--By Raehan "Bobby" Umar

"If you were the Prime Minister of Canada, what political vision would you offer to improve our living standards and ensure a secure and prosperous global community?"

INTRODUCTION
Any vision must begin with a simple look at the larger whole. Canada is such a beautiful, diverse, and lush land. To reflect its majestic ecosystem, a natural metaphor is ideal. I have chosen the Canadian Maple tree to express the initial seeds of my plan. The vision I offer is a small piece of a larger, more complex puzzle. Canada, like the Maple tree, must continually feed and strengthen itself, adapt to new environments and surroundings, and grow. My vision incorporates Knowledge, Innovation, and Growth to develop Government, Citizen, and Global recommendations.

THE MAPLE MODEL
The Maple tree has been Canada’s official national arboreal emblem since 1996. Imagine each cell in this structure as a citizen and each leaf a community of Canada. These communities are supported by branches, representing infrastructure. The veins within the tree represent communication pathways. The trunk, like the government, supports and drives the growth of the entire tree. A nation, like a tree, is vulnerable to changes in the external environment. If opportunity for growth is in a certain direction, then a nation should pursue it, just as a tree leans towards the sun. The trunk feeds the entire tree through its roots, representing history, culture, and values. New ideas force us to reassess these roots allowing us to grow, adapt, and re-invent ourselves through each season. Canada, at all levels, must anticipate change, and innovate for further growth.

GOVERNMENTAL CHANGE
The Canadian governmental landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. It has been tainted by regional disillusionment, media wars, political point grabbing, voter buying, and a constant search for fault. My vision would use all the MP’s as a team to represent all areas, values, and cultures. We have an opportunity to put political lines aside and focus on solutions for the good of the country and its citizens, particularly beyond our own mandates. My role as Prime Minister is to do what is best for the country, then my party, and lastly my own individual needs. I would listen to the needs of all citizens, opposition parties, critics, and experts. I would then determine the most viable utilitarian solution and implement them systematically. I would explain to all Canadians my reasoning for these actions and would not be afraid to embrace a new idea. I would be prepared to give up my position if I felt, in good conscience, that I was not achieving my mandate.

Senate and Electorate reform
Though vital to our parliamentary system, the Senate suffers from deserved public scrutiny. Recent issues include having appointed positions with no clear length of terms, and poor attendance. Using Frank Stronach’s idea of a ‘jury senate’, I propose an elected senate. Half of the members would be voted every three years, each serving a six-year term. This allows the senate election to counter-balance a mismanaged government in power, and send a more powerful signal for change than by-elections.
One-half of the Senate would be partisan members. The other half would be comprised of empowered citizens. Through a random draw of the list of electors by the Chief Electorate Officer, citizens from across the country would be selected to serve a 6-year term. Each accepting applicant would submit their qualifications (subject to regulations such as age, education, and availability) and reasons for joining the Senate. This information is passed on to voters, thus eliminating the need for expensive campaigns. These non-partisan Senate members could vote freely, forcing governments to submit better legislation bills. This idea encourages citizen involvement and brings more ideas outside the home.
Regarding House of Commons (HOC) elections, Canadians feel strongly about the misrepresentation of government due to distortions of the popular vote. In recent years, the Tory party has fallen victim. Another issue is deciding for whom to vote: an individual that the community knows and trusts, the preferred party that will likely have power, or the party they wish would have power. I would propose a dual election system. Initially, we can reduce the number of ridings by 25. Then another 50 seats would be added to represent proportional votes, changing the number of seats in the HOC to 326. Electors vote for the individual in each riding as well as the specific party they like. For example, Ontario would have approximately 90 riding seats and 18 proportional seats. When my party wins all 90 seats (naturally), the remaining 18 seats would be made up proportionally of the other parties according to the percentage of votes received. This allows strong representation for major government parties across the country and minimizes the influence caused by largely regional parties. Though it may result in more minority governments, I believe that it is in the best interests of the country. My government would encourage the parties to work together for solutions. A political environment of consensus would replace the adversarial one that has hampered legislative progress.

