Adopted September 1988 and amended August 1996, August 1998, August 2000, August 2002, August 2004, August 2006, February 2009, August 2010, August 2012, July 2014, August 2016, September 2018, July 2022, and June 2024 by the general membership of the Party.
Article 1 The Body Constituted
1.1
The body constituted is the Green Party of Canada, also known as the Canadian Greens. Hereafter in this document, it is referred to as the Party.
Article 2 Scope of the Constitution and Bylaws
2.1
This Constitution and Bylaws shall govern the activities of the Party, all persons operating on behalf of the Party, and the rights, responsibilities and duties of its recognized Units, committees and membership.
2.2
The 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.
2.3
The Constitution and Bylaws shall have precedence over any other decision of the membership, and any membership decision that is inconsistent with the Constitution or Bylaws shall be null and void to the extent of the inconsistency.
Article 3 Basis of Unity
3.1
To enhance the effectiveness of the Global Green Movement in creating a Green Society by providing an evolving social, economic and political structure that embraces and supports Green Values and offers itself as a voice for the broader Green Movement.
3.2
To elevate and nurture caring and compassionate values among all peoples and all cultures which will provide the basis for sustaining, just, democratic, peaceful and diverse communities.
3.3
To commit ourselves, and encourage everyone, to promote enhanced and socially engaged caring and compassionate values through research, dialogue, and example, as well as through increasing awareness of our own capacities to be caring and compassionate for others, ourselves, and life's rich diversity.
Article 4 Purpose
4.1
It is the purpose of the Party to advance the Party's Platform, Positions, Policy, 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, endorsing, and electing members of the Party as candidates of the Party for election to the House of Commons and supporting their election.
4.1.2
Debating and forming legislation in the Canadian Parliament and by participating in, or forming, the Government of Canada.
4.1.3
Developing Policy, Positions, and Platforms consistent with its Values and Basis of Unity.
4.1.4
Advancing the Party's Platform, Positions, Policy, Values and Basis of Unity.
4.1.5
Forming and maintaining Party organizations at the federal, provincial, territorial and electoral district levels.
4.1.6
Working in solidarity with green parties of other jurisdictions, and green parties globally.
4.1.7
Operating bilingually, recognizing English and French as the official languages of the Party.
Article 5 Values
5.1
The policies of the Party, in agreement with the Charter of the Global Greens, are founded upon the values of:
5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.4
5.1.5
5.2
Activities, Policies, and statements made on behalf of the Party must be consistent with the values of the Party.
5.3
Appendix A shows the Charter of the Global Greens.
Article 6 Accountability
6.1
All Units and individuals within the Party are accountable to:
6.1.1
the membership in General Meeting,
6.1.2
the Federal Council when the membership is not in General Meeting.
6.2
Decisions of the Members in General Meeting shall have precedence over decisions of Federal Council, and any Federal Council decision that is inconsistent with a decision of the Members in General Meeting shall be null and void to the extent of the inconsistency.
6.3
Filings, and appointments, of the Party required by the Canada Elections Act, or other statute or regulation, including the endorsement of a candidate during an election, are under the direction of the membership in General Meeting or Federal Council as per Articles 6.1 and 6.2.
6.4
Unless otherwise specified by this Constitution, the Bylaws, or by the membership as the case may be, Federal Council, on behalf of the membership, is responsible for the overall implementation of actions as called for in this Constitution, the Bylaws, or in other decisions of the membership in General Meeting.
Article 7 Official Standing And Definitions
7.1
The following persons have official standing within the Party under this Constitution and the Bylaws:
7.1.1
Member: An individual who meets the Party's membership criteria.
7.1.2
Leader: the Member filed Leader pursuant to the Canada Elections Act.
7.2
The following Units have official standing within the Party under this Constitution and the Bylaws:
7.2.1
Electoral District Association (EDA): An association in which all Party Members residing within an electoral district, as defined by the Canada Elections Act, have voting rights.
7.2.2
Provincial/Territorial Organization: (a) An association of the Party in which all Party Members, all EDAs, or Party Members and all EDAs residing within a province or territory of Canada have membership and voting rights, or (b) a territorial or provincial division of the Party pursuant to the Canada Elections Act.
7.2.3
Regional Association: An association of the Party in which all of the Party Members, all EDAs, or Party Members and all EDAs residing within a group of contiguous electoral districts have membership and voting rights.
7.2.4
Federal Council: The council referred to in Article 9, whose members are elected or appointed in accordance with the Bylaws.
7.2.5
Cabinet: (a) Those Members of the Party who are participating in or who comprise the government's cabinet of ministers or (b) an alternative cabinet to the government who shadow and provide critical opposition on policy matters to the government's position. This Cabinet is selected and appointed in accordance with the Bylaws.
7.2.6
Young Greens: An association of Members of the Party as specified by that Unit.
7.2.7
Indigenous Peoples Advisory Circle: An association of Members of the Party as specified by that Unit.
7.2.8
Any other Unit created by the members in General Meeting or by Federal Council.
7.3
Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions apply in this Constitution and the Bylaws:
7.3.1
Caucus: Those Members of the Party who are Members of the House of Commons or the Senate of Canada.
7.3.2
Central Party: The hub of the Party that includes Federal Council but does not included any EDAs, Provincial, Territorial, Regional, or other Units where those Units have their own agent for financial operations.
7.3.3
Chief Agent: the corporation filed Chief Agent pursuant to the Canada Elections Act.
7.3.4
Constitutional: Pertaining to either the Party's Constitution or Bylaws.
7.3.5
Directive: A General Meeting motion or resolution that does not meet the definition of Policy or, if adopted, does not result in a change to the Constitution or Bylaws, and if adopted, is sent to Federal Council for consideration in the annual planning and budget process.
7.3.6
Federal Councillor: A Member of the Party who sits as a member of Federal Council.
7.3.7
Functionary: A person duly selected to hold office or perform a function on behalf of the Party.
7.3.8
Fund: The Green Party of Canada Fund.
7.3.9
General Meeting: A General Meeting of the entire membership of the Party.
7.3.10
Handbook: a document outlining the authority, mandate, roles, responsibilities and procedures to be followed by a Unit or Committee of the Green Party of Canada.
7.3.11
Platform: The Position the Party takes on a wide range of election issues for any given election.
7.3.12
Policy: Motions that, if adopted in a vote open to all members, articulate what the Party would work toward if elected.
7.3.13
Position: Any statement from the Party that articulates what the Party and Party Members would work toward if elected. A Position may not contradict Policy, Values, or any other membership decision.
7.3.14
Youth Representative: A representative of the Young Greens of Canada who shall be selected in accordance with rules set out in the Young Greens of Canada Bylaws, as the case may be.
7.3.15
Complainant: the person making a complaint of harassment or discrimination. The Complainant may allege harassment or discrimination either as a victim or as a witness.
7.3.16
Harassment: engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.
7.3.17
Office: a position of responsibility or some degree of executive authority, including any and all elected positions in the Party.
7.3.18
Reporter: the person depositing a record in which discrimination or harassment is alleged.
7.3.19
Respondent: the person alleged to have committed harassment or discrimination.
7.3.20
Volunteer: any person doing work or performing tasks for or on behalf of the Party for which they are not being compensated.
Article 8 General Meetings
8.1
General Meetings shall consist of:
8.1.1
individual Members in good standing who have one vote, and
8.1.2
delegates or Members carrying proxies, who are in good standing, and who have voting rights under one or more Bylaws that provide for voting by proxy. (Proviso: This clause shall not come into effect until the Members adopt such a Bylaw or Bylaws.)
