Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LPC-A Constitution
As Amended on November 17, 2013
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ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP
3 Eligibility for Membership 3.1 Every member of the Liberal Party of Canada ordinarily resident in Alberta is a member of the Party. Any person who has attained the age of 14 years and who desires to support the Party and who wishes to be known as a Liberal shall be eligible for membership in the Party without discrimination based on race, nationality or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or mental or physical disability. 3.2 A member of the Party has the right to receive newsletters, information, membership services, and notices of General Meetings and other activities from the Party and their Electoral District Association and the Electoral District Association of which they are an associate member. Idem 3.3 Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a member of the Party has the right to: (a) Attend, speak and vote at a general meeting of their Electoral District Association; (b) Be selected as a delegate or an alternate delegate to any convention or general meeting of the Liberal Party of Canada or the Party; (c) Be elected to any office of the Liberal Party of Canada or the Party; (d) Seek to be a candidate of the Liberal Party of Canada for election to the Parliament of Canada; (e) Subject to the relevant provisions of the constitution of their Electoral District Association, be elected to any office in their Electoral District Association or any office of the Electoral District Association of which they are an associate member; (f) Vote on the Leadership Vote and on the Leadership Endorsement Vote; (g) Appeal to the Permanent Appeals Committee of the Liberal Party of Canada subject to the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Liberal Party of Canada; (h) Appeal pursuant to the relevant provisions of this Constitution; (i) Communicate with, and to receive available services from the Party. Membership in Electoral District Association 3.4 A member of the Party is a member of the Electoral District Association in which the member ordinarily resides provided that a student attending a recognized educational institution in the Province of Alberta may elect to have a membership in the Electoral District Association in which the student resides while attending school, provided that the student may make only one such election in the calendar year.
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ARTICLE 4 - OFFICERS
4 Officers 4.1 The Officers of the Party shall consist of the: (a) President; (b) Immediate Past President; (c) Vice-President; (d) Vice-President, Policy; (e) Secretary; (f) Treasurer; (g) Vice President, Communications; (h) Vice President, Membership; and (i) Vice President, Finance. (2013-11-17) Election of Officers 4.2 The Officers of the Party shall be members in good standing of the Party and shall be elected at the Biennial General Meeting. In the event that any Officer ceases to hold office, the Governing Council may appoint a person to hold such office until the next Biennial General Meeting of the Party. Continuation in Office 4.3 The Officers shall continue in office until a successor is elected or appointed in accordance with this Constitution. Responsibilities and Powers of Executive of the Party 4.4 (1) It is the responsibility of the Party Executive to (a) manage the affairs of the Party; (b) manage the finances of the Party; (c) promote the objectives of the Party; (d) make administrative decisions in accordance with this Constitution, the Bylaws and the policies of the Party and oversee their implementation; (e) develop plans and administrative policies for the Party and present them to the Governing Council for approval; (f) establish procedures for determining the sharing of revenues between the Party as a whole and the EDAs; (g) appoint (i) the Party Constitutional Adviser; (ii) the chairs of any convention, or ad hoc, committee; (iii) the Chief Electoral Officer and the Credentials Committee for the conventions of the Party; (iv) in consultation with the Convention Co-Chairs, the Convention Treasurer; (v) the General Legal Counsel (who must be a lawyer qualified to practise law in Alberta); (vi) the Party Registrar of Bylaws;
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(e)
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Additional Duties 4.8 The Governing Council may prescribe additional duties for the Officers and other officials of the Party.
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ARTICLE 7 - COMMITTEES
7 Standing Committees 7.1 The following shall be the Standing Committees of the Party, namely: (a) Policy Development: shall organize policy initiatives under the leadership of the VicePresident Policy including a policy development process that ensures LPCA polices advance to the LPC and shall carry out other duties as established by the Executive Committee or Governing Council; (b) Communication: shall implement a communications strategy and shall carry out other duties as established by the Executive Committee or Governing Council; (c) Membership Recruitment: shall establish attainable annual goals to increase membership, develop and disseminate strategies and practices to achieve these goals and shall carry out other duties as established by the Executive Committee or Governing Council; (d) Finance and Fundraising: shall support the Treasurer with the financial management of the LPCA, assist in fundraising and shall carry out other duties as established by the Executive Committee or Governing Council; (e) Election Readiness and Electoral District Support: shall assist Electoral Districts Associations and Candidates with Elections Canada requirements, provide on-going Election Readiness support and carry out other duties as established by the Executive Committee or Governing Council ; and (f) Constitution and Legal Affairs: shall ensure that the constitutions and bylaws of the LPCA and the Electoral District Associations conform to the LPC Constitution and current electoral legislation, assist in matters of interpretation, prepare and review amendments to the LPCA Constitution and bylaws, prepare by-laws and carry out other duties as established by the Executive Committee and Governing Council. Appointment of Chairs 7.2 The Governing Council shall elect the chairs of the standing committees on Election Readiness and Electoral District Support and Constitution and Legal Affairs. (2013-11-17) Removal of Chairs 7.3 The Chair of a Standing Committee may be removed from office by a Special Resolution of the Governing Council. Strategic Plans 7.4 The Committees of Policy Development, Finance and Fundraising, Membership Recruitment, Electoral District Compliance, and Election Readiness and Electoral District Organization shall on an annual basis develop and submit a strategic plan to the Governing Council.