Taxation
Taxes are vital to governments, yet they burden citizens and industry. I would eliminate the complicated tax bracket system and incorporate a flat tax of 20% applied to those individuals earning more than $15,000, which is significantly above the poverty line. This helps those with student or part-time income (such as single parents in school) or individuals struggling with hard times. By eliminating many loopholes and questionable accounting practices, we would gain the trust of Canadians because they deemed it fair and equitable. As well, I would add an ‘Under 40’ incentive tax relief. From the time a citizen starts paying taxes, the citizen will receive tax breaks for consecutive time spent in Canada in increments of 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. This tax cut would be either a percentage of income or a fixed amount, whichever is the least. This provides incentive for our young, talented people to remain in Canada. Capital gains tax in Canada would be reduced to the lower 25th percentile. This would increase foreign investment in Canada. My government can continually benchmark for necessary adjustments given global economic changes. I would additionally increase taxes on detrimental activities such as smoking cigarettes. I would also increase taxes on environmental resources such as fossil fuels and water in order to entice corporations to search for other ways to provide energy or for individuals to reduce waste. The result is increased individual spending power, incentive to remain here, and investment by multinationals, all enhancing productivity and growth.

Accountability
Accountability is a major issue since the media has gained so much power. With the Governor-General, I would form a Parliamentary Independent Accountability Committee designed to hold parties and MP’s accountable for their campaign promises. I recognize that it is very difficult to keep all promises. In fact, as Prime Minister, I can and will make mistakes. The committee would determine if my actions or explanations are sufficient. For example, with the ‘scrapping the GST’ promise, if the Prime Minister or the party apologized for not abolishing it and gave good reasons, the committee could then rule on it via an inquiry. If not, then the Governor-General could call a new election either for the party or for the MP. This ensures that governments will not buy votes with false promises, and it will keep them more organized by continually adapting to economic or social conditions. Strong media power would subsequently force the government to communicate quite clearly its mandate and in effect, minimize voter ignorance.

Leadership
Leadership is an imperative quality in a Prime Minister. I would uphold my personal vision on leadership, which follows: Leadership is about making a difference and creating positive change. It is about getting things done, and getting rid of everything else that does not contribute. It is about encouraging, enabling, and empowering every citizen. It is about reinforcing core values, articulating a vision, and then setting people free to explore their potential. Leadership is about trust. It is about giving authority back to where it belongs. In the case of Canada, it is about giving authority to the MPs and government workers who understand and care about the process, and to the citizens whose personal relationships build the community. Leadership is about working with others to create a world where peoples' hearts and minds can be innovative, entrepreneurial, and strong; where people can aspire to do useful and significant things; and people can feel that they belong as an essential part of the great Canadian Maple. I would be a leader capable of maintaining progress, and overcoming barriers. If at any time, my leadership were in doubt then I would adapt and grow, or leave. I would willingly put my leadership up to an annual review by my party because the good of the country and/or the party takes precedence. Maple leaves wither, fall, and are reborn or a new one rises to take its place.

INDIVIDUAL CHANGE
The Canadian charter of rights and freedoms guarantees the fundamental freedom of:
• Conscience and religion;
• Thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;
• Peaceful assembly;
• Association.

