Work Less Party of British Columbia | |
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Leader | Jessica Mason-Paull |
Headquarters | 1545 10 Ave E Vancouver, BC V5N 1X6 |
Ideology | Workers rights, Anti-consumerism |
International affiliation | None |
Official colours | Red |
Website | |
www.worklessparty.org | |
Politics of Canada Political parties Elections |
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 1st, 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.
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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”.[1]
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 election 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."
References
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