We, the Progressive Justice Party, believe the purpose of government is to serve each and every person in our nation. The very root of democracy is "people power." We have always stood for and promoted the involvement of the people in our government. Nevertheless, "people power" goes beyond the ability to vote in elections or referenda. Unless the people are involved in the workings of the justice system, can raise environmental concerns, or have a say in their workplace or many other areas of life, we do not have true "people power." If given a mandate to govern, we pledge to make every effort towards broadening the access of the ordinary person to their government, to express their concerns, to influence policy, and to work out solutions with us. Shall the people rule?
Economics
-Financial institutions cannot serve only the wealthy, or ignore those who live in rural areas. Lack of access to financial capital or even just a safe place to put one's hard-earned money is a failure of a society to serve its people. Therefore, we propose increasing governmental assistance to credit unions, farmers' banks, or community-run banks to enable them to help underserved areas. Additionally, we propose empowering the Postal Service to offer simple checking and savings accounts to individuals, so that no matter where they live, Nova Anglicans may have access to a bank account.
-The right to earn a living should be as available as possible in a wide range of economic sectors. Unfortunately, powerful interest groups have abused their influence to throw up barriers to earning a living, taking power away from the people. Therefore, we propose that occupational licenses in many areas be recognised and standardised across provinces, and that licensing requirements and scope of practice rules be loosened for certain professions. This will promote an increase in the number of small businesses, as well as open up avenues to work for many who cannot afford the hefty fees or onerous training requirements now mandated by the current licensing regime.
-Large corporations need to be held accountable in any number of ways. A small, but important, step we can take for "people power" in this nation is to require that corporate governance boards have gender and racial diversity that reflects the gender and racial diversity of our great nation. When large corporations take all people's views into account, they will be better equipped to serve their customers. Therefore, we propose a gender requirement of 25% women on corporate governance boards by 1 January 2023, rising to 33% by 1 January 2025, 40% by 1 January 2027, and 50% by 1 January 2030. Additionally, corporate governance boards must also have at least one member that represents each census racial category by 1 January 2023, and should mirror as closely as possible the racial makeup of the nation by 1 January 2031, post-2030 census. We propose tax incentives for corporations who meet each requirement ahead of schedule, and tax penalties for corporations who fail to comply.
Governance
-"People power" means not only hearing the people's views, but actually giving them the power to influence policy and having their views taken into account. When the people's involvement in governing their nation is deepened, the nation is strengthened, and civic spirit blossoms. Therefore, we propose that citizens' councils, made up of a random representative sample of citizens, be convened no less than twice a year on subjects of public importance. These councils, aided by experts, will deliberate and offer policy recommendations and solutions to Her Majesty's Government, which shall be bound to bring legislation before the House of Deputies that addresses the subject of public importance and takes into account the citizens' council's recommendations. This brings the government closer to the people and allows their voice to be heard.
-We believe that it is not only in rhetoric where the values of a nation may be seen, but also in their spending. What the government spends money on reflects the values of a nation. Therefore, we propose establishing a pilot program of participatory budgeting. Municipalities and county councils may apply for additional grants, which will then be put up for public debate and vote as to how they will be used. When the people decide how money is spent, they truly wield their power.
-When we say "People power", we mean all people. This especially includes people who have been traditionally overlooked or marginalised. Therefore, we propose a special commission, made up of parliamentary representatives and representatives of civil society, to study the feasibility of granting additional sovereignty to indigenous groups, such as the First Nations and the Litorana and Pianura peoples. We would also charge said commission with the study of additional sovereignty for the region of Labrador, whether limited devolution or full provincial status. Indigenous peoples and underserved regions deserve the proper attention, representation, and control over their own affairs afforded to all other members of our society.
Labour
-As we value and try to promote gender and racial diversity in large corporations, it is important not to overlook that "people power" in large corporations also means "worker power." Workplace democracy can take many forms, but is essential in all large businesses. Therefore, we propose that in all large businesses, unionised or not, workers have the ability to elect works councils, which will communicate worker concerns to management. Works councils will also elect worker representatives to corporate governance boards, with at least one worker representative on all corporate governance boards by 1 January 2023, rising to 25% worker representation by 1 January 2027. We propose tax incentives for corporations who meet each requirement ahead of schedule, and tax penalties for corporations who fail to comply. Works councils would be forbidden to call strikes, which would remain the province of labour unions. Nova Anglicans must not live under a dictatorship in the workplace, as they do not live under a dictatorship in wider society.
