changing. With the advent of sovereign wealth funds, global corporations and emerging mega-economies, Canada needs to assert its' economic sovereignty and to focus and manage its' economic resources and capabilities.
5.1.20 We believe that the natural resources of Canada belong to all Canadians and are to be managed under the stewardship of the Federal government. The financial benefits of exploiting our resources must accrue to all generations and to each individual Canadian.
The tangible benefits may include such things as: financial prosperity, physical and mental health, a purposeful livelihood, education, safety, security, domesticity, etc. Intangible benefits may include such things as: hope, self-confidence, sociability, generosity, ambition, national pride, etc.
5.1.21 We believe in the promotion of the common good. The common good does not guarantee that everybody will be the same, think the same, or get the same material benefits in life; it simply means that people should start from a level playing field and have a reasonable chance at achieving success.
5.1.22 We believe that the People, as a whole, are the government. They have the only authority in a democracy to decide on important public policy. Thus, the CFP will be expected to canvass as wide a range of ideas as possible and practical on proposed legislation.
5.1.23 We believe in Ecological Wisdom: the basis of ecological wisdom is that human beings are part of the natural world and the natural world is finite, therefore unlimited material growth is impossible and ecological sustainability is paramount. We recognize that the use, conservation and enhancement of Canada's natural resources and environment so that the community's total quality of life, both now and into the future, is maintained and improved. We also recognize the need to work towards achieving ecologically sustainable development.
5.1.24 We believe in Social Justice: the key to social justice is the equitable distribution and access to social resources. This will enable Canadians to satisfy basic human needs and to ensure that all citizens have full opportunities for personal and social development. We believe in social justice and equality for individuals, the family and all social units.
5.1.25 We believe in tolerance, compromise, diversity, optimism, hope and renewal.
5.1.26 We believe that the CFP has a role to continually try to pull things together: achieve consensus, resolve conflicts between regions and between Canadians in different walks of life, strengthen the fabric of society and work towards a feeling of harmony in the country.
5.1.27 We believe that a healthy economy is important, but increasing the size of the gross national product is not in itself the exclusive goal for a civilized nation. We are concerned about the effects of economic growth: how it affects our environment, what kind of living conditions it creates, how it affects the countryside and how it affects our cities.
5.1.28 We recognize the First Nations Peoples and are committed to providing them with an option to fully integrate into Canadian society or to pursue their own cultural development as Aboriginal Canadians on ancestral lands relinquished by the government of Canada.
5.1.29 We believe in the maintenance of world peace; an independent Canadian position in world affairs; the recognition of the right of all nations to self determination and independence; regional and international agreement for arms control and disarmament; the provision of economic and social aid to developing nations; a commitment to resolve international conflicts through the UN; and a recognition of the inalienable right of all people to liberty, equality, democracy and social justice.
5.1.30 We believe in the abolition of poverty, and in the creation of meretricious opportunities for reducing inequities in the distribution of income, wealth and prosperity across Canada.
6.1 All units and individuals within the Party are accountable to
6.1.1 the membership in National Convention of members, and
6.1.2 the National Executive Council when the membership is not in National Convention.
ARTICLE 7: MEMBERSHIP UNITS DEFINITION
7.1 The following units of the Party have official standing under the constitution:
7.1.1 Member: An individual meeting the Party's membership criteria;
7.1.2 Electoral District Association: An association in which all Party members residing within an electoral district as constituted under the Canada Elections Act have voting rights;
7.1.3 Provincial/Territorial Association: An association in which all Party members residing within a province or territory as constituted under the Constitution Act have membership and voting rights; and
7.1.4 National Executive Council: A council as desribed in Article 14 and are elected or appointed in accordance with the Constitution.
ARTICLE 8: ELECTORAL DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS
8.1 Members shall be organized according to their residence in the federal electoral districts of Canada.
8.2 Members temporarily residing outside Canada shall be assigned to the federal district in which they vote for federal elections.
8.3 Interim Electoral District Associations may be established by five (5) or more CFP Members. Their purpose will be to recruit additional members and otherwise promote CFP interests until such time as there are sufficient members to form a recognized Electoral District Association.