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ARTICLE 13 - APPEALS
13 Procedure 13.1 Any member who claims to be aggrieved by a decision of a meeting of the Governing Council, Executive Committee, an Electoral District Association, Commission, or group recognized by the Party may appeal to the Executive Committee. All such appeals shall be in writing and shall state the grounds of appeal and must be delivered to the Chief Office of the Party within forty-eight hours of the time at which the member receives notice of the decision. Adjudication 13.2 The Executive Committee shall within 7 days appoint an Appeals Committee consisting of one or more members in good standing for the purpose of adjudicating on any appeal. No person who is or was a member of the body appealed from may be appointed to the Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee, shall, after affording the parties an opportunity to be heard, rule on the appeal and communicate the results to the Executive Committee, the appellant, and the presiding officer of the organization. The ruling shall be final and binding upon all parties.
ARTICLE 14 - AMENDMENTS
14 Amendment 14.1
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Preamble
The Association is committed to the view that the dignity of each individual person is the cardinal principle of democratic society and the primary purpose of all political organization and activity in such a society. The Association is dedicated to the principles that have historically sustained the Liberal Party of Canada: individual freedom, responsibility and human dignity in the framework of a just society, and political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all persons. The Association is bound by the Constitution of Canada, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and the Liberal Party of Canada Constitution and is committed to the pursuit of equality of opportunity for all persons, to the enhancement of our unique and diverse cultural community, to the recognition that English and French are official languages of Canada, and to the preservation of the Canadian identity in a global society. In accordance with this philosophy, the Association subscribes to the fundamental rights and freedoms of persons under the rule of law and commits itself to the protection of these essential values and their constant adaption to the changing needs of modern Canadian and Albertan societies. The Association recognizes that human dignity in a democratic system requires that all citizens have access to full information concerning that policies and leadership of the Party; the opportunity to participate in open and public assessment of such means, and such modification of policies and leadership as they deem desirable to promote the political, economic, social, cultural and general well-being of Canadians. To realize this objective, the Association in Alberta strives to provide a flexible and democratic structure whereby all Albertans can obtain such information, participate in such assessment and work for such reform through open communication, free dialogue and participatory action both electoral and non-electoral. The Association is committed to the principle that fairness and equity will apply in all matters within the Party and with other political parties; to respect the dignity and worth of all people; to the free exchange of ideas among party members and among Canadians; to the full and equitable participation of all members; to respect the laws of Alberta and of Canada; and to fairness in electoral competition. This Constitution sets forth the institutions, systems and procedures by which the Association, in cooperation with the Liberal Party of Canada and the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta, works to implement ideas on behalf of its members.
ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS
1 Definitions 1.1 In this Constitution: (a) Association means the
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Objects 2.2 The objects of the Association shall be: (a) to enunciate and promote principles and policies of the Liberal Party of Canada and the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta; (b) to recognize the full membership and participation in its ranks of men, women and youth and to ensure the principle of equality between men and women in the structure and operations of the Association; (c) to participate in the public affairs of Canada by endorsing members of the Party as candidates for election to the House of Commons and supporting their election; (d) to promote membership in the Association; (e) to raise money in support of the fundamental purposes of the Party; (f) to provide a forum for members to have their say and influence the policies and platform of the Party; (g) to ensure equitable representation of aboriginal peoples at all levels of the party;
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ARTICLE 4 - MEMBERSHIP
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ARTICLE 5 - EXECUTIVE
5 Officers 5.1 The Officers of the Association shall consist of the: (a) President; (b) Vice-President; (c) Vice-President, Policy; (d) Secretary; (e) Treasurer; and (f) Such other officers as may be elected at an Annual General Meeting. Standing Committees 5.2 There shall be 6 Standing Committees, namely: (a) Election Readiness and Organization; (b) Communications; (c) Membership Recruitment; (d) Policy Development; (e) Constitution and Legal Affairs; and (f) Finance and Fundraising the Chairs of which Standing Committees (other than the Standing Committee on Policy Development which shall be chaired by the Vice-President, Policy) shall be appointed by the Officers of the Association from among the members, directors and officers of the Association. Executive Committee 5.3 The Officers, the Immediate Past President of the Association, the Chairs of the Standing Committees, together with the Liberal Member of Parliament for the Electoral District, or if there is no member, the Candidate nominated by the Association for the next federal election, shall constitute the Executive Committee. Honorary Members 5.4 All members of the Executive of the Liberal Party of Canada and the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta shall be honorary non-voting members of the Executive Committee of the Association.