8.2
A quorum shall be two hundred (200) Members present at a General Meeting who are in good standing, representing at least two regions, as defined in the Bylaws.
8.3
General Meetings shall be held at least once per calendar year. General Meetings shall occur within three-hundred and sixty-five (365) days of the previous General Meeting.
8.4
Sixty (60) days notice to Members is required to call a General Meeting.
8.5
General Meetings of Members shall be called in accordance with the Bylaws.
8.6
Special General Meetings of Members shall be called in accordance with the Bylaws.
8.7
A General Meeting shall be virtual or a hybrid of in-person and virtual. All General Meetings will allow for online attendance, online participation and online voting.
Article 9 Federal Council
9.1
Composition of Federal Council The Federal Council shall be composed of:
9.1.1
A Chair of Federal Council.
9.1.2
A Leader.
9.1.3
One (1) representative from each Province of Canada.
9.1.4
One (1) representative representing the Territories of Canada.
9.1.5
One (1) Fund Representative.
9.1.6
One (1) Executive Director.
9.1.7
Two (2) Youth Representatives.
9.1.8
One (1) Anglophone Vice-Chair.
9.1.9
One (1) Francophone Vice-Chair.
9.1.10
One (1) representative from within each of three Indigenous Groups: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
Article 10 Amendments to Constitution and Bylaws
10.1
Constitution
10.1.1
Notice of amendments to the Constitution shall be included in the notice of meeting at which the amendments shall be considered.
10.1.2
Amendments shall be submitted by at least three EDAs or Provincial/Territory Organizations, by at least fifteen (15) individual Members who are in good standing, or by a Central Party Unit comprising of at least fifteen (15) Members in good standing.
10.1.3
Amendments shall be adopted by a majority of the votes cast by Members in good standing at a General Meeting, and shall only become effective upon Members in good standing passing an identically worded amendment by a vote of greater than 1/2 (50%) of the votes cast in a Members' vote conducted by mail-in ballot, with a ballot return date of no later than one-hundred-twenty (120) days following the General Meeting at which the amendment was passed.
10.1.4
Notwithstanding any other provision concerning an amendment of the present Constitution, all proposed amendments concerning Article 10, Article 11, or Bylaw 1.2.3 will be adopted if:
10.1.4.1
more than 3/4 (75%) of the votes cast by Members in good standing at two (2) consecutive General Meetings are in favour of an identically worded resolution to enact the amendment; and
10.1.4.2
an identically worded resolution to enact the amendment is passed by a vote of greater than 1/2 (50%) of the votes cast by Members in good standing in a Members' vote conducted by mail-in ballot, with a ballot return date of no later than one-hundred-twenty (120) days following the second General Meeting at which the amendment was passed.
10.1.5
After each General Meeting at which this Constitution is amended, the Constitution Committee and any legal advisers must oversee the publication of this Constitution as amended and may, in so doing, and subject to the ratification of the Federal Council:
10.1.5.1
Renumber the provisions of this Constitution to accommodate the changes that have been made.
10.1.5.2
Correct cross-references between provisions that are no longer accurate.
10.1.5.3
Correct typographical errors.
10.1.5.4
Correct spelling errors.
10.1.5.5
Replace gender biased language with gender neutral language.
10.1.5.6
Correct inconsistencies between the English and French versions of this Constitution.
10.2
Bylaws
10.2.1
Notice of amendments to the Bylaws shall be included in the notice of meeting at which the amendments shall be considered.
10.2.2
Amendments shall be submitted by at least five (5) individual Members who are in good standing or by a Unit of the Party representing at least five (5) Members in good standing.
10.2.3
Amendments shall be adopted by a majority of the votes cast by Members in good standing at a General Meeting.
10.3
Publication of Constitution and Bylaws
10.3.1
After each General Meeting at which this Constitution or the Bylaws are amended, Federal Council shall ensure the publication of the amended Constitution and Bylaws, and at that time may:
10.3.1.1
Renumber the provisions of this Constitution or the Bylaws to accommodate the changes that have been made.
10.3.1.2
Correct references between provisions which are no longer accurate.
10.3.1.3
Correct errors which are purely typographical, insofar as such changes will not change the meaning of any provision.
10.3.1.4
Correct spelling errors.
10.3.1.5
Replace gender biased language with gender neutral language.
10.3.1.6
Correct inconsistencies between the English and French versions.
Article 11 Dissolution or Merger
11.1
Any resolution to dissolve the Party or to merge it with another party passed at a General Meeting shall only become effective upon Members in good standing passing an identically worded resolution by a vote of greater than ninety percent (90%) of the votes cast in Members vote conducted by mail-in ballot, with a ballot return date of no later than one-hundred-twenty (120) days following the General Meeting at which the resolution to dissolve or merge the Party was passed.
11.2
No transfer of the Party's assets may be commenced or completed until such a mail-in ballot is passed with the required ninety (90) percent majority and the resolution to dissolve or merge the Party takes effect.
Article 12 The Green Party of Canada Fund
12.1
The Fund is the sole and exclusive agent for the financial operations of the Central Party.
12.2
The Fund will be responsible to Elections Canada as the Party's Chief Agent.
12.3
The Fund shall report its annual audited financial statements to the membership.
12.4
All members of Federal Council and only members of Federal Council are automatically, while members of that council, members of the Fund.
12.5
At least one director of the Fund shall be an elected member of Federal Council.
12.6
The Fund shall operate within the spirit, terms and constraints of the Party's Constitution and Bylaws.
12.7
The Bylaws and Letters Patent of the Fund shall be available to all Members of the Party.
Article 13 Promotion and Protection of Diverse, Equitable, Inclusive, and Safe Spaces
13.1
The Green Party of Canada (the Party) is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination and harassment, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, can contribute fully, and have equal opportunities.
13.2
Every person has the right to be free from harassment and discrimination. Harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated, condoned, or ignored by the Party.
13.3
The Party also recognizes that harassment and discrimination limit the ability of people to participate fully in organizations such as ours and therefore in the practice of the democratic values that our organization endorses. Concomitant with its mission to elect Members of Parliament and impact Canadian politics, then, the Party proactively supports building awareness of harassment and discrimination and providing for the equitable participation of all Canadians in the political process.
13.4
The Party is committed to a comprehensive strategy to address harassment and discrimination in the organization, including:
13.4.1
Establishing, publicizing, and regularly revisiting this article;
13.4.2
Providing training and education to ensure that all Party members and staff know the rights that are provided to them and to visitors at Party events, the responsibilities they have under this article and Human Rights legislation, and the processes and procedures to follow in the event of a complaint;
13.4.3
Monitoring organizational systems to help ensure their design and function minimizes opportunities for harassment or discrimination and maximizes safety and inclusivity;
13.4.4
Providing an effective, accessible, and fair complaints procedure for both Complainant and Respondent;
13.4.5
Promoting appropriate standards of conduct at all times;
13.4.6
Ensuring that disciplinary or restorative measures are imposed, as necessary and as determined by process;
13.4.7
Promoting diversity on all committees and in all decision-making bodies.
13.5
To achieve the goals and commitments in this Article of the Party's Constitution, the Party shall have:
13.5.1
The Safe Spaces Committee which shall be responsible for addressing institutional matters as they relate to this Article;
13.5.2
The Conduct Committee which shall be responsible for investigative processes, disciplinary matters and enforcement of this Constitution, Party Bylaws, Members’ Code of Conduct, and the applicable Human Rights Codes.
Bylaws
Bylaw 1 Membership
1.1
Criteria for membership
1.1.1
Any citizen or permanent resident of Canada, who is at least fourteen (14) years of age or older, is eligible for membership in the Party, with full voting rights, provided the person is not a member of any other political party.