-Part of "people power" is the demanding and protection of the rights of the people. One of the rights of the people is the right to a free and fair hearing of their grievances with their employer. Mandatory arbitration clauses in worker contracts stifle the voices of workers who have legitimate complaints against their employer, and tilt the playing field in favor of the employer when it comes to resolving complaints. We propose to ban mandatory arbitration and return to all workers the ability to redress their grievances through all manner of legal channels, not merely arbitration.
Spending and Taxation
-The central government has been hampered by years of enforced austerity. While continuing to spend within our limits and pay off any existing debt, we should make every effort to fully fund all ministries. Therefore, we propose funding all ministries at no less than FY 2018-19 levels in FY 2022-23, with adjustments for inflation being put in place by FY 2024-25. We do not oppose additional borrowing to fund government priorities within reasonable limits.
-We support additional taxation if necessary to fund government expenditures and to reduce the hoarding of wealth which undermines "people power." Therefore, if necessary, we propose gradually raising the corporate minimum income tax to at least 15% and the top income tax bracket to 45%, as well as gradually lowering the non-real estate capital gains exemption and top bracket to AP 50,000 and AP 300,000, respectively, all by FY 2025-26.
Environment
-"People power" is meaningless unless people can survive and enjoy a decent standard of living. Too many of our nation's people live in homes with substandard heating or cooling that are massively energy inefficient. The dangers of extreme heat or extreme cold brought on by climate change affect the most vulnerable among us the most. Therefore, we propose zero-interest loans to homeowners and landlords to encourage weatherisation, energy efficient roofing, the installation of home solar panels, and the installation of heat pumps to replace boilers, furnaces, air conditioning units, or other purposes that lead to energy efficiency. This will both protect the most vulnerable and allow use to move closer to net-zero carbon emissions and combat climate change.
-Research has increasingly shown the dangers of our overuse of plastics. Not only does it encourage excessive oil consumption and lead to climate change, but it has significant effects on both human and animal life through chemicals and unrecycled waste. We applaud communities that have already taken steps towards reducing plastics consumption, but additional action is necessary. Therefore, we propose to eliminate many forms of plastic, such as plastic grocery bags, single-use plastic straws and cutlery, as well as similar products made of polystyrene by 1 January 2030. In the interim, we encourage communities to apply taxation measures to such products. We propose additional funds for production of biodegradable materials that will replace plastic products.
Foreign Affairs
-We applaud the work the Prime Minister has done to bring us closer to the international community, avert conflict, and prioritise traditional soft power methods of diplomacy. We maintain a firm commitment to multilateralism and co-operation with other nations.
-We hope for a smooth election campaign to be held in Nyowani Kitara, and look forward to working with a freely and fairly elected government that respects democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. We support foreign aid and the use of the Anglican Service Corps to continue rebuilding that nation after its tragic civil war.
-"People power" does not stop at our national borders. We support the Esportivan Union in taking action against Ethane for its despicable treatment of women. We propose an expedited asylum process for Ethanian women to come to Nova Anglicana, forbidding Ethane to join the EU or EU institutions while they maintain discriminatory laws, and EU and Nova Anglican sanctions against Damien Shaw and other MoralEthane! leaders, including travel restrictions and asset freezes. We also propose to prevent central or provincial government investment funds from investing in Ethanian companies.
-This is a time of rising crisis in Brenecia. We call upon the EU to provide a rescue fund for the Brenecian economy and, should any unscrupulous individual attempt to take advantage of the chaos, the sanctioning of said individual and their accomplices. Democracy must be preserved, or its spillover effects will be felt regionwide, as in the times of the Corvidae crisis.