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ARTICLE 7 - MEETINGS
7 AGM 7.1 There shall be an Annual General Meeting of the Association in each calendar year at such date and place as the Executive shall determine provided however, that in the event no Annual General Meeting is called within 15 months from the date of the last Annual General Meeting, the Executive Committee of the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta shall have authority to call such a meeting at such time and place within the Electoral District as it may see fit on receipt of the application of not less than ten per cent of members of the Association. (2006.04.09) General Meeting 7.2 In addition to Annual General Meetings the Executive may hold such other General Meetings as they may consider appropriate. Notice of Meeting 7.3 Notice of an Annual General Meeting or a General Meeting shall be given to all members and associate members of the Association at least Fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the holding of such meeting. Such Notice shall specify, in general, the items to be considered by the Meeting. (2006.04.09) Reports 7.4 Each annual General Meeting of the association shall receive and consider reports presented by the Officers, shall approve the Financial Statements provided by the Treasurer, and shall cause to be held an election of Officers and Directors and transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Quorum 7.5 A quorum for the annual General Meeting or General Meeting shall be the lesser of twelve (12) members in good standing or a majority of the membership of the Association. Voting 7.6 The only persons eligible to vote at the Meeting shall be members of the Association who are members at least Fourteen (14) days prior to the opening of the Meeting. Idem 7.7 All voting shall be by show of hands, the result of which shall be determined by the Chair. Any member shall be entitled to challenge the determination of the Chair and demand the matter be re-voted by secret ballot. The Secretary, or in his or her absence, such person as the Executive shall appoint, shall act as the Returning Officer to supervise such secret ballot. In the event of a tie vote on any matter coming before the meeting, the chair shall have a casting vote.
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The term elective members or elective offices as used in this Article shall include: the Officers of the Association as defined in Article 5.1; and the Directors of the Association as defined in Article 5.5. The Executive Committee at least one month prior to the holding of the Annual General Meeting shall appoint a chair of a Nominations Committee who shall identify candidates suitable and willing to fill each of the elective offices. (3) Every Candidate for elective office shall be a member of the Association.
Procedure for Election 7.10 Elections shall be conducted as follows: (a) The chair of the Nominations Committee shall present the entire slate of Candidates for elective officer, who shall be deemed to be moved, seconded and have provided their written consent to stand for election; (b) The election of each Officer shall be conducted separately, in priority to the election of Directors, and in the following order: (i) President; (ii) Vice-President; (iii) Vice-President, Policy; (iv) Secretary; (v) Treasurer. (c) With respect to each officer, there shall be a call for additional nominations from the floor for the office to be filled. Each additional nominee must be present, or have provided their written consent to stand for election. (d) In the event of a further nomination or nominations, an election will be held with respect to that office prior to proceeding to the election of the next Officer. In the absence of further nominations, the Officer shall be acclaimed. (e) A motion may then be made to reduce the number of Directors from the maximum prescribed by this Constitution. If no motion is made, the number of Directors to be elected shall be the maximum number. (f) The election of Directors shall follow and shall be conducted by way of a single secret ballot vote. If the sum of Directors presented on the slate plus additional nominations from the floor is equal to or less than the number of Directors determined to be elected pursuant to Article 5.5, the Directors shall be acclaimed. Procedure for election of delegates 7.11 Procedures for the election of delegates to general meetings or conventions called by the Liberal Party in Canada or the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta shall be in accordance with rules and regulations as may be prescribed for such general meetings or conventions.
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ARTICLE 9 - APPEALS
9 Appeals 9.1 Any person who feels aggrieved by any decision of the Executive, the Officers, or the Electoral District Association shall be entitled to appeal such decision by filing with the Chief Office of the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta within forty-eight (48) hours of becoming aware of such decision, a Notice of appeal. The provisions of the Constitution of the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta shall apply to the appeal. Appeal to Permanent Appeals Committee 9.2 This Article does not apply where the person aggrieved has the right of appeal to the Permanent Appeals Committee of the Liberal Party of Canada.
ARTICLE 10 - AMENDMENT
10 Amendment 10.1 This Constitution may be repealed, replaced or amended by a Special Resolution at a General Meeting duly called and to which notice has been provided of the proposed repeal, replacement or amendment and shall stipulate a date at which such repeal, replacement or amendment shall be effective. Disallowance by Executive Board 10.2 The Governing Council of the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta may by Special Resolution declare invalid any provision of an Electoral District constitution which, in its opinion, is inconsistent with this Constitution or the rules of natural justice or fair play. Copies of Amendment 10.3 Copies of this Constitution and any repeal, replacement or amendment thereof certified by the President shall within Thirty (30) days of their effective date be filed with the National Office of the Liberal Party of Canada and the Chief Office of the Liberal Party of Canada in Alberta.
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