1.1.2
Every Member shall uphold this Constitution and Bylaws.
1.1.3
A Member shall cease to be in good standing upon failure to pay the current annual membership fee or upon other conditions as set out by the Federal Council or in the Bylaws.
1.1.4
A person cannot be a Member of the Party if the person belongs to an organization whose actions are detrimental to the Party, as determined by Federal Council.
1.1.5
A person who is at least twelve (12) years of age but less than fourteen (14) years of age may be designated a Youth Member, without the right to vote.
1.2
Application for Membership
1.2.1
A person may apply for membership in the Party to the following bodies:
1.2.1.1
Federal Council.
1.2.1.2
An EDA.
1.2.1.3
A Provincial/Territory Organization.
1.2.1.4
A Regional Association.
1.2.1.5
A designate of Federal Council that has been authorized to accept memberships.
1.2.2
The above mentioned bodies have the right to set the amount of their own membership fee insofar as:
1.2.2.1
It is the responsibility of Federal Council to maintain a register of Members and to make available to local organizational units, electronically and in a timely manner, the locally-relevant portion of the register.
1.2.2.2
The Federal Council may require a membership fee from each body mandated to receive Members to cover the costs of servicing the Member.
1.2.2.3
The Federal Council shall ensure that Members are notified as their membership fees are due.
1.2.3
It is the responsibility of each body mentioned in Bylaw 1.2.1 to maintain an active email account for the purpose of communicating on Party business.
1.2.4
Applicants for membership and renewing Members shall pay the membership fee directly to the Party and not indirectly through an intermediary person.
1.3
Resignation and Removal of Member
1.3.1
A person shall cease to be a Member of the Party:
1.3.1.1
By delivering their resignation by mailing or delivering it to an address of the Party.
1.3.1.2
On their death.
1.3.1.3
On being expelled.
1.3.1.4
On having been a Member not in good standing for 12 consecutive months.
1.3.1.5
On stating that they are working to form a new Federal political party, or if they are working for another existing Federal political party.
1.3.2
A Member may be expelled by a resolution of Federal Council or a General Meeting of Members. The person who is subject to the proposed expulsion shall be given an opportunity to be heard at the meeting before the motion is put to a vote.
1.3.3 In accordance with 1.3.2 a member may be expelled, suspended, or otherwise disciplined for any conduct which (a) is contrary to the Members’ Code of Conduct, or (b) is contrary to this Constitution, or (c) is contrary to the principles and purpose of the Party, or (d) brings discredit to, or (e) intentionally damages the interests of the Party.
1.4
Other than when the membership is assembled in general meeting, email will be considered the default form of communication between the Central Party and the membership, including but not limited to, election of Council, distribution of official notices, and any matter requiring the participation of the general membership.
1.4.1
Members, at the time of application for membership, or at any time thereafter, may exercise the option to choose postal mail or other forms of communication.
1.5
Voting Rights
1.5.1
A Member's right to vote on all matters, including all elections, shall commence after they have been a Member for 30 days, except:
1.5.1.1
in the case of candidate selection, the 30-day requirement may be varied by Federal Council or the designated committee that prepares nomination rules for elections; and
1.5.1.2
in the case of officer selection for an EDA executive, the 30-day requirement may be varied by Federal Council.
1.5.2
In the case of a Leader or Federal Council election, if the voting period falls within 30 days of a Member ceasing to be in good standing, that Member shall remain eligible to vote in that election, except where said Member resigns or is expelled.
Bylaw 2 Federal Council
2.1
Selection of members of Federal Council" not "members to Federal Council:
2.1.1
Executive Council:
2.1.1.1
Nominations shall be by twenty (20) members of the Party in good standing.
2.1.1.2
All Members of the Party in good standing shall be eligible to vote for these positions.
2.1.2
Provincial and Territorial Representatives:
2.1.2.1
Five (5) Members of the Party in good standing residing within a province or the territories of Canada shall be required to nominate for the position of Provincial Representative or the Territorial Representative of their respective province or territory.
2.1.2.2
All Members of the Party in good standing residing within a province or the territories of Canada shall be eligible to vote for Provincial Representative or the Territorial Representative of their respective province or territory.
2.1.3
The Leader:
2.1.3.1
One hundred (100) Members of the Party in good standing shall be required to nominate for the position of Leader.
2.1.3.2
All Members of the Party in good standing shall be eligible to vote for the position of the Leader.
2.1.4
Indigenous Representatives
2.1.4.1
Nominations shall be by twenty (20) members of the Party in good standing.
2.1.4.2
All Members of the Party in good standing shall be eligible to vote for these positions.
2.1.5
Election to Federal Council and Term of Office:
2.1.5.1
The vote, for any office of Federal Council, shall require “None of these options” to be a contestant, shall be by preferential ballot, and a majority vote shall elect.
2.1.5.1.1
Where the election calls for Party Members to be elected to two or more seats in the same position, voting shall be exercised using a multi-seat proportional representation form of the single transferable vote (PR-STV) and subsequent election to those seats shall be simultaneous.
2.1.5.1.2
Where the election calls for Party Members to be elected to one position only, such as the case of Leader, voting shall be exercised using a form of the single transferable vote (STV) requiring a majority of votes cast for election.
2.1.5.2
All Federal Council members shall be elected for a term of two (2) years or until their successor is elected, except the Leader who shall serve a term pursuant to Bylaw 2.1.5.5.
2.1.5.3
In odd numbered years the representatives of Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, the representative from the Territories, the First Nations representative, the Chair of Federal Council, and the Francophone Vice-Chair shall be elected.
2.1.5.4
In even numbered years the representatives of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, the Anglophone Vice-Chair, the Inuit representative, the Métis representative, and the Fund Representative shall be elected.
2.1.5.5
Within six months of a Federal General Election, unless our leader becomes prime minister, a Leadership Review, where all Members in good standing may vote, shall be held. The date of the Leadership Review vote will be set by Federal Council and may coincide with a General Meeting. The Leader's term shall end if Members in good standing do not pass a resolution endorsing the Leader by at least sixty percent (60%).
2.1.5.6
Ballots for elections of the Executive Council, Provincial Representatives, Indigenous Representatives, and the Territorial Representative shall have beside the name of each candidate on the ballot, the Province or Territory and the bioregion where the candidate resides. Indigenous Representative candidates shall be provided an option to have the ballot include the name of their respective Nation(s) and the Indigenous Territory where they are based.
2.1.5.7
Ballots for election shall be mailed out at least thirty (30) days prior to election day.
2.1.5.8
The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue serving as Federal Councillors:
2.1.5.8.1
Employees of the Party, an MP or the Party Leader, except for the Leader, and the Executive Director as per Article 9.1.2 and 9.1.6 of the Constitution;
2.1.5.8.2
Anyone applying for employment with the Party, an MP or the Party Leader;
2.1.5.8.3
Former employees of the Party, an MP or the Party Leader whose employment with the Party, an MP or the Party Leader ended less than 90 days before the opening of Federal Council nominations;
2.1.5.8.4
Any spouse, common-law partner, parent, parent-in-law, sibling, sibling-in-law, biological or adoptive child of:
2.1.5.8.4.1
Employees of the Party
2.1.5.8.4.2
An MP of the Party
2.1.5.8.4.3
The Party Leader or;
2.1.5.8.4.4
Members of Federal Council.
2.1.6
Removal From Office and Removal of Units:
2.1.6.1
Any federal Councillor except the leader may be removed from office for cause, by a 3/4 vote of Federal Council at a meeting called for that purpose.
2.1.6.2
The Leader may be removed from office by motion at a general meeting, following a non-confidence vote supported by 3/4 of Federal Council at a meeting called for that purpose.
