Liberals for Affordable Conventions

To:  Mike Eizenga and Steven MacKinnon

We, the undersigned, believe that democracy within the Liberal Party is being undermined by the high cost of attending the Liberal Leadership Convention in December. The cost of hotel accomodation, and transportation (particularly for Liberals in Western Canada) is burdensome enough without the added insult of $495-$995 in fees charged to delegates.

A healthy democracy requires open participation by all citizens, and the same applies within a political party. By imposing these steep fees (disproportionate to the cost of running the convention) the Liberal Party effectively excludes individuals who do not have the requisite financial resources to pay their way. Gone are the days of large donations to leadership contender, and with them the days when delegates recieved large subsidies from campaigns. The Liberal Party must adapt to this new reality, and we believe that the fact that fees are so high shows that it has not begun to do so yet.

The ability to participate in democratic processes should not be a privilege of the rich. It should be a right of every citizen. We expect the Liberal Party to make improving participation within the party its top priority.

Therefore, we call upon the Liberal Party to help reduce the financial burden faced by students and the less fortunate by:

- Reducing delegate fees,

- Arrange billoting for those out of town delegates unable to afford the cost of a hotel,

- Encourage Liberals across the country to open their wallets for Young Liberal fundraising efforts.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

The Liberals for Affordable Conventions Petition to Mike Eizenga and Steven MacKinnon was created by and written by Kyle Carruthers (kylejcarruthers@hotmail.com).  This petition is hosted here at www.PetitionOnline.com as a public service. There is no endorsement of this petition, express or implied, by Artifice, Inc. or our sponsors. For technical support please use our simple Petition Help form.

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