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Professionalize Federal Council and the Fund
Proposal text
To reform the way that the Federal Council and the Fund are constituted, to include the recruitment of individuals with professional experience including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources and experts in governance and the operation of non-profit organizations. To vet elected candidates for the Federal Council and the Fund including social media checks, reference checks, verified resumes and criminal record checks before a newly elected member can take their seat. To ensure that all members of the Federal Council and the Fund receive comprehensive governance, finance, political and communications training if they do not already have relevant experience or credentials.
Background:
While candidates aspiring to become Green Party of Canada (GPC) Members of Parliament undergo a rigorous vetting process (see attached candidate application form), ensuring their suitability to represent the party in federal elections, the same level of scrutiny does not extend to candidates for the Federal Council. This discrepancy raises concerns about the potential for inexperienced individuals to assume key governance roles, particularly in provinces or territories with limited party membership.
The absence of proper vetting procedures for Council and Fund members also creates a gap that may allow candidates with falsified qualifications to be elected. Mere claims of expertise, such as those found on resumes or business cards, lack substantive verification. To mitigate this risk, the party must establish a comprehensive vetting process that encompasses social media assessments, reference checks, verified resumes, and criminal record evaluations. Only through such a stringent vetting process can the party be assured that an individual’s skills and experience align with their asserted qualifications.
In addition to robust vetting, comprehensive training is paramount to equip Federal Council and Fund members with the skills and knowledge required for their responsibilities. Proficiency in governance, finance, politics, and communications ensures that all members understand their roles in the party's governance and operations, as well as their fiduciary responsibilities.
Many dedicated Green Party candidates and organizers have devoted significant personal and professional resources to advance the party's agenda. Their hard work, including substantial fundraising, volunteer mobilization, and effective campaign leadership, can be undermined by the unprofessional behavior of Federal Council or Fund members.
My personal experiences underscore the urgency for reform. As a former Green Party Member of Parliament, who played a crucial role in building the party's profile in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, I witnessed unprofessional conduct within the Federal Council and the Fund. Unprofessional behavior permeated these bodies, impacting both public and private discussions. Such unprofessionalism directly affected election campaigns and contributed to the party’s electoral losses, including my own.
The Green Party of Canada's journey towards greater success hinges on the professionalization of its governance. Council and Fund members must possess the expertise and skills necessary to guide the party effectively. While regional representatives can be trained to meet the party's professional standards, whenever possible it is imperative to recruit experienced professionals into key governance positions to provide sound advice and guidance to the Federal Council and the Fund.
Suggested Revisions to Bylaw 2:
Add New Section "Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members"
The Federal Council and the Fund will actively seek individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, including experienced campaign managers, communications specialists, accountants, lawyers, political analysts, human resources experts, and governance professionals. This involves transparent communication with the membership, including the circulation of a “skills matrix” that demonstrates which skills are currently well represented on the Federal Council and Fund Board and which are needed. Applicants should be expected to provide details of their relevant skills during the application process.
Candidates seeking election to the Federal Council and the Fund shall undergo a comprehensive vetting process. This process shall include social media checks, reference checks, verification of resumes, and criminal record checks. Only candidates who successfully complete this vetting process shall be eligible to take their seats upon election.
To ensure effective governance, all members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in areas such as governance, finance, politics, and communications.
Modify "2.1.5 Election to Federal Council and Term of Office" to include:
The election process for any office of the Federal Council shall incorporate the provisions outlined in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Additionally, elected members shall undergo the training specified in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw if they do not already possess relevant experience or credentials.
Modify "2.1.5.8 The following people are ineligible to run for Federal Council, serve or continue serving as Federal Councillors:" to include:
2.1.5.8.5
Any candidate who has not successfully completed the vetting process outlined in Section [TBD - Expertise and Recruitment of Federal Council and Fund Members] of this bylaw.
Add New Section:
2.8
Training of Federal Council and Fund Members
2.8.1
All elected members of the Federal Council and the Fund who do not possess relevant experience or credentials shall receive comprehensive training in governance, finance, politics, and communications, as specified in Section 2.0.3 of this bylaw.
Type of Proposal
A constitutional amendment to change the constitution or bylaws
Objective / Benefit
This proposal aims to enhance the Green Party of Canada's governance by ensuring qualified and experienced individuals shape its leadership. Rigorous vetting, professional training, and expertise inclusion elevate the party's standards, fostering effective decision-making and safeguarding against unprofessional behavior, ultimately strengthening its influence and electoral success.
If your proposal replaces an existing policy or policies, which one does it replace?
My proposal would add to, but not replace, Bylaw 2 Federal Council.
List any supporting evidence for your proposal
I could write a book about the reasons this is necessary.
Does this proposal affect any particular group and what efforts have been made to consult with the group or groups?
N/A
Jurisdiction: Is this proposal under federal jurisdiction?
Unsure or Not applicable (e.g. directives and constitutional changes)
Please indicate the language the proposal is being submitted in.
English
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If the word ‘comprehensive’ will trigger unnecessary debate on this amendment, perhaps the mover would agree to a friendly amendment to remove it.
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