2.1.6.3
Any member or unit must be informed of all allegations in writing and is entitled to 30 days to prepare and present their defense before any motions of non-confidence or removal.
2.1.6.4
Any Federal Council member who fails to attend three consecutive Federal Council meetings without apparent cause shall be removed from Federal Council unless the member provides satisfactory written documentation explaining the absences and is reinstated by a majority vote of Federal Council. If the member is removed under these circumstances, the member shall be ineligible to run for a Federal Council position in the next election for Federal Council.
2.1.6.5
Federal Council or a General Meeting has the authority to deregister any Unit of the Party for cause.
2.1.7
Vacancy in Federal Council Office:
2.1.7.1
Federal Council has the authority to fill, by appointment, any vacancy, however caused, until the next General Meeting or the term for that position ends, whichever occurs first.
2.1.7.2
All Federal Council members shall be notified of a vacancy within fourteen (14) days.
2.1.7.3
Notice of the vacancy shall be posted prominently on the Party's website and all Members will be notified by email within the same fourteen (14) day period.
2.1.7.4 A further period of fourteen (14) days will be allowed before any vacancy is filled to allow members to identify or self-identify eligible candidates.
2.1.8
Where the Leader's term ends or the position of Leader otherwise becomes vacant:
2.1.8.1
Federal Council shall forthwith appoint an interim Leader until a Leadership Contest is held and a new Leader is elected.
2.1.8.2
A Leadership Contest must be started within six months of the appointment of an interim Leader and concluded within 24 months of said appointment.
2.1.9
No member may run for more than one Federal Council position simultaneously, or serve or continue to serve in more than one Federal Council position simultaneously.
2.2
Assignment of Member to a province or territory for voting purposes:
2.2.1
The assignment of a member to a province or territory shall be based on the mailing address on file thirty (30) days prior to the Federal Council election day.
2.3
Provincial or Territorial Representative
2.3.1
A Federal Council provincial or territorial representative’s permanent residence must be in the province or territories they represent.
2.3.2
A Federal Council provincial or territorial representative shall cease to be a member of Federal Council if the provincial representative’s permanent residency changes to another province or territory, or if the territorial representative’s permanent residency changes to a province.
2.4
Meetings of Federal Council
2.4.1
Federal Council shall meet at least four (4) times per year.
2.4.2
Quorum at Federal Council meetings shall be a majority of voting members then in office, and if quorum drops below six (6) voting members, a General Meeting shall occur within six months.
2.4.3
Federal Council may meet by electronic means.
2.4.4
All decisions of Federal Council shall be by a majority vote of those present and voting, except as may be specifically stated elsewhere in the Constitution or Bylaws.
2.4.5
All members of Federal Council listed in Article 9.1of the Constitution may vote, except the Chair of Federal Council who may only vote to break a tie, and the Executive Director who shall not vote, but who shall have a voice.
2.4.6
Federal Council may adopt procedural rules for conducting Federal Council meetings, not inconsistent with the Constitution and Bylaws.
2.4.7
Federal Council may create non-voting Federal Council positions that do not factor in the quorum calculation of Federal Council. Federal Councillors thus created may be removed by Federal Council.
2.4.8
Federal Council meetings shall be scheduled by Federal Council, or may be called by the Chair of Federal Council, or may be called by any group of councillors constituting 1/3 of the membership of Federal Council.
2.4.9
Federal Council may make decisions between normal meetings by email and other electronic means, and the results of any such votes shall be read into the minutes of the subsequent meeting and in accordance with procedures set in the Bylaws.
2.5
Federal Council Committees
2.5.1
The Federal Council may establish committees as required. The mandate of such committees may be established by Federal Council and any such committee shall report to Federal Council.
2.6
Executive Council:
2.6.1
The Executive Council shall consist of the Chair of Federal Council, the Leader, the Anglophone Vice-Chair, the Francophone Vice-Chair, and the Fund Representative as voting members and the Executive Director as a non-voting member.
2.6.2
The Executive Council’s primary role is to prepare the draft agenda of regular meetings of Federal Council. The Executive Council also discusses and makes decisions on matters that cannot reasonably wait for the next regular Federal Council meeting. However, all decisions of the Executive Council must then be ratified by Federal Council.
2.6.3
Leader
2.6.3.1
As chief spokesperson, the Leader represents the Party in all public activities, particularly with the media, to express the positions of the Party and to ensure Party representation amongst various groups. The Leader is responsible for steering the Party’s interventions in Parliament, relaying the concerns of Canadians and coordinating the work of Caucus.
2.6.4
Chair of Federal Council
2.6.4.1
For Federal Council and Executive Council meetings, the Chair is responsible for ensuring that meetings are scheduled regularly and when needed, that someone is available to facilitate in a way that favours consensus decision-making as much as possible, that minutes are taken, and that agendas, minutes and supporting documents are archived appropriately. The Chair is also responsible for ensuring that Federal Council, the Executive Council and committees of Federal Council govern itself as per the guidelines and rules it has agreed upon.
2.6.5
Anglophone Vice-Chair and Francophone Vice-Chair.
2.6.5.1
The two Vice-Chairs are responsible for supporting the Chair in their duties.
2.6.6
Fund Representative
2.6.6.1
The Fund Representative is responsible for representing Federal Council at Fund Board meetings by communicating its views and decisions that may affect the Green Party of Canada Fund and to relay the recommendations and requests of the Fund Board to Federal Council.
2.7
Governance
2.7.1
All Units shall strive to uphold the highest standards of transparent, accountable and collaborative governance.
2.7.2
Members shall be consulted at least once every two years regarding participatory democracy and governance within the Party.
2.7.3
Independent assessments, with recommendations, shall be conducted and published at least once every four years regarding participatory democracy and governance.
2.7.4
Federal Council and its committees shall be responsible for:
2.7.4.1
Oversight of operations, plans, budgets and results;
2.7.4.2
Coordinating, with the input of members, staff and the Executive Director, the planning, implementation and reporting on annual and multi-year plans and budgets.
2.7.5
The Executive Director shall:
2.7.5.1
Collaborate with Federal Council regarding the planning, implementation and reporting on annual and multi-year plans and budgets;
2.7.5.2
Coordinate and supervise operations, including the planning and implementation of work plans that leverage both staff and volunteer time and expertise;
2.7.5.3
Report proactively to Federal Council regarding operations, plans, budgets and results.
Bylaw 3 Regions
3.1
The six (6) regions for the purposes of Article 8.2 and elsewhere in the Constitution and Bylaws, are:
3.1.1
The Atlantic region consisting of the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
3.1.2
The Quebec region consisting of the province of Quebec.
3.1.3
The Ontario region consisting of the province of Ontario.
3.1.4
The Prairie region consisting of the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
3.1.5
The British Columbia region consisting of the province of British Columbia.
3.1.6
The North region consisting of Nunavut, Yukon and Northwest Territories.
Bylaw 4 General Meetings
4.1
Calling of General Meetings:
4.1.1
The General Meeting of Members may be called by Federal Council by majority vote. Federal Council may establish the location and the date of the meeting.
4.2
Calling of Other General Meetings:
4.2.1
Other General Meetings may also be called by:
4.2.1.1
A committee mandated by a General Meeting.
4.2.1.2
Federal Council by a majority vote of Council members voting.
4.2.1.3
Petition to Federal Council submitted and signed by ten percent (10%) of the Members of the Party in good standing.
4.2.1.4
Petition to Federal Council submitted and signed by the CEO of at least one third (1/3) of the registered EDAs and Provincial Organizations.
4.2.1.5
A resolution adopted by a General Meeting by majority vote of those voting.
