Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. We support a sustainable society that utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must practice agriculture which replenishes the soil, move to an energy efficient economy and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems. 

 

We believe in the right of every person of working age to socially useful and environmentally sustainable work, access for every person to free education and health care, as well as adequate food, clothing and shelter.

All citizens must be able to directly participate as equals in the environmental, economic and political decisions that affect their lives.

We believe individuals should act to improve the well being of themselves and their communities, and at the same time, enhance ecological balance and social harmony. We seek to join with people and organizations around the world to foster peace, economic justice and the health of the planet.

 

We recognize it is essential to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system, one that can create jobs and provide a decent standard of living for all people while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. A successful economic system will offer meaningful work with dignity, while paying a living wage which reflects the real value of a person's work. Local communities must develop an economy that assures protection of the environment and worker's rights, broad citizen participation in planning, and enhancement of our quality of life. We support cooperatives and public enterprises that distribute resources and control to more people through democratic participation.

 

We believe in the concept of a cooperative rather than competitive human society. While both these elements exist in Nature (including human nature), our industrial society has placed far too much emphasis on competition. A change in outlook away from competition and towards cooperation and mutual aid must take place both at the personal, social and global levels.

We believe in honouring the cultural, spiritual, racial and sexual diversity that exists in human societies. We also believe in respecting the diversity that is found in Nature, by striving to protect, restore and enhance the biological diversity on which healthy Nature and all future life depends.

Regardless of differences, we recognize the inherent value of all life. The GPS commits itself to the establishment of a demilitarized society, based on mutual cooperation and nonviolent conflict resolution amongst all people and nations.

We must return power and responsibility to individuals, communities and regions. We must encourage the flourishing of regionally based culture, rather than a dominant monoculture. We must have a decentralized democratic society with our political, economic and social institutions locating power on the smallest scale that is efficient and practical. We must reconcile the need for community and regional self-determination with the need for appropriate centralized regulation in certain matters.

We value women and men equally.  We therefore support active and equal involvement of women in politics and encourage women in politics to assume positions of power.

 

All GPS policies must be measured against these principles. Particular policy / platform positions are an application of these principles to the realities of Saskatchewan today. As the vision and needs of the people of Saskatchewan change, the policies of the GPS will be reshaped by these same founding principles. We invite all citizens of Saskatchewan to consider these principles and to supportGreen Party of Saskatchewan Candidates to achieve electoral success.

 

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