8.4 Where there are at least twenty-five (25) members resident in an electoral district they may apply to obtain CFP recognition as a Electoral District Association by making application to National Executive Council for recognition, including a copy of the minutes of the founding meeting, and a list of the Officers and Directors of the Interim Electoral District Association.
8.5 A Electoral District Association, either interim or fully recognized, shall elect an Executive Board comprised of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer and, at the discretion of the Association, may include the Chairs of the Finance, Publicity and Organization Committees.
8.6 The affairs of each Electoral District Association shall be under the control of its Members, acting through the Constituency Executive Board, which shall be responsible to ensure that the affairs are conducted in a manner consistent with the Constitution of the CFP and not prejudicial to the interests or well-being of any other Electoral District Association, or of the CFP.
8.7 If for historical or other valid reason, a member may choose to be a member of a Electoral District Association other than the Electoral District Association for the riding in which he or she resides. Provided, however, that at no time shall the non- resident members of a Electoral District Association exceed twenty (20) percent of the total membership.
8.8 Membership lists are to be used for CFP purposes only. No other use is permitted unless authorized in writing by National Executive Council.
8.9 The Association shall hold an Annual General Meeting and at least one (1) General Meeting of each Electoral District Association each calendar year.
8.10 National Executive may call a meeting of a Electoral District Association if it believes that it is necessary to do so, with notice of the meeting consistent with this Constitution.
8.11 The rules of organization for riding associations shall apply similarly, where pertinent, to Campus Clubs.
ARTICLE 9: CANDIDATE RECRUITMENT, SELECTION, AND DEVELOPMENT
9.1 Each Electoral District Association shall have the exclusive right to select their official candidate at a general meeting of the members of the Electoral District Association. The Leader may appoint candidates where there is no recognized Electoral District Association.
9.2 National Executive Council, on approval of two-thirds (2/3) of its full membership has the right to nullify the selection of any candidate where such nullification is, in its absolute discretion, in the best interests of CFP. Where National Executive Council proposes to nullify the selection of a candidate, the Secretary shall notify the candidate and the Electoral District Association in writing within seven (7) days of the decision, which notification shall contain a statement of the reason for the proposed nullification. The candidate and no more than three (3) authorized representatives of the Electoral District Association shall have the right to be heard by National Executive Council or its representative forthwith, before a final and binding decision on nullification is rendered. Where National Executive Council nullifies the selection of a candidate the Electoral District Association shall select a new candidate.
9.3 The Leader shall not withhold, under the provision of the Canada Elections Act, the endorsement of a candidate selected by a Electoral District Association except in compliance with this Article.
9.4 National Executive Council shall oversee the development and implementation of such rules and procedures to ensure fair and effective candidate recruitment, selection, training, and the organization and implementation of effective campaigns.
10.1 There shall be a Leader of CFP who shall, subject to this Constitution, be responsible for the overall direction of the party, including the appointment of an Election Readiness Committee prior to each federal general election.
10.2 The Leader is responsible for the organization and administration of the Parliamentary Caucus.
10.3 The Leader, together with Caucus, will endeavour to promote and implement the Principles and Policies of CFP.
10.4 The Leader shall set the strategic direction for the party, in consultation with National Executive Council and Caucus.
10.5 The Leader will carry out these duties in accordance with this Constitution.
ARTICLE 11: THE INTERIM LEADER
11.1 Upon the death or incapacity of the Leader, and until the completion of the leadership election process, the Caucus and National Executive Council shall jointly elect an Interim Leader who shall be recognized as the Leader.
11.2 If there is no Caucus, the National Executive Council shall select the interim Leader.
12.1 At each National Convention the delegates shall be asked by secret ballot: "Do you wish to have a leadership election?"
12.2 At any time when the Canadian Federalist Party is the governing party in Canada and the leader of the Canadian Federalist Party is prime minister of Canada, twenty (20) or more CFP members of parliament may demand a secret ballot of all CFP members of parliament asking the question: "Do you wish to have a leadership election?"