4.2.2
When a General Meeting has been petitioned, Federal Council shall select the location (virtual and/or physical) and the date of the General Meeting and inform members within 30 days of receipt of the petition. The meeting shall be held within 90 days of receipt of the petition.
4.2.3
A Special General Meeting may be called with the purpose of making a specific decision or decisions, in which case those may be the only items on the agenda. In such cases, a general call for motions shall not be issued and the meeting shall be scheduled to take place within 75 days of receipt of the petition.
4.2.4
Notwithstanding 4.2.3, emergency motions moved from the floor during a Special General Meeting shall still be considered in accordance with Bylaw 4.3.3.
4.3
Motions at General Meetings:
4.3.1
Members shall be notified at least thirty (30) days in advance of any deadline to submit motions for consideration at a General Meeting of Members.
4.3.2
Motions shall be submitted by at least twenty (20) Party Members in good standing or a Unit representing at least twenty (20) Members.
4.3.3
Motions that are not submitted in advance and are moved from the floor of the meeting shall only be considered if they are of an emergency nature and shall require a 2/3 vote to be considered by the meeting.
4.3.4
Motions, including rationale and background information, submitted in advance, must be made available to Members of the Party who are eligible to vote at the General Meeting sixty (60) days in advance of the start of General Meeting.
4.3.5
In accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the Party, the text of motions, including amendments to the Constitution or Bylaws, may be changed at a General Meeting providing the original intent of the motion or amendment, as received by the Members with the notification of the General Meeting, is maintained.
4.4
Voting at General Meetings:
4.4.1
Votes cast by internet means shall be counted in real time. Votes shall be conducted by a process where the authenticity of the vote can be verified.
Bylaw 5 Selection of Candidates for Member of Parliament
5.1
Candidates shall be selected by the Party as follows:
5.1.1
Where there is an EDA, the electoral district shall select the candidate in accordance with the association's Bylaws.
5.1.2
Where no EDA exists, candidates will be selected in accordance with a process determined by Federal Council or by Bylaw.
5.1.3
Where there are no Party Members in an electoral district, selection of a candidate shall be by a General Meeting, Federal Council, a committee established by a General Meeting or Federal Council, or by a procedure mandated by a General Meeting or Federal Council.
5.2
The Party will provide rules for the selection of candidates for Member of Parliament.
Bylaw 6 Cabinet
6.1
The Leader shall appoint members to Cabinet or Shadow Cabinet, as the case may be, from among members of the Caucus or other members of the Party.
6.2
The Leader may replace members of the Cabinet or Shadow Cabinet as they see fit.
6.3
The Leader may appoint two Deputy Leaders.
6.4
The Shadow Cabinet shall be responsible for the following:
6.4.1
creating the election platform in keeping with membership-approved policies;
6.4.2
ensuring the members of the Party have the ability to influence the policies and platform of the party;
6.4.3
establishing written procedures for a grassroots policy development process and publishing these procedures on the public website of the Party;
6.4.4
maintaining an up to date compilation of the Party policies on the website of the Party.
Bylaw 7 Ombuds and Appeals Committee
7.1
The Ombuds and Appeals Committee shall be selected at a General Meeting of Members, and such selection shall have due regard and respect for gender and regional balance.
7.2
The Ombuds and Appeals Committee may fill its vacancies between General Meetings of Members.
7.3
The Ombuds and Appeals Committee shall be chaired by two co-Chairs, of different genders, that are selected by the committee.
7.4
The Ombuds and Appeals Committee is a committee of the Party membership, responsible to the membership at General Meetings.
7.5
The Ombuds and Appeals Committee shall:
7.5.1
Receive complaints from Members of the Party regarding decisions made by organized Units or Functionaries of the Party that affect their rights as members, or concerns regarding Party governance.
7.5.2
Decide whether or not to accept and deal with each complaint, and inform the complainant of the decision.
7.5.3
For accepted cases, issue reports with the committee's recommendations to all the parties involved.
7.5.4
Inform Federal Council regularly of its activities.
7.5.5
Maintain guidelines for conduct and operation of the Ombuds and Appeals Committee.
Bylaw 8 EDAs and Provincial Divisions
8.1
The EDA is the primary grassroots Unit of the Party through which Members exercise their rights.
8.2
Federal Council may grant recognition to one EDA per federal electoral district, and the following conditions shall apply:
8.2.1
Such recognition may be revoked subject to rules set out in the Bylaws.
8.2.2
EDAs shall comply with such accountability and transparency requirements as to their governance, financial management and reporting, as may be implemented by Federal Council or by Bylaw.
8.3
Provincial Divisions remaining will be replaced by associations corresponding to the regions outlined in Bylaw 3.
8.4
EDA procedures and requirements:
8.4.1
All officers of an EDA must be members in good standing of the Party.
8.4.2
EDAs must provide to the Party the names and contact information for the association’s Chief Executive Officer and Financial Agent within 7 days of any change.
8.4.3
Funds held by an EDA that is deregistered are transferred to the Party and the Party will return the assets to the next duly elected board of the association whose recognition by Elections Canada has been renewed.
8.4.4
If an EDA ceases to exist for a period of three years the assets become the property of the Party.
8.4.5
An EDA must file with the Central Party a copy of its current constitution as certified by the association’s Chief Executive Officer.
8.4.6
EDAs must:
8.4.6.1
Hold annual general meetings at least every 15 months, unless the Party grants an exception in the event a federal election is called, and
8.4.6.2
Meeting minutes of the EDA must be made available to EDA members and general meeting minutes of the EDA must be provided to the Central Party promptly.
8.4.7
EDAs must provide such financial information to the Party as Federal Council may require.
8.4.8
EDAs will adopt a basic constitution provided by the Party.
8.4.8.1
Upon approval by the Party this constitution may be amended by the EDA to adapt to the local situation.
8.4.9
The Party may deregister an EDA if:
8.4.9.1
The association’s constitution is inconsistent with the Party’s constitution.
8.4.9.2
The association does not share the purposes of the Party and does not govern itself in accordance with its constitution and the constitution of the Party.
8.4.9.3
The association has not filed with the Central Party a copy of its current constitution certified by the association’s Chief Executive Officer.
8.4.9.4
The association does not meet the requirements of bylaw 11.4.
Bylaw 9 The Women’s Caucus of the Green Party of Canada
9.1
The purpose of the Women’s Caucus is to encourage gender equality within the Party, to represent and promote the interests of women within the Party and to encourage the active participation of women at all levels of the Party.
9.2
Every member of the Party who is a woman and who meets any additional membership requirements (such as a membership fee) established in accordance with the Constitution of the Women’s Caucus is entitled to become a member of the Women’s Caucus.
9.3
The Women’s Caucus is responsible to establish, where possible, in each electoral district, a women’s club.
9.4
The Chair of Federal Council, in consultation with the Women’s Caucus, is responsible to report to the Annual General Meeting of the Party with an assessment of the extent to which gender equality at all levels of the Party has been achieved.
Bylaw 10 Openness & Transparency
10.1
Unless it is contrary to applicable laws, members have a right to have access to the following information via easily accessible platforms:
10.1.6
Minutes of previous General Meetings;
10.1.7
Bylaws of the Young Greens of Canada;
10.1.8
Agendas and minutes of open sessions of the Young Greens of Canada and its committees;
10.1.9
Agendas of open sessions of Federal Council at least five days prior to the meetings and agendas of its committees;
10.1.10
Agendas and minutes of open sessions of special meetings of Federal Council;
10.1.11
Minutes of open sessions of Federal Council and its committees within seven days of the meetings;
10.1.12
Recordings of open sessions of Federal Council and its committees;
10.1.13
Terms of reference and handbooks;
10.1.14
Federal Council motions and resolutions;
10.1.15
Quarterly financial statements published no later than sixty days after the end of the quarter;
10.1.16
Annual audited financial statements of the Party;
10.1.17
Annual and multi-year plans and budgets as well as progress reports;
10.1.18
Other organizational assessments and evaluations and related actions plans;
10.1.19
Decisions of the Ombuds and Appeals Committee.
