More and more Canadians are looking past the politicians and parties that stand for the old games of division and conflict. Instead, they want federal institutions and the practice of federalism to reflect the maturity and modernity of Canada.

To strengthen federalism for a mature and modern Canada, Jack Layton and the New Democrats will:

Modernize key federal institutions:

• House of Commons: change the electoral system to ensure that every vote counts. We will implement a proportional representation system that mixes constituency representation with party representation. This will result in fairer representation in Parliament, fewer regional differences, and more women in elected office.
• Senate: abolish the undemocratic and unnecessary Senate, following the lead of Canadian provinces and other jurisdictions that have abolished their upper houses. A referendum on Senate abolition will be held to put the final decision in the hands of all Canadians.
• Floor crossing: Democratic accountability should mean no MP can ignore his/her voters. We will implement legislation so no MP can ignore the voters’ wishes and become a member of another party without first resigning their seat and running in a by-election.

The New Democratic Party of Canada supports a respectful, cooperative federalism that is about making life better for ordinary working people. Our progress as a nation must not be mired in jurisdictional disputes that have at their root a failure by previous federal governments to understand or respect the federal nature of our country. Understanding the nature of Canada is why New Democrats recognize the national character of Quebec, something that has been part of our program since the 1960s, and was recently reaffirmed by our party in 2006. Thus, in our view:

• The federal government must obtain appropriate support from provincial governments before spending federal funds on new programs in areas of exclusive provincial jurisdiction.
• As part of our commitment to "respectful federalism", we support the principles of Canada's Social Union Framework, which requires substantial provincial agreement for such programs, and compensates provinces that choose not to participate.
• We recognize and celebrate the unique role and responsibilities of the Quebec National Assembly. As was the case with public pension plans and many other initiatives in recent Canadian history, further progress towards fairness and equality in Canada requires flexible arrangements that fully reflect and fully respect that unique role and those responsibilities. The New Democrats’ child care legislation provides the latest concrete example of this kind of practical, respectful and effective approach.

Jack Layton will keep the promises made on behalf of the Government of Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador, and the promise made to Saskatchewan.

Improve exchange programs that allow Canadians from one part of the country to study and/or work in other regions.