June 23, 2007

The future is going to be more and more challenging if we don’t recognize the long-term implications of our actions today. We need to accept and embrace that society is rapidly changing because of developments in technology. We need to manage change so that we keep the positives of the past - our humanity, family and community connection – while recognizing and benefiting from the opportunities and avoiding the pitfalls this change creates.

Things will change for the better if we can increase public participation in government decision-making, thus reversing the current trend of less participation and apathy. We aim to put our talk to action.

We want a government that is chosen by, accountable to, and representative of the people. A government that:

• is elected by the people, accountable to its promises, and transparent;
• enables all to have equal opportunity to benefit from our wealth and resources;
• is easy for the individual to participate in, is accessible, where everyone has an equal voice and impact.

We can start to create this government locally, here in Victoria. Victoria can lead by example.

• Locally: require city council to mandate more referenda to put important issues to the people;
• Regionally: make the CapitolCapital Regional District (CRD) elected, transparent, and accountable;
• Nationally: direct the Prime Minister to only appoint people to the Senate who have been elected by the people thereby creating a representative Senate.

A key issue for us is how to balance individual and collective rights and responsibilities.

Solutions need to be implemented on many levels, reflecting a holistic approach:

• Enhancing opportunities for individuals to grow and develop into fulfilled members of our community. Increase public awareness of the opportunities so they are accessible to many.
• The education system should awaken people to the opportunities that do exist and encourage them to define and achieve their goals, while reducing the barriers that keep people from doing that.
• Recognizing that children learn by example from their parents, remove barriers and create support for parents to be the best role models they can be.
• Ensure that government action does not weaken the family, instead it enhances and supports the family.
• We agree in the principle that laws that limit individual freedom should be based on a transparent and demonstrable analysis of the cost/benefit to society. Costs and benefits need to include tangibles [dollars and scientific evidence] and intangibles [liberty, justice, and compassion].

What can YOU do to make this vision possible?