ARTICLE 13: NATIONAL CONVENTION OF MEMBERS
13.1 National Conventions shall consist of
13.1.1 individual members who may exercise their voting rights granted under this Constitution,
13.1.2 members carrying proxies, who may exercise voting rights in accordance with the Bylaws that provide the mechanism whereby proxy voting is established, and
13.1.3 delegates, who may exercise voting rights in accordance with the Bylaws that provide the mechanism whereby delegate voting is established.
13.2 A quorum shall be fifty (50) members present at a National Convention, representing at least two regions.
13.3 National Conventions shall be held at least once every two years.
13.4 A Notice of National Convention shall be sent to members at least sixty (60) days in advance of the National Convention being called.
13.5 National Convention and Special National Conventions shall be called in accordance with the Constitution.
13.6 In addition to members, who represent themselves, delegates in good standing who have been awarded legitimate, signed credentials from their Electorial District Association (EDA) President, or another person appointed by their EDA Executive to do this task, shall be allowed to vote or speak to the plenary (an exception shall be that people without voting rights may be invited to address the plenary if the plenary invites them to do so). These credentials shall identify the bearer of same as someone who has the confidence and trust of the EDA and will truly represent the interests of the rank-and-file members of that EDA to the best of her ability and judgement.
13.7 An EDA will decide how many delegates it shall send. A delegate may represent at most 9 other rank-and-file members, in addition to themselves.
13.8 How the delegate should be selected will be left open to the individual EDA. The persons represented must agree in writing to this proxy.
13.9 The EDA executive will oversee the process of selecting delegates to ensure that it is fair, open, democratic and responsive to the wishes of the rank-and-file membership and will certify the results in a letter which the delegate will carry to the National Convention.
13.10 When delegates go to the National Convention , they must present a letter from their EDA executive that tells the convention registrar that they have been selected to represent their EDA as a delegate and the number of votes they bring to the convention plenary. This number shall be written in big numbers on a paddle, which will be what the delegate shall vote with. When he/she votes, he/she will affix a green or red tag to the paddle in accordance with his/her preference. When the votes are counted, the number on the paddle will be the number of green or red votes cast.
13.11 No delegate will be allowed to split his/her vote into so many green or red-all must be in a block. If for some reason a delegate cannot attend a convention or must leave it early, he/she will be able to transfer his/her votes to another delegate of his/her choice. When he/she does so, however, he/she must state his/her reasons for doing so in writing. These must be presented (emailed, mailed or hand-delivered) to the convention registrar, who will send a copy to the individual EDA executive after the conference.
13.12 Voting on resolutions in plenuaries will be done by both delegates and members. Delegates will vote with the weight of the people they represent. Members who are not represented by any delegate may also vote on their own behalf in person.
ARTICLE 14: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
COMPOSITION OF NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
14.1 The National Executive Council shall consist of
14.1.1 the president (1),
14.1.2 the Vice President (1),
14.1.3 the leader (1),
14.1.4 the Chief Agent (1),
14.1.5 the Secretary - Treasurer (1),
14.1.6 the Executive Director (1), and
14.1.7 the chairs of the following standing committees:
Policy; Organization; Constitution and Legal Affairs; Communications and Publicity; and Finance.
MEETINGS OF NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
14.2 The National Executive Council shall
14.2.1 meet at least four (4) times per year,
14.2.2 have as its quorum at least six (5) voting members, and
14.2.3 make all of its decisions by a majority vote of those present and voting, except as may otherwise be provided in this Constitution.
MEETINGS BY ELECTRONIC MEANS
14.3 The National Executive Council may meet by electronic means and where it does it shall
14.3.1 follow the procedures set out in the bylaws for meeting by electronic means, and
14.3.2 fully observe the requirements set out in this Article, as may be applicable.
Voting on National Executive Council
14.4 All members of National Executive Council may vote, except
14.4.1 the Chairperson, who may only vote to break a tie, and
14.4.2 the Executive Director, who shall not vote, but who shall have a voice.
Procedural Rules on National Executive Council
14.5 The National Executive Council may adopt procedural rules for conducting National Executive Council meetings, not inconsistent with the Constitution.