10.2
Documents in Bylaw 10.1 shall be forwarded by mail on request to members at cost.
10.3
Federal Council meetings shall be open to all members and shall only be allowed to hold a closed or in camera session if three quarters (¾) of councillors present agree and if it is in compliance with the Federal Council Handbook.
10.4
Federal Council members have the right to inform Members about Federal Council deliberations, decisions and actions, except closed and in camera deliberations in compliance with bylaw 10.3 or if it is contrary to applicable laws.
10.5
Federal Council members shall be provided full access to all normative documents (e.g. processes, procedures, guidelines), plans, budgets and reporting produced by the Party or external parties regarding Party affairs.
10.6
Federal Council shall create or ensure the creation of a policy or policies regarding the proper handling of Conflict of Interest (COI) and Bias, and the policy or policies shall be applicable to Federal Council, Governance Committees, Shadow Cabinet, the Leadership Team and associated staff, functionaries, Party operational staff, national office volunteers, the Fund, EDAs, election candidates and General Meetings. The policy should include the definition, identification, and handling of COI and Bias in order to prevent harmful decisions and actions.
10.7
Federal Councillors will receive annual training on the Transparency and Confidentiality policy.
10.8
Federal Council will submit a report on the GPC's compliance to each operative clause of Bylaw 10 at Annual General Meetings.
Bylaw 11 Financial Procedures
11.1
Agency: In strict compliance with the Canada Elections Act, Federal Council or a General Meeting may:
11.1.1
appoint a person to be a registered agent of the Party, to issue tax receipts and maintain books for any recognized Unit, and
11.1.2
revoke the agency and dismiss the registered agent from office.
11.2
Fundraising: Units may conduct legal fundraising activities.
11.3
Borrowing: Only a General Meeting or Federal Council may authorize borrowing by the Party or any Unit thereof, on behalf of the Party.
11.4
Revenue Sharing: Revenue sharing payments to any Unit of the Party may be forfeited for the current quarter and any following quarters until the Unit becomes compliant if:
11.4.1
Officers of the Unit are not members in good standing.
11.4.2
The Unit has not filed a copy of its constitution with the Central Party.
11.4.3
The Unit does not hold an annual general meeting at least every 15 months.
11.4.4
The Unit does not provide for the election of officers at annual general meetings.
11.4.5
The Unit does not provide for full financial disclosure in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
11.4.6
The Unit does not provide such financial information to the Party as Federal Council may require.
11.4.7
The Unit fails to make any of the filings required by, or has not complied fully with, the Canada Elections Act.
11.4.8
The Chief Executive Officer, Financial Agent, or equivalent, of the Unit do not respond to any form of communication from the Party for at least two months.
11.4.9
The Unit does not comply with any other requirements as may be implemented by Federal Council.
11.5
Sovereignty: No Unit has rights to funds raised by another Unit except insofar as Federal Council or a General Meeting may levy fees from Units with registered agents to cover the costs of Party registration, annual audits or other essential activities.
11.6
Protection / Indemnity: When acting honestly, in good faith, and exercising due diligence and within the scope of their authority under the Party’s Constitution, Bylaws, and other duly passed Party rules, no lawfully sitting Unit member, volunteer, employee, officer, director, member of any committee established by the Party, Functionary, or any other person duly acting in any approved capacity on behalf of the Party shall be liable for any debts, actions, claims, demands, liabilities or commitments of any kind of the Party howsoever incurred. The Party shall indemnify and hold harmless each such person against any such debt, action, claim, demand, liability or commitment whatsoever.
Bylaw 12 Global Greens International Secretariat
12.1
The Global Greens International Secretariat is responsible for maintaining connections with the Global Greens, Global Young Greens and Federation of the Green Parties of the Americas. The secretariat will participate in Global Congresses and General Assemblies whenever possible, assist the Party in communications with Green Parties around the world, and report on the affairs of other Green Parties to Federal Council as requested.
12.2
The Global Greens International Secretariat shall be appointed by the Executive Council.
Bylaw 13 Conduct and Discipline
13.1
Scope
13.1.1
This bylaw applies to any event, activity, workplace, and spaces both physical and digital in which the Party is an organizer, sponsor, or employer, and to guests and volunteers of the Party.
13.1.2
This bylaw applies to any representative of the Party, including but not limited to:
13.1.2.1
Members
13.1.2.2
Volunteers
13.1.2.3
Members of any committee of the Party
13.1.3
This bylaw applies at every level of the organization, including but not limited to:
13.1.3.1
Regional or Provincial Organizations and Alliances
13.1.3.2
Campaigns and Campaign Teams
13.1.3.3
Committees of the Party
13.1.4
This bylaw covers disciplinary and remedial action related to:
13.1.4.1
The Party's Constitution
13.1.4.2
The Party's Bylaws
13.1.4.3
The Party's Code of Conduct
13.1.4.4
Harassment and Discrimination
13.2
The Conduct Committee
13.2.1 The Conduct Committee shall be responsible for enforcing and carrying out this bylaw.
13.2.2 Members of the Committee:
13.2.2.1 Members shall be appointed by Federal Council except:
13.2.2.1.1 A position on the Conduct Committee which shall be reserved for a person whose appointment is recommended by the Safe Spaces Committee;
13.2.2.2 Federal Councillors shall not make up more than one third (33%) of the membership of the committee;
13.2.3 The members of the Committee shall elect from among themselves a Chair.
13.2.4 The Conduct Committee shall be responsible for the collection of reports as specified in this bylaw.
13.2.5 The Conduct Committee is empowered by this bylaw to investigate complaints.
13.2.5.1 The Committee or a member of the Committee shall conduct the investigation; or the committee may delegate this responsibility to a member of the Party or qualified professional they deem to have appropriate skills and expertise.
13.2.6 In the course of its duties the Committee may:
13.2.6.1 Request cooperation of any official in the Party;
13.2.6.2 Institute temporary measures for the duration of the investigation including:
13.2.6.2.1 Requiring a Respondent to have no contact with a Complainant or witnesses involved in the investigation;
13.2.6.2.2 Prohibit participation in events, meetings, campaigns, or digital forums;
13.2.6.3 Request contact details of any person covered by this bylaw.
13.2.7 Disciplinary action may be taken against anyone who victimizes or retaliates against a Complainant or a
Respondent. Likewise, disciplinary action may be taken against a Complainant who makes false claims of discrimination or harassment under this bylaw.
13.2.8 Managers, supervisors, and others in leadership positions (such as members of the Federal Council, directors of the GPC Fund, or executives in Electoral District Associations) who fail to respond to a complaint or to impose penalties duly determined by this bylaw may be subject to disciplinary action.
13.2.9 Failure to cooperate with the Committee in an investigation may be considered an actionable offense under these bylaws.
13.3 Recognizing the therapeutic role of providing contemporaneous documentation of events and to provide evidentiary value in the future for Complainants, this bylaw offers the option of depositing a record.
13.3.1 A person (Reporter) may deposit a written personal account of their alleged experience of harassment or discrimination.
13.3.2 A person (Reporter) may also deposit an account of events they witness of harassment, discrimination, or other member misconduct.
