My Name is Aaron Sears, and am formally applying for the leadership position in the Pirate Party of Canada
Background — I am currently serving in the Canadian Forces as a Naval Communicator Esquimalt, B.C. I have been working IT for the navy for the last 7 years, and before that, as a graphic designer. I have diploma in digital art and design, as well as going for my degree in 'business and technology' from Thompson Rivers University. I currently have one deployment under my belt in 2008, around the Somalian coast, and am currently an instructor for the next generation of todays serving members.
Disclaimer: While I mention my service for background purposes, this is no way is endorsed by DND. I am applying as a citizen, and not in any way affiliated with DND for the purpose of this request.Platform — The whole idea for the pirate party, in my opinion, is to add a level of technological knowledge and understanding to the Canadian political spectrum. To date, it is mostly done by large Canadian corporate interests, which act in their shareholders behalf, and not of the public in general. There needs to be balance in this, for the sake of personal freedoms, encouragement of an entrepreneurial and competitive technological business culture, and balance in government.
This first phase of the pirate party needs to be about legitimacy, and while it may sound a little superficial, a bit of pandering to the center (as it is in Canadian politics) would be a good thing. It's generally an uphill battle, but I know the more professionals that join us, the better it will be, and am here for that purpose.
While our stand on internet neutrality and other like matters is well known, stances on other important issues to Canadians will be, in essence, what allows us to eventually garner mainstream support from regular Canadians. I find the people who support the PPC tend to have similar views on the issues surrounding Canadians, and these needs to be clarified in order to give a complete political package to Canadians.
Foreign Policy — Canada has had a history, post world war II of 'punching above our weight' in foreign interventions. While this is generally a good thing, great care needs to be made to ensure that we do not overstep our bounds, capabilities, or ethical mandates. I would be for removal of troops and Aid agencies overseas, in the event that their continued presence is either not sanctioned by the UN, or unable to assist a country. Canadians overseas are very expensive to maintain, and if we are no longer doing the good that we should, it's time to consider re-tasking. Our trade and foreign relations are very interconnected, and this is a good thing, to excersize 'soft power' in order to achieve ethical and humane ends, and this needs to be encourage. While the need for a strong business sector in Canada is a good thing for all, this cannot take precedence over our efforts to improve the quality of life for the world. An increase of 15% profit over the last quarter is too high a price to pay for that aim.
Economic — Large industry, and large corporations do very well in the Canadian market, and in that regard, will not need government help as much as budding entrepreneurs, or small business owners. Our economic policy should be designed for removing the capital investment costs in all sectors. All Canadians should be able, with a little hard work and know-how, to get into the business sector and prosper. And while I know it's cliche to say a balanced budget or surplus is important, the need for us to occasionally sacrifice in the short term, in order to have prosperity in the long term, is something the country needs to hear form out public officials
Education — Strong education breeds strong civic minded citizens, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals. Ensuring a policy that gets as many Canadians into the door as possible is of the utmost importance in the long term Canadian interest. Countries like Oman and the UAE are able to provide all their citizens with free college, and what amounts to a 'starter pack' for their first step into the real world. Ideally, we should have the same process here. So long as someones willing to work for it, there should be no barriers financial, geographical, or otherwise in achieving that.
Aboriginal Affairs — The current system is flawed. Too many people have framed the debate in a way that does not benefit our first nations. Accountability, return on investment (in the sense that money spent needs to have defined goals, and meet those goals) and eventual autonomy for these communities should be the endgame. When communities are brought up to prosperity together, we all prosper.
Quebecois — Our french culture is one of Canada's prized possessions, and we should encourage as much of it in the Canadian culture as possible. We are home to the second largest french speaking city in the world (Montreal vs. Paris) and as such have a great deal to offer all Canadians.
Now none of these are set in stone. There is a strong need for public discourse, and concessions may have to be made to less important objectives in order to achieve the important ones. We need to remain flexible, honest, transparent, and engaged with everyone, in order to achieve the greatest good for Canada, even if it requires sacrifice in the short term.
And on a lighter note, you have to show up in a nice suit, clean haircut and well maintained shoes. Looking professional makes the job of being professional that much easier.