National Executive Council Committees
14.6 The National Executive Council may
14.6.1 establish a Management Committee for the purpose of exercising such of National Executive Council 's powers when it is not in session as by resolution National Executive Council delegates to it,
14.6.2 establish other committees for such purposes as it deems necessary for the effective running of the Party, and
14.6.3 set the terms of reference of any committee it establishes, including a Management Committee.
14.7 Without prejudice to third parties, the National Executive Council may, with respect to the Management Committee or any of its other committees
14.7.1 ratify, modify or revoke any act or decision,
14.7.2 change the terms of reference, or
14.7.3 disestablish the Management Committee or any other of its committees.
14.8 Every committee established by National Executive Council under this Article shall report all decisions and actions taken and advise and recommend to the National Executive as required.
ARTICLE 15: AMENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION
15.1 National Executive Council, or any committee or task force established by National Executive Council or by a National Convention, or a Electoral District Association on approval of a majority vote of the members at a duly constituted meeting of the Association called for that purpose, among others, may propose amendments to this Constitution. An amendment so proposed by a Electoral District Association, together with a copy of the notice and minutes of the meeting where it was passed shall be presented to the Secretary of CFP.
15.2 The Secretary of CFP, or the chair of the constitutional committee, shall create a grassroots Constitutional Amendment Process, which shall include timelines, leading up to each National Convention. Such process will allow for all Electoral District Associations to receive all Constitutional Amendments to be debated at the National Convention not less than thirty (30) days prior to the National Convention.
15.3 This Constitution may be amended at a National Convention but must receive a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the votes cast and a majority of the votes cast in a mail-in vote by members not in attendance at the National Convention.
15.4 This constitution may also be amended at any time, with a minimum of fifteen (15) days notice, by direct referendum of CFP members, provided any such amendment must receive a two-thirds majority of the votes cast.
ARTICLE 16: ENFORCEMENT AND INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
16.1 The Leader and National Executive shall uphold and enforce the provisions of this Constitution.
16.2 Between National Conventions, National Executive Council shall be the final authority on the interpretation of this Constitution. In interpreting this Constitution, any conflict between or any ambiguity in its terms shall be resolved by giving preference to the provision or interpretation which best reflects Articles 1 - 5 of this constitution.
16.3 This Constitution governs the affairs of CFP and, in the event of any conflict between this Constitution and any other CFP or Electoral District Association document, this Constitution shall prevail. If there is a conflict between this Constitution and any policy passed by a National Convention or by referenda, this Constitution shall prevail and such policy shall be deemed null and void.
16.4 All matters not specifically covered in this Constitution are within the purview of National Executive Council, governing in the capacity of National Executive Council to act with; full authority, subject to subsequent ratification or nullification by the membership.
16.5 Notwithstanding clause 16.4 the National Executive Council may establish, from time to time, a Electoral District Association Constitution that will have the same force and effect as if it were a Schedule to this Constitution.
17.1 CFP shall maintain a National Office and/or other offices at locations determined by National Executive Council.
18.1 The policies shall be presented in the Policy Statement, which sets out the long- range policy directions of CFP.
18.2 A National Resolutions Committee shall create a grassroots Policy Development Process, which shall include timelines, leading up to each National Convention. Such process will allow for all Electoral District Associations to receive all Policy Resolutions to be debated at the National Convention not less than thirty (30) days prior to the National Convention.
18.3 All Policies placed in the Policy Statement shall be reviewed prior to each National Convention through the Policy Development Process.
18.4 The Leader and the Caucus are bound by the Principles and Policies as determined by the members of CFP.
18.5 All Policies may be adopted or amended by referenda or at a National Convention. Between National Convention, Interim Policies of CFP shall be determined by the Caucus in consultation with National Executive Council or the Leader in consultation with the Caucus and National Executive Council provided that such Interim Policies shall be consistent with those established in accordance with this Constitution.
