Canadian Action Party
Parti Action Canadienne
(Federal)

2003

LEADER: Connie Fogal.

BRIEF HISTORY: Founded in 1997 by former Defense Minister Paul Hellyer. First fielded candidates in 1997. The small Canada Party was absorbed into the CAP in 1997. The CAP proposed a merger with the larger New Democratic Party (NDP) in 2003 -- under a theme of "One Big Party" -- but the two parties were unable to reach an agreement.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Canadian Action Party described itself as "a pro-Canadian party dedicated to the principle that Canada can best serve its citizens and the world by re-claiming and maintaining its political and economic sovereignty as an independent country." The CAP promotes Canadian nationalism, monetary reform, and electoral reform. The party also opposes globalization and free trade agreements. A number of CAP members also belong to the Committee on Monetary and Economic Reform (COMER) and have been influential in developing CAP's monetary policy -- particularly its position that the Bank of Canada, rather than chartered banks, should provide loans to the government, if required, to fund public spending. The CAP also argues for the cancellation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

MAIN WEBSITE: CanadianActionParty.ca

FEDERAL PARTY PROVINCIAL & RIDING ASSOCIATIONS:

No active riding associations.