Work Less Party of British Columbia
Encyclopedia
The Work Less Party is a political party
in the Canadian province of British Columbia
. The party was founded in 2003 by Conrad Schmidt
. It has a federal wing
and also participates in municipal politics. Schmidt stepped down as the leader on May 1, 2009, to become the party's Chief Agent swapping roles with Jessica Mason-Paull, who is the current leader.
The primary aim of this party is to move to a 32-hour work week. The party slogan is "Work Less, Consume Less, Live More." The slogan describes the party's aim to encourage people to reduce their consumption, to be more environmentally and socially conscious, and to focus on real values. Instead of consuming, people are encouraged to spend time on family, friends, community engagement, art and creative endeavours, spiritual exploration, and athletic activities.
The Work Less Party nominated eleven candidates for the 2005 provincial election
, who won a total of 1496 votes (0.09% of the provincial total). None of the candidates were elected. Denise Brennan had the best result of the party's candidates: 213 votes (1.07% of the total) in Vancouver-Hastings. Ben West, candidate for the party, was endorsed by The Georgia Straight magazine in the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano.
The federal Work Less Party was voluntary de-registered 31 July 2010, after applying for and being granted an extension to the June 30, 2010 deadline for filing a 2009 financial return to Elections Canada. The federal Work Less Party is no longer able to issue tax receipts for political contributions.
The party argues that "the changes will strengthen families and communities, make workers happier, and make the planet healthier".
the Work Less Party nominated Ben West as a candidate for mayor. West was the Work Less Party's West Vancouver-Capilano
riding candidate for the 2005 provincial election where he placed fifth of five candidates with 118 votes (0.59%), but actually won the riding in Student Vote BC. At the time of the municipal election West was serving his fourth term on Capilano College
's Board of Governors and was the Chairperson of the Capilano Students Union. The party's website states that the "Work Less Party municipal platform is focused on ecological literacy, affordable housing, and government accountability."
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
in the Canadian province of British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
. The party was founded in 2003 by Conrad Schmidt
Conrad Schmidt
Conrad Schmidt is a social activist, filmmaker and writer living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who is best known for his role in founding the Work Less Party of British Columbia and for creating the internationally known World Naked Bike Ride protest.-Biography:Schmidt was born and raised...
. It has a federal wing
Work Less Party
The Work Less Party was a Canadian federal political party that became eligible for registration with Elections Canada on October 1, 2007....
and also participates in municipal politics. Schmidt stepped down as the leader on May 1, 2009, to become the party's Chief Agent swapping roles with Jessica Mason-Paull, who is the current leader.
The primary aim of this party is to move to a 32-hour work week. The party slogan is "Work Less, Consume Less, Live More." The slogan describes the party's aim to encourage people to reduce their consumption, to be more environmentally and socially conscious, and to focus on real values. Instead of consuming, people are encouraged to spend time on family, friends, community engagement, art and creative endeavours, spiritual exploration, and athletic activities.
The Work Less Party nominated eleven candidates for the 2005 provincial election
British Columbia general election, 2005
The 38th British Columbia general election was held on May 17, 2005, to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of British Columbia , Canada. The BC Liberal Party formed the government of the province prior to this general election under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell...
, who won a total of 1496 votes (0.09% of the provincial total). None of the candidates were elected. Denise Brennan had the best result of the party's candidates: 213 votes (1.07% of the total) in Vancouver-Hastings. Ben West, candidate for the party, was endorsed by The Georgia Straight magazine in the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano.
The federal Work Less Party was voluntary de-registered 31 July 2010, after applying for and being granted an extension to the June 30, 2010 deadline for filing a 2009 financial return to Elections Canada. The federal Work Less Party is no longer able to issue tax receipts for political contributions.
Policy
The party advocates shortening the work week to 32 hours, prohibiting unpaid overtime work, and changing the "perverse reward system" in the payroll tax system to encourage hiring additional workers, instead of giving current employees overtime. The party argues:By reducing the work week we will be able to distribute the work load to more people and thus increase employment.
Perpetual industrial growth has proven itself a failure to address the increase of homelessness and poverty in BC. It's now time for a new approach.
The party argues that "the changes will strengthen families and communities, make workers happier, and make the planet healthier".
Election goals for 2005
- Champion the economic, environmental and social advantages of a reduced work week.
- Endorse progressive candidates of other parties who believe in a shorter work week.
- Work on community-enriching projects such as the party's theatre production, community forums, and parties.
- Encourage people to vote.
2005 Vancouver municipal election
In the 2005 Vancouver mayoral electionVancouver municipal election, 2005
The City of Vancouver, along with the rest of British Columbia, held its triennial municipal elections on November 19, 2005. Canadian citizens who were over 18 years of age at the time of the vote, and had been a resident of Vancouver for the past 30 days and a resident of B.C...
the Work Less Party nominated Ben West as a candidate for mayor. West was the Work Less Party's West Vancouver-Capilano
West Vancouver-Capilano
West Vancouver-Capilano is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada.For other current and historical North Shore and City of Vancouver ridings, please see Vancouver - Demographics :...
riding candidate for the 2005 provincial election where he placed fifth of five candidates with 118 votes (0.59%), but actually won the riding in Student Vote BC. At the time of the municipal election West was serving his fourth term on Capilano College
Capilano College
Capilano University is an undergraduate-focused, public, coeducational, teaching-intensive university located in the District of North Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. It is enabled by the University Act...
's Board of Governors and was the Chairperson of the Capilano Students Union. The party's website states that the "Work Less Party municipal platform is focused on ecological literacy, affordable housing, and government accountability."
See also
- List of British Columbia political parties