13.3.3 All information recorded under this bylaw shall be kept secure and confidential.
13.3.4 No action shall be taken on these reports unless a complaint is initiated by the Reporter within which the record has evidentiary value.
13.3.5 A Reporter may withdraw a deposited record unless and until it is included or referred to in a complaint initiated by the Reporter.
13.3.6 Records deposited shall be destroyed according to the schedule of records retention observed by the Party and in compliance with all laws and regulations to which the Party may be subject.
13.4 Complaints
13.4.1 Any person who considers they have experienced or witnessed an incident or course of incidents of discrimination, harassment, or other misconduct within this bylaw's scope may make a complaint.
13.4.2 In a complaint, the Complainant and the Respondent shall both have the option of engaging personal support and/or legal representation through the complaint process at their own expense.
13.4.3 The Complainant has the right to discontinue a complaint at any stage of the process without repercussions except any that may arise under Bylaw 13.2.
13.4.4 The Respondent has the right to respond fully to any allegations made in a complaint.
13.4.5 Complaints and responses will be considered confidential to the degree possible; information shall only be conveyed to others where doing so is necessary to the process, to carry out any other step as requested by the Complainant, or to ensure the safety of others.
13.4.6 There shall be no presumption of guilt and no determination made in relation to any complaint until an investigation has been completed.
13.4.7 All complaints will be dealt with according to the principles of natural justice, which obliges those making decisions to be free of bias in the matter in which they are deciding and requires a fair hearing in which both Respondent and Complainant have the right to be heard and to have equal and fair access to the process.
13.5 Making a Complaint
13.5.1 To initiate the complaint process, the Complainant should contact:
13.5.1.1 The Chair of the Conduct Committee;
13.5.1.2 The Executive Director of the Party or any member of Federal Council should any member of the Committee be implicated in the complaint in any way;
13.5.2 The Complainant will submit, orally, in writing, or through an intermediary:
13.5.2.1 a statement of complaint which includes details of any relevant actions or events, including dates, times, and places;
13.5.2.2 the names of potential witnesses;
13.5.2.3 the impact of the actions and events on them.
13.5.2.4 supporting documentation
13.5.3 The Respondent will be informed that a complaint has been made, will be given the statement of complaint and will be referred to this bylaw.
13.5.4 Both the Complainant and the Respondent will be given an explanation of the processes used to address
complaints under this bylaw.
13.5.5 Both the Complainant and Respondent will be advised of their right to seek support services at their own cost.
13.5.6 The Respondent will have opportunity to respond, orally, in writing, or through an intermediary, to the allegations made and this response will be made available to the Complainant.
13.5.7 The Complainant will meet with representatives of the Conduct Committee to confirm that they wish to persist in the complaint and, if so, that they wish to pursue an informal or a formal resolution to the complaint.
13.6 Decision to Start a Complaint
13.6.1 The Chair of the Committee shall determine if a complaint is within the jurisdiction of the Committee and if the complaint is an actionable offense.
13.6.2 Should the Respondent not be a member of the Party nor hold any title, function, or role within the Party, the Chair of the Committee has the authority to prohibit the Respondent from participation in any Party event, activity, or space both physical or digital and bypass a formal or informal resolution process.
13.7 Investigation of a Complaint
13.7.1 The investigation of all complaints shall be impartial, timely, fair, and address all relevant issues.
13.7.2 The investigation shall, whenever possible, be completed within 45 days of its beginning.
13.7.2.1 An investigation shall be considered started when an investigator or investigators have been appointed.
13.7.3 Notwithstanding 13.7.2:
13.7.3.1 The time frame may be extended with the agreement of the Complainant and Respondent, or if justifiable circumstances prevent the full process being satisfactorily completed within the time frame.
13.7.3.2 If the time frame is extended, the Complainant and Respondent shall be informed of the revised time frame and the reasons for the extension.
13.7.4 In the event that there is a substantive agreement between the Complainant and the Respondent and a willingness by the Complainant to proceed to an informal resolution as defined by this bylaw, the investigation may be concluded.
13.7.5 Should the Complainant be unwilling to pursue an informal resolution, the investigation may continue after the response and may include:
13.7.5.1 Interviews with the Complainant(s), Respondent(s), and relevant witnesses suggested by the Complainant or Respondent(s);
13.7.5.2 Gathering of documents relevant to the complaint.
13.7.6 As part of any investigation:
13.7.6.1 Both the Complainant and the Respondent will be given an explanation of the processes used to address complaints under this policy.
13.7.6.2 The investigator(s) may conduct interviews with parties involved, including the Complainant, the Respondent, and witnesses.
13.7.6.3 Such interviews will take place with each party separately. Each party asked to participate in an investigation (including witnesses) is entitled to have a support person present if desired.
13.7.6.4 The investigator(s) will comprehensively and accurately document all information obtained during the interviews, including the parties involved, timing, location, and nature of conduct reported or witnessed.
13.7.6.5 The investigator(s) will also document details about the interview such as the time, nature, and parties present.
13.7.6.6 If the investigator(s) considers it appropriate for the safe and efficient conduct of an investigation, then workplace participants, party members, or volunteers may be removed from their duties or provided with alternative duties.
13.7.6.7 The investigator(s) or Chair of the Committee may order Respondents to have no contact with a Complainant.
13.7.6.8 An investigation can be considered complete when it has collected sufficient evidence on which to base a conclusion, or when the committee determines that such evidence does not exist.
13.7.6.9 The findings of the investigation will be reported to the Conduct Committee.
13.7.6.10 The Conduct Committee's conclusion as to whether violation of conduct has occurred will be based on the evidence and on the balance of probabilities.
13.7.7 The investigator(s) will prepare a report for the Conduct Committee summarizing the allegations, the steps taken during the investigation, and the evidence gathered. The report may make findings of fact and recommendations for further action.
13.8 Informal Resolution Process
13.8.1 It is up to the Complainant to determine whether or not they wish to pursue an informal resolution. The Respondent has no rights under this bylaw to insist upon an informal resolution.
13.8.2 An informal resolution has been achieved when:
13.8.2.1 A common understanding of the factual circumstances surrounding the complaint has been established; and at least one of the following obtains:
13.8.2.1.1 The Respondent has taken responsibility for the offending behaviour and a behaviour management plan has been established to prevent further offending behaviour to the satisfaction of the Conduct Committee; and/or
13.8.2.1.2 The Respondent has undertaken any additional measures agreed to in the process (e.g., education, training, or restorative action); and/or
13.8.2.1.3 An apology has been given by the Respondent; and/or
13.8.2.1.4 The Complainant is satisfied that their complaint has been resolved.
13.8.2.1.5 The Complainant withdraws their complaint.
13.8.3 To achieve an informal resolution, the Conduct Committee may appoint a mediator. The mediator must be familiar with this bylaw, have no conflict of interest, and be agreeable to both parties. If both parties and the Conduct Committee cannot agree on a mediator after reasonable efforts have been made, the matter will proceed to the formal resolution process, at which time the informal process will end.
13.8.4 The mediator will be provided with the statements of both Complainant(s) and Respondent(s) and any supporting documentation submitted by either.
13.8.5 Any communication between the Complainant and the Respondent proposed by the mediator must be approved by the Complainant.
13.8.6 The Complainant may at any time ask that the matter proceed to a formal resolution, at which time the informal process will end.
13.8.7 The mediator will make a report to the Conduct Committee of the terms of resolution (if reached) to which the Complainant and Respondent have agreed.
13.8.8 Resolutions arrived at through informal resolution are not findings of guilt. The terms of resolution are not subject to appeal. If new evidence is brought by either the Complainant or the Respondent, a new complaint may be initiated.
