No whipped votes
Preamble
WHEREAS we are a unique, progressive and inclusive party of shared values: ecological wisdom, non-violence, social justice, sustainability, participatory democracy, respect for diversity;
WHEREAS we are a party that respects the right of members and candidates to express differing opinions and beliefs in free and open debate;
WHEREAS we are a party that empowers our members and candidates, to live our shared values and at the same time better represent constituencies;
Operative
BE IT RESOLVED that Green MPs will have no whipped votes.
Background
At the 2012 Convention the party passed a resolution that provided for select votes in the house to not be whipped in a Green Party caucus. This resolution would establish in black and white what we have always stated: that the Green Party will have no whipped votes. We still need to have a way to ensure that all Green MPs are voting for platform, or our values, or the constituents of their riding - which should be through an MP Code of Conduct (being brought forward in a separate resolution). This resolution will differentiate us from all of the other parties.
Party Commentary
This motion is consistent with Green Party policy on democracy and compliments policy G12-P16 - Free Vote Policy.