-The question of Tumbra and the Northlands is not easily resolved. We support mediation between the Tumbran government and the United Clans by the EU, and by Nova Anglicana if the EU does not act. We call on the Tumbran government to recognise the United Clans as a distinct nation, entitled to human rights and some amount of autonomy, if not sovereignty. We call for an end to fighting between the two sides. We propose to stop the sale of weapons to either side by Nova Anglican groups or companies, and the use of funds and the Anglican Service Corps to provide humanitarian aid and assistance in the Northlands. If Tumbra continues to refuse to respect the human rights of the United Clans and deny the need for negotiation and mediation, then we support suspension of Tumbra's membership in the EU.
Immigration
-We support the government's current program of re-settling 155,000 Janseebuckian refugees over the year 2022. We call on all provinces to accept their fair share of refugees as determined by the legislation passed earlier this year. Nova Anglicana has always been a home for people fleeing oppression, and we intend for it to continue. At the same time, we call for expanding immigration from the Esportivan Union, to strengthen ties between our nation and our EU partners, as well as take advantage of the many gifts and talents the region has to offer us.
Education
-Education is the key to "people power." A properly educated people will possess the civic knowledge and practical skills to effectively sustain our nation for many years to come. However, many underserved areas still face challenges and our civic education can always be improved. Therefore, we propose additional funding for primary and secondary schools in rural areas, areas with high First Nations populations, and in underresourced urban communities for the addition and retention of teachers, the promotion of distance learning, and participatory civic education.
-To build "people power", communities must be strong and well-bonded. Schools can be centres of the community, where bonding happens, wounds are healed, and a strong foundation built for future success. But to do that, schools need additional resources to meet community challenges. Therefore, we propose a pilot program of competitive grants to turn schools into "community hubs," where students are not just supported in school, but also before and after, as well as offering supports for the community. The grants would fund additional nurses and social workers to provide community care, expand afterschool and off-season enrichment programs, fund mentorship initiatives, and provide continuing education and job training to parents and other members of the community. Schools would also have to have significant parent and community involvement in the design, promotion, execution, and improvement of all programs offered at the "community hub." By strengthening community connections, we will build "people power."
Agriculture
-"People power" means strength in community. The small farmer is the backbone of the Nova Anglican agricultural system, but they must be supported by their community to flourish. Therefore, we propose explicitly legalising community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs) and providing funds to get new CSAs off the ground, as well as technical and business assistance for expanding CSAs and their services.
Social Safety Net
-"People power" cannot be bounded by age. Our elderly have the right to a decent standard of living that allows them to exercise their democratic rights to expression and participation without worrying about having to choose between food and housing costs, among other things. We applaud the current state-funded pension system for prioritising the most vulnerable and supporting all our nation's elderly. However, we must do more. Therefore, we propose to require that by 1 January 2024, all large corporations offer all new and current employees tax-advantaged savings accounts with a reasonable rate of interest and company contributions. We further propose tax incentives for corporations that guarantee all new hires from 1 January 2024 a pension following at least 10 years of service that increases as an employee gains additional years of service. For those individuals who do not work for a business subject to these regulations, we propose that the Ministry of Finance offer a tax-advantaged savings account that offers a guaranteed rate of return.
National Defense
-We support the maintenance of the defense budget at its current levels, plus any additional spending needed to keep up with inflation. Nova Anglicana has always prided itself on a well-defended nation while not spending to excessive levels. We believe we can and should continue to strike that balance. Defense policy should be combined with other policies to maintain peace and security. Any additional spending should be geared towards research and development and the protection of veterans.
National Service
-For "people power" to flourish, the civic muscles of a nation must be strengthened. We must trust one another to responsibly exercise the power we are given, and to do that, we must build bonds of civic community. Therefore, we propose that, upon reaching the age of eighteen, all Nova Anglicans be required to complete at least one year of national service. Although some may opt to join the Nova Anglican Armed Forces, we propose that working in education, social services, agriculture, environmental affairs, local government, or many other areas be eligible as well. We also propose making a second year of national service available to those who wish to avail themselves of it. Not only will this allow our nation to serve more of its people, but it will break down barriers of provincial origin, race, religion, gender, and many others among the young and emphasise to their elders that they are leaving this nation in good hands. With great power comes great responsibility.
OOC: Please note that this is an abridged version, as writing an entire manifesto/platform in the amount of detail usually done would be somewhat excessive. Imagine that there are the usual platitudes about patriotism, the Health Authority, teachers, etc, etc.