13.9 Formal Resolution Process
13.9.1 A Complainant may choose to pursue a formal resolution to their complaint.
13.9.2 A formal resolution to a complaint includes:
13.9.2.1 An investigation which secures sufficient evidence so as to enable a finding of fact as to whether the alleged behaviour occurred on the balance of probabilities; and
13.9.2.2 A determination regarding whether the behaviour constitutes misconduct; and
13.9.2.3 A recommendation of disciplinary or other action to the Chair of Federal Council; and
13.9.2.4 A comprehensive report which includes all evidence leading to the conclusions, a description of the process, and any recommendations, delivered by the Conduct Committee to the Federal Council.
13.10 Disciplinary Action
13.10.1 Possible outcomes of the investigation may include but are not limited to:
13.10.1.1 Disciplinary action against the Respondent, including but not limited to:
13.10.1.1.1 Suspension of volunteer duties and/or membership rights;
13.10.1.1.2 Revocation of candidacy for election or for Party office;
13.10.1.1.3 Exclusion from participation in any events, activities, or spaces, both physical and digital, in which the Party has jurisdiction;
13.10.1.1.4 Probation;
13.10.1.1.5 Expulsion from the Party
13.10.2 A formal apology and undertaking that the behaviour will cease;
13.10.3 Conciliation or mediation conducted by an impartial third party where the parties to the complaint agree to a mutually acceptable resolution; and
13.10.4 Restrictions on a member volunteering or working on a campaign or attending meetings or social events for a defined period.
Bylaw 14 Bilingualism
14.1
The Party shall endeavor to reflect Canada’s diversity in its governance, strategic decision-making, operations and deployment of human and financial resources.
14.2
Official written Party communications with all members, the media and the general public shall be of the same standard in both official languages.
14.3
The Party shall provide Provincial and Territorial Organizations, Regional Associations and EDAs with the ability to reach their respective members according to their language of choice.
14.4
Services and support for members, EDAs, Regional Associations and Provincial/Territorial Organizations shall be offered by the Central Office in both official languages.
14.5
The working languages of the Party are English and French, and the Party shall endeavor to reflect Canada’s two official linguistic communities in its hiring of personnel.
Appendix A
The Principles of the Global Greens Charter.
Ecological Wisdom
We acknowledge that human beings are part of the natural world and we respect the specific values of all forms of life, including non-human species.
We acknowledge the wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the world, as custodians of the land and its resources.
We acknowledge that human society depends on the ecological resources of the planet, and must ensure the integrity of ecosystems and preserve biodiversity and the resilience of life supporting systems.
This requires:
- that we learn to live within the ecological and resource limits of the planet;
- that we protect animal and plant life, and life itself that is sustained by the natural elements: earth, water, air and sun;
- where knowledge is limited, that we take the path of caution, in order to secure the continued abundance of the resources of the planet for present and future generations.
Social Justice
We assert that the key to social justice is the equitable distribution of social and natural resources, both locally and globally, to meet basic human needs unconditionally, and to ensure that all citizens have full opportunities for personal and social development.
We declare that there is no social justice without environmental justice, and no environmental justice without social justice.
This requires:
- a just organization of the world and a stable world economy which will close the widening gap between rich and poor, both within and between countries; balance the flow of resources from South to North; and lift the burden of debt on poor countries which prevents their development;
- the eradication of poverty, as an ethical, social, economic, and ecological imperative;
- the elimination of illiteracy;
- a new vision of citizenship built on equal rights for all individuals regardless of gender, race, age, religion, class, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, disability, wealth or health.
Participatory Democracy
We strive for a democracy in which all citizens have the right to express their views, and are able to directly participate in the environmental, economic, social and political decisions which affect their lives; so that power and responsibility are concentrated in local and regional communities, and devolved only where essential to higher tiers of governance.
This requires
- individual empowerment through access to all the relevant information required for any decision, and access to education to enable all to participate;
- breaking down inequalities of wealth and power that inhibit participation;
- building grassroots institutions that enable decisions to be made directly at the appropriate level by those affected, based on systems which encourage civic vitality, voluntary action and community responsibility;
- strong support for giving young people a voice through educating, encouraging and assisting youth involvement in every aspect of political life including their participation in all decision making bodies;
- that all elected representatives are committed to the principles of transparency, truthfulness, and accountability in governance;
- that all electoral systems are transparent and democratic, and that this is enforced by law;
- that in all electoral systems, each adult has an equal vote;
- that all electoral systems are based on proportional representation, and all elections are publicly funded with strict limits on, and full transparency of, corporate and private donations;
- that all citizens have the right to be a member of the political party of their choice within a multi-party system.
Nonviolence
We declare our commitment to nonviolence and strive for a culture of peace and cooperation between states, inside societies and between individuals, as the basis of global security.
We believe that security should not rest mainly on military strength but on cooperation, sound economic and social development, environmental safety, and respect for human rights.
This requires
- a comprehensive concept of global security, which gives priority to social, economic, ecological, psychological and cultural aspects of conflict, instead of a concept based primarily on military balances of power;
- a global security system capable of the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts;
- removing the causes of war by understanding and respecting other cultures, eradicating racism, promoting freedom and democracy, and ending global poverty
- pursuing general and complete disarmament including international agreements to ensure a complete and definitive ban of nuclear, biological and chemical arms, antipersonnel mines and depleted uranium weapons;
- strengthening the United Nations (UN) as the global organisation of conflict management and peacekeeping;
- pursuing a rigorous code of conduct on arms exports to countries where human rights are being violated.
Sustainability
We recognise the limited scope for the material expansion of human society within the biosphere, and the need to maintain biodiversity through sustainable use of renewable resources and responsible use of non-renewable resources.
We believe that to achieve sustainability, and in order to provide for the needs of present and future generations within the finite resources of the earth, continuing growth in global consumption, population and material inequity must be halted and reversed.
We recognise that sustainability will not be possible as long as poverty persists.
This requires:
- ensuring that the rich limit their consumption to allow the poor their fair share of the earth's resources;
- redefining the concept of wealth, to focus on quality of life rather than capacity for over-consumption;
- creating a world economy which aims to satisfy the needs of all, not the greed of a few; and enables those presently living to meet their own needs, without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet theirs;
- eliminating the causes of population growth by ensuring economic security, and providing access to basic education and health, for all; giving both men and women greater control over their fertility;
- redefining the roles and responsibilities of trans-national corporations in order to support the principles of sustainable development;
- implementing mechanisms to tax, as well as regulating, speculative financial flows
- ensuring that market prices of goods and services fully incorporate the environmental costs of their production and consumption;
- achieving greater resource and energy efficiency and development and use of environmentally sustainable technologies;
- encouraging local self-reliance to the greatest practical extent to create worthwhile, satisfying communities;
- recognising the key role of youth culture and encouraging an ethic of sustainability within that culture.
Respect for Diversity
We honour cultural, linguistic, ethnic, sexual, religious and spiritual diversity within the context of individual responsibility toward all beings.
We defend the right of all persons, without discrimination, to an environment supportive of their dignity, bodily health, and spiritual well-being.
We promote the building of respectful, positive and responsible relationships across lines of division in the spirit of a multi-cultural society.
This requires:
- recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples to the basic means of their survival, both economic and cultural, including rights to land and to self determination; and acknowledgment of their contribution to the common heritage of national and global culture;
- recognition of the rights of ethnic minorities to develop their culture, religion and language without discrimination, and to full legal, social and cultural participation in the democratic process;
- recognition of and respect for sexual minorities;
- equality between women and men in all spheres of social, economic, political and cultural life;
- significant involvement of youth culture as a valuable contribution to our Green vision, and recognition that young people have distinct needs and modes of expression.