4 WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER From Page 3 \R. I Program will develop where that power is available, namely the United States. Sale of our cheap power to the United States, and re- tention of our more expensive Peace River power for our own use will not only discourage industrial development in B.C., but will make it harder for the industries we do have to compete with U.S. industries which will be using cheap power supplied by us. Therefore an immediate start must be made on the Columbia River development to provide immediate em- ployment for our construction industry and to provide power at the lowest possible cost to encourage the develop- ment of new industries in British Columbia. Trade unionists have a stake in the answers to the ques- tions raised. Discussions at both conventions should clarify the issues involved for them. END MONOPOLY EXPLOITATION, ; SAYS THE PARTY Trade unionists will have the opportunity to express their views on industrial development, and the control of the province’s natural resources. The proposed program makes the following major suggestions: Living standards are to be raised by encouraging, fostering, and participating actively in the rapid develop- ‘ment of the province, making full use of the industrial potential. This will include the expansion of public owner- ship in oil, gas, telephone and transportation services. A public scheme of auto insurance will be introduced. The New Democratic Party proposes to halt the un- controlled private exploitation of British Columbia’s rich and extensive natural wealth. “Past and present governments have alienated our oil, gas, and forests to private monopolies without safeguard- ing the interests of the people. A New Democratic govern- ment will apply intelligent planning to full development and long-term resource conservation programs, so that present and future generations will enjoy the important benefits to be derived from British Columbia’s unparalleled natural wealth”. Debate may arise on the principles involved. The national convention decided on a mixed economy, in which public and cooperative enterprise would have important roles, and key controls would be retained by the govern- ment. The IWA has made known its views about forest con- servation. Rather than attempt the formidable problems of expropriation of industry, it was agreed that the key to control of the forest industry lay in the control of timber resources. It was advocated that alienated forest lands be returned to the public domain. This step, together with an expanded forest service, would work a profound change for the better in the present situation. A point at issue is the degree of socialization to be undertaken in the first term of office of a provincial New Democratic Party government. Up to this point, trade unionists have shown little concern as to whether a pro- gram is labelled “socialist” or “non-socialist”. Their con- cern is mainly that practical steps be taken to ensure ex- panding employment and rising standards of living. A NEW OUTLOOK ON EDUCATION PROPOSED An educational program, with stress on equality of opportunity, is a highlight of the proposed program. “The New Democratic Party maintains that educa- tion is a basic human right which must be free at all levels to every person who can benefit from it. Every young British Columbian is entitled, as a right, to the opportunity for developing his talents to the full.” “The best use of our new technology demands a well- educated work force.” The program then outlines in general terms the steps to be taken. The demand has arisen for a statement in more specific terms. This may require consideration of provincial and Publication date of the next issue of the WESTERN CANADIAN LUMBER WORKER is November 2nd. Deadline for ad copy is October 26, and for news copy October 27th. ORE PUBLISHED TWICE paral ON THE FIRST D THIRD THURSDAYS BY International Woodworkers of Americh =e (AFL-CIO-CLC) Regional Council No. 1 ae REGIONAL OFFICERS: President Joe Mo st. Vice-President Jack Moore nd Vice-President Bob Ross ird Vice-President Jack MacKenzie Secretary-Treasurer Fred Fieber International Board Members Joe Madden Jack Holst Address all communications to FRED FIEBER, Secretary-Treasurer 2859 Commercial Drive, eee: B.C. TR 4-5261 - Subscription Rat 2.00 per annum Advertising Represiaive sone A, Spencer Authorized as ss Mail, “Post Office Dept., Ottawa ‘ 27.500 COSTES ORINTED IN THIS ISSUE GLEN PHILLIPS look on as Fred Fieber, iReyion No. } Sactahace Tecate cen- ter, and Jacob Holst, No. I hold convention municipal fiscal policies. Those who drafted the program will propose that only the principles be stated at the first convention, and that time be taken for further study, to enable concrete recommendations at