The Burnaby Green Party (municipal) adheres to six foundational principles set out in the Global Greens’ Charter. The six principles and some examples of what they mean are set out here:
1. SOCIAL JUSTICE
a vision of citizenship built on fairness and equal rights for all, including freedom from discrimination due to indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, wealth or health.
addressing historic and present inequities where multiple forms of discrimination have led to some individuals or communities suffering compounding negative effects.
creating a stable world economy which closes the widening gap between rich and poor, both within and between countries.
the eradication of poverty.
2. RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples and acknowledgment of their contribution to the common heritage of local, national and global culture.
the right of all people to full legal, social and cultural participation in the democratic process.
the right to be free from discrimination due to Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age.
recognition of youth culture as a valuable contribution to our Green vision, and recognition that young people have distinct needs and modes of expression.
3. ECOLOGICAL WISDOM
we seek guidance from indigenous peoples and honour their teachings.
we believe that people need to live within the ecological and resource limits of the planet.
we are committed to optimally maintaining the quality of air, water and land in order to preserve ecosystems that allow humans and biodiversity to thrive.
where knowledge is limited, we take the path of caution, in order to secure the continued abundance of the resources of the planet for present and future generations of all species.
4. SUSTAINABILITY
creating a world economy which aims to satisfy the needs of all.
creating a world economy that enables those presently living to meet their own needs without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.
addressing the causes of global population growth by ensuring economic security, and providing access to basic education and health care for all.
redefining the roles and responsibilities of trans-national corporations in order to support the principles of sustainable development.
ensuring that market prices of goods and services fully incorporate the environmental costs of their production and consumption.
achieving greater resource and energy efficiency, development and use of environmentally sustainable technologies.
encouraging local self-reliance to the greatest practical extent to create sustainable, joyful communities.
recognising the key role of youth culture and supporting an ethic of sustainability within that culture.
5. PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY
a democracy in which all citizens have the right to express their views and are able to directly participate in the environmental, economic, social and political decisions which affect their lives.
individual empowerment through education and access to all the relevant information required for any decision.
breaking down inequalities of wealth and power that inhibit participation.
promoting youth involvement in every aspect of political life including youth participation in all decision-making bodies.
elected representatives are committed to the principles of transparency, truthfulness, and accountability in governance.
an electoral system based on proportional representation.
6. NONVIOLENCE
a commitment to nonviolence between states, inside societies and between individuals.
a belief that security should not rest mainly on military strength but on cooperation, sound economic and social development, environmental safety, and respect for human rights.