18.6 Final approval of Interim Policies shall occur at the next National Convention.
19.1 For all matters requiring notice under this Constitution, it may be given in one or more of the following ways with the effective date indicated:
19.1.1 by regular mail, effective three (3) days after the later of the date of the postmark or, with appropriate documentation, the date of the delivery to the post office;
19.1.2 by facsimile, appropriate telephonic or computer technology, effective on the date of transmission;
19.1.3 by personal delivery, effective on the date of delivery to the recipient;
19.1.4 by bulk mail, effective five (5) days after the date of delivery to the post office; and,
19.1.5 by courier, effective one (1) day after the date of delivery to the courier;
19.2 Notices to CFP, or National Executive Council, or to the Secretary of CFP shall be addressed to the National Office of CFP and marked to the attention of the appropriate person or body.
19.3 Notices to a member shall be sent to the member's address according to the most recent CFP records.
19.4 Notices to Electoral District Associations shall be addressed to the Association's President, Secretary or other Executive Officer designated by the Association, in writing, to National Office.
19.5 Any notice required by this Constitution shall be deemed given if reasonable compliance has been achieved and no material prejudice has resulted.
ARTICLE 20: PROVINCIAL PARTIES
20.1 Provincial CFP Parties will be known as: The "Province/Territory" Canadian Federalist Party.
20.2 Provincial Party organizations will be established along National organizational guidelines.
20.3 Provincial Party policies will be based upon the National Party philosophy and policies with respect to provincial constitutional authority parameters.
21.1 The CFP Fund is the sole and exclusive agent for the financial operations of the party.
21.2 The CFP Fund will be responsible to Elections Canada as the party's Chief Agent.
21.3 Procedures for handling the party's assets shall be set up to ensure sufficient internal and accounting control. In this connection, National Executive Council shall arrange an annual audit of the CFP Fund and its record's.
21.4 The fund shall report its annual audited financial statements to the membership.
21.5 The financial records and accounts of the Party shall be kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
21.6 All members of National Executive Council and only members of National Executive Council are automatically, while members of council, members of the CFP Fund.
21.7 At least one director of the fund shall be an elected member of Council.
21.8 The CFP Fund shall operate within the spirit, terms and constraints of the CFP constitution and bylaws.
21.9 The bylaws and letters patent of the CFP fund shall be available to all members.
22.1 There shall be a standing Ethics Committee whose function is to protect the integrity of the Party. The Ethics Committee shall effect this protection by holding a hearing to examine the merits of any member's complaint relating to: alleged violations by any member, alleged conflicts between the Statement of Principles and the Statement of Objectives or any current election platform, or alleged violations of the Constitution or Bylaws by a Member of National Executive Council or Officer of the Party.
22.2 Disciplinary actions against any member shall be in accordance with the 1970 edition of Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised except as otherwise provided in this Constitution and Bylaws.
22.3 The Ethics Committee shall consist of nine members elected by the Registered Members to each convention, from among nominees who must be Voting Members of the Party and such selection shall respect gender parity and regional balance. Ethics Committee members shall be exclusive of National Executive Council Members. The Ethics Committee shall have the same term of office as the National Executive Council. Vacancies that occur on the Ethics Committee may be filled by appointment by the National Executive Council from among the Voting Members of the Party.
22.4 The Ethics Committee shall be chaired by two co-chairs, one female and one male, that are selected by the committee.
22.5 The Ethics Committee is a committee of the membership, responsible to the membership at general meetings.
22.6 Five members of the Ethics Committee shall constitute a quorum. No less than the support of five members shall be necessary to uphold a complaint.
22.7 The National Executive Council shall execute the decisions of the Ethics Committee.
ARTICLE 23: DISSOLUTION OR MERGER
23.1 Any resolution to dissolve the Party or to merge it with another party passed at a National Convention shall only become effective upon members passing an identically worded resolution by a vote of greater than ninety (90) percent of the votes cast in members vote conducted by mail-in ballot, with a ballot return date of no later than 120 days following the general meeting at which the resolution to dissolve or merge the Party was passed.
23.2 For greater certainty, no transfer of the Party's assets may be commenced or completed until such a mail-in ballot is passed with the required 90 percent majority and the resolution to dissolve or merge the Party takes effect.