the next convention. COMPLETE MEDICAL CARE IS OUTLINED Evidently, the New Democratic Party is determined to follow the example of Saskatchewan in the matter of medi- cal care. The program promises a province-wide medical care plan for all citizens. This coverage will include home, doctor’s office and hospital care, with community-focused mental health services to be attached to local hospitals. Pharmaceutical agencies will dispense drugs under their generic names at the lowest possible cost. When the convention assembles, fuller information will be available regarding the Saskatchewan plan, now before the Legislature in that province. Undoubtedly, this question will be under extended discussion. AN OFFENSIVE AGAINST SOCIAL NEGLECT The proposed program states that it will have as its primary interest the needs of people at all levels of society. It recognizes that human beings are our greatest resource, and that welfare services must be focussed on individual needs and individual problems. A new Department of Social Welfare and Rehabilita- tion is promised. Municipalities will be relieved of the bur- den of social services. Social assistance allowances will be raised. Services and pensions for the aged must be increased, it states, and senior citizens’ housing must be extended. Problems such as those of mentally disturbed or retarded children will be tackled more vigorously. A preventive approach will be taken to delinquency, drug addiction, alcoholism, and men- tal illness. The social welfare service will be suitably ex- panded. A STRONG FARM ECONOMY IS NECESSARY The plank on agriculture indicates two developments. Influential farmer elements are supporting the New Demo- cratic Party. Industrial workers realize that a higher farm income is essential for a sound economy. It is stated that economic and social justice for the farmer is the goal of the Party. Planning of production and co-operative marketing will be the cornerstones of the new agricultural policy in an effort to bring about a parity of income between farm and other economic groups. “The opportunities and facilities now enjoyed by most urban people will be made available to the farmer.” Unquestionably, farm problems will be aired at the convention by farmer representatives. The B.C. Federation See “PROGRAM” Page 6 IWA International Executive Board Member from Region book. —Woodworker Photo Bumbling Policies Scored NIAGARA FALLS (CPA)—The = Diefenbaker government’s Stagna’ tae Canada’s influence abroad, New Democratic Party Leader T. C, > “ ‘ommy) Douglas declared oy Speaking to the founding conven- tion of the Ontario New Democratic Party, Douglas punched holes in the Conservative administra- tion’s claims to have given the country a vigorous economy and an independent status in the world community. More than 1,300 convention dele- gates, alternates and guests gave the Saskatchewan premier the same kind of tumultuous welcome he has re- ceived across the country since his election as party leader last August. In almost 100 years of Liberal and Tory rule in Canada, Douglas reminded the convention, the country has had “an invisible gov- ernment—not those who sit on the Treasury bench . . . but those in big business who plan the nation’s operations in their own interests . . .” ‘Medical Care a Must” While the Saskatchewan CCF government had been the first to in- troduce a hospital insurance pro- gram and was about to pioneer again with a full-fledged medical care plan, Liberal and Tory governments had stalled on health insurance. “A pre-paid government medical care program is an absolute miust in our kind of society. This has been accepted in most countries in the world but in this, country where we've always boasted ‘of our wealth, we haven't got it yet—we haven’t even got a full national hospital in- surance program yet.” “Diefenbaker Floundering” Douglas told the delegates that Prime Minister Diefenbaker’s recent hints through the Tory press that he would call an election on the issue of Canada’s acceptance of nuclear weapons ran counter to U.S. Presi- dent Kennedy’s statement before the U.N. Kennedy had called on the U.N. to seek methods of preventing the spread of atomic arms to nations not now in possession of them. “This government in its foreign policy has floundered from one im- possible situation to another . . until it has no influence abroad,” Douglas declared. “No More Summits” The other nations of the world ought to start making clear to Russia and to the United States that they are about done with summit conferences over Berlin, for example. —Sen. Wayne Morse, ui mia: role in settling w crises in the UN and World Court. Pour yourself A REAL LAGER This advertisement is not published or displayed by the Liquor Control Board or by the Government of British Columbia.