These fundamental freedoms are more important here than any other country since Canada is widely known for its diversity. Is it not time we celebrated it? The first step is to start linking us together. The enormous size of Canada and regionalization of the provinces need to be overcome before we become part of the prosperous global community.
My first step would be to create a Provincial Sister regional development plan. Each major province would be linked or bound to a lesser populated or economical province in terms of government transfers, constitutional vetoes, and cultural exchange. British Columbia would partner with Yukon, Alberta and Saskatchewan with Northwest Territories, Manitoba, and Ontario with Nunavut, and Québec with Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Each group would get a veto vote for constitutional change. Each would also participate in a cultural and work exchange plan, similar to the Language Bursary program. Students of each province could obtain a summer bursary to move to the sister province and either work for that government’s summer youth employment plan, participate in a cultural exchange with families, or attend an established program at several universities and colleges. By linking these sisters, there will be more knowledge and acceptance of diversity. Larger provinces will realize how important it is to support one another if we are all going to grow together. Each province can also link with Aboriginal reservations for cultural exchange.
The second step is to empower citizens to take a more pro-active role in society and in social causes. This can be achieved through the previously mentioned jury senate. New tax incentives could also motivate citizens to donate to non-profit organizations or to test their entrepreneurial spirit by starting their own businesses. I would also encourage citizens to participate in Federal, Provincial, and Municipal committees, town halls, and idea conferences. Together we can work on active solutions to issues that Canadians care about such as Education, Health Care, and Unity.

Education
We have now entered the knowledge-based economy. Intellectual capital value can be extracted from the talented people of Canada. Canada must create an educational environment that allows access to all class levels and abilities. Following the UK model, my government would minimize the financial complexity of tuition fees and student loans by increasing funding to the universities to provide free education up to the Baccalaureate level. Partnerships with Canadian and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) firms can aid graduate programs, while encouraging Canadian Research and Development (R&D). My government would also expand funding for knowledge-management research and developing home-grown skills. Canada must then address the ‘brain drain’. Tax incentives and opportunities are required to entice talented Canadians to stay or foreigners to relocate to Canada. Round tables and conferences are excellent means to attract talent to Canada. McMaster University’s Intellectual Capital Conference and Toronto’s Idea Conference have also beautifully accomplished this. I would extend these gatherings to all the provinces. Through technology, the information gathered and taught can be sent to all Canadians via an effective e-learning program. The eventual result is a more educated populace with the talent, resources, and funding to establish cutting edge research labs, industry hotbeds, and high-tech infrastructure placing Canada amongst the top countries in the world.

INTERNATIONAL BRANDING
Another important method for Canada to place itself as a recognized global player is branding. Now many will say that we indeed have the maple leaf. But how does that promote our country? Effective branding requires a product, a personality, and a promise. Ask any foreigner “What is Canadian?” and the images relayed are Mounties, hockey players, and beavers. Canada has a significant number of products and businesses that can be used to develop the Canadian brand, similar to how IKEA represents Sweden and a cool lifestyle. The trade missions were good but were not effective in branding or selling Canada as they were at selling our Prime Minister. By focusing on Canada’s top companies and products, (Bombardier Sea-Doos, RIM Blackberries), our entertainers (Mike Myers, Bryan Adams, Céline Dion, and Cirque du Soleil), and R&D talent, we can communicate the personality and promise of Canada to the global community. For too long we have tried to be other countries instead of getting countries to want to be like us. Although no brand minimizes any negative attitudes towards us, a positive brand can significantly add value to our image. I would call for an international ad campaign to define, sell, and brand our country and its products. Although it would be challenging to differentiate ourselves from our giant southern neighbour, we can develop and invest in our own ideas. We must develop the attitude and perspective of confident innovators. We must believe that our ideas are the core of our vast land. By utilizing the newly empowered community and business leaders, we can generate ideas to improve the quality of life. Consequently, we will all want to stay, and everyone else will want to join us. According to R.O.B. Magazine, our new brand could be summed up as:
Product: Creativity, quality, simplicity, practicality
Personality: Humourous, Confident
Promise: Quality of Life

Further to this, a mission statement with a unified message for Canada can be developed to attach to all Canadian products we export.

CONCLUSION
As a son of immigrants, I am proud to call Canada my home. I have lived in four provinces including Quebec and learned four languages. My own diverse background allows me to fully appreciate the diversity of this glorious nation. My message to Canada is my mission statement: Although I am but a cell, I am part of the mighty Canadian Maple. Each year my leaf must change colour, to innovate and prepare for future seasons. Our tree has unlimited capacity to grow and flourish. It is our passion that waters the roots.