Political Spectrum in Canada

Political Spectrum in Canada

Learning Goals

• Understand what the political spectrum is

• Have an understanding of the values of “left-leaning” and “right-leaning” Canadians

• Have an understanding of where you may fall on the political spectrum

Open Ended

Can you name some of Canada’s federal political parties?

Open Ended

Why do we have multiple political parties?

The Political Spectrum

• Is a way of labelling where political parties and individual people “stand” on “issues” 

• “Issues” = free pharmacare, corporate taxation, individual taxes, environmental concerns 

• People who find themselves on the left or right side of the spectrum usually have opposing views on a range of socio-cultural or economic issues.

  
  

The Political Spectrum

To be on the left, one believes that order should be structured on the ideas of common ownership of the means of production and the absence of social classes, money and the state.

To be on the right, one believes in an overarching dictatorial power, forcible suppression of opposition and strong regimentation of society.

The Political Spectrum: Right Wing, Left Wing and Moderates

When people describe their political views, they often refer to themselves as “Right wing” (Conservative), “left wing” (liberal –NDP, Green), or “moderate” (in the middle). How you place yourself on the Political Spectrum is based on your responses to Political issues.

Multiple Select

Should all Canadians receive equal access to health care?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Should taxes be raised to pay for much needed social programs?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Should money be redistributed from the richer provinces to the poorer ones?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Should all Canadian receive equal access to medications (pharmacare)

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Should taxes be lowered?

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Should more emphasis be put on environmentally friendly corporations?

• Yes

• No

Left-leaning Canadians (Economic Issues)

People who are left-leaning most often believe that...    

The government can play a positive role in managing the economy and creating jobs instead of simply letting the private sector be responsible for creating jobs. A large gap between the richest and poorest parts of society should be avoided as much as possible (strong middle class) Wealthier individuals and corporations should pay a greater share of taxes than poorer individuals. There is good value in government services, such as education and healthcare, and higher taxes and government debt may be necessary to ensure strong services Policies that might be considered bad for businesses but are intended to alleviate social or environmental problems, like climate change, are important for the greater good of society.

Right-leaning Canadians (Economic Issues)

People who are right-leaning most often believe that…

Businesses and individuals should receive as much support as possible in order to create jobs, wealth and innovation.  Inequality is not a concern. People who are financially successful are being rewarded for their contributions to society.  Smaller government is the best approach; this means less government influence on the economy, fewer government services and less cost to taxpayers/citizens Taxes should be as low as possible and the government should avoid going into debt.  Regulation on businesses is not necessary because the free market provides sufficient incentives for businesses to pursue important social and environmental outcomes. 

Towards the Centre

If you are at either end of the spectrum, left or right, you will feel most strongly about the views mentioned.

But what happens if you agree with some but not all views? Or maybe you just do not feel as passionate about the issues as others?

This is actually the case for most people. This is why we have centre-left and centre-right. 

People who are closer to the centre may feel less strongly about some issues, or only support some views.

Carbon taxation

A tax on carbon refers to a government tax aimed specifically at activities that release carbon dioxide or other pollutants into the atmosphere, such as extracting oil or driving cars that use gas. 

Opponents of taxes like these might feel that the social benefit gained from such a tax is not worth penalizing certain activities that create jobs for people, like jobs on oil rigs or in automobile manufacturing. 

People who support such taxes often mention that the economic impact of such taxes is worth it, because the environmental protection is more important than potential revenues or employment. 

Corporate taxation

Some people believe that corporate taxation prevents

businesses from hiring more people and that governments

should reduce or keep corporate taxes low.

The taxes levied on businesses represent a significant part of

a government's revenues, which are used to pay for

government services.

Depending on how much value a person places on those

services, they may favour higher taxation on companies in

order to pay for these services.

Individual taxation

Usually, the percentage of tax paid on a person's income is higher for those who make more money.

Some people believe that wealthier people should not be taxed at a higher rate, because it may cause them and their businesses to move to a place that offers lower taxes. If they move, that could result in less jobs and wealth.

Others believe that wealthier people already have enough income to live comfortably and should pay more in taxes in order for government services to be provided to the rest of society.

Balancing the budget

People have different opinions on whether a government going into deficit is a very negative thing.

Some people believe that governments should avoid debt at all costs, even if it means it spends less money on government services.

Other people believe that government services are more important than balancing the budget, and that some government debt is acceptable if it means that government services are maintained for citizens.

Left Wing or Right Wing?

• I will now read several statements and you will have to decide whether that statement is more left wing, right wing or centre.

Multiple Choice

A person who believes that convicted murderers should be hanged.

• Left Wing

• Centre

• Right Wing

Multiple Choice

A person who believes that the school strap should be abolished.

• Left Wing

• Centre

• Right Wing

Multiple Choice

A person who believes in a higher minimum wage.

• Left wing

• Centre

• Right Wing

Multiple Choice

A person who believes that Canada should restrict immigration.

• Left wing

• Centre

• Right Wing

Multiple Choice

A person who believes that the Canadian military should acquire more sophisticated

weaponry.

• Left wing

• Centre

• Right Wing

Multiple Choice

A person who believes that Canada should send aid to Third World countries.

• Left wing

• Centre

• Right wing

Multiple Choice

A person who believes that women should stay home and be mothers.

• Left wing

• Centre

• Right Wing

Multiple Choice

A person ho believes that First Nations should have self-government.

• Left wing

• Centre

• Right wing

Multiple Choice

A person who believes that all major industries should be owned by the state.

• Left wing

• Centre

• Right wing