{"id":3393,"date":"2019-12-12T14:22:48","date_gmt":"2019-12-12T19:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/?page_id=3393"},"modified":"2022-09-21T14:55:38","modified_gmt":"2022-09-21T18:55:38","slug":"constitution","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/constitution\/","title":{"rendered":"Constitution du parti (EN)"},"content":{"rendered":"

As amended at the 39th Convention Communist Party of Canada, May 17-20, 2019. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Communist Party of Canada is\nthe Marxist-Leninist party of the working class dedicated to the cause of\nsocialism. It is a voluntary organization of like-minded people which strives\nto unite in its ranks the most politically advanced and active members of the\nworking class and of other sections of the people exploited by monopoly capitalism\nwho are prepared to work for the achievement of working class state power and\nthe building of a socialist Canada. The Communist Party of Canada has no\ninterests separate and apart from those of the working class from which it\nsprings.  Support and work for the Party\nprogram is the basis of membership in the Party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The organizational principles of\nthe Communist Party are determined by its political aims. To guide the working\nclass to the achievement of these aims, and to lead the people\u2019s struggle, the\nParty must be founded on firm ideological, political and organizational unity,\nand on the continuous organized activity of its members in close contact with\nthe working people, knowing their views and needs, and able to explain Party\npolicy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Democratic centralism is the\norganizational principle which ensures this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Democratic centralism is binding\non all Party members. It combines the maximum of democratic discussion and\nparticipation of the membership in Party life, with the self-imposed obligation\nto carry out majority decisions and execution of these decisions by an elected\ncentralized leadership capable of leading the entire Party. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It includes full discussion by\nthe entire membership of the policies necessary to advance the aims of the\nParty\u2019s program. Decisions as to what these policies must be are made by majority\nvote which are then binding on all members. This enables the Party to act as a\nunited whole in all conditions of the struggle. Unity derives from agreement on\nthe socialist program of the Party and the recognition that while differences\nmay arise as to how best to advance the aims of the program under changing\ncircumstances, there must be unity of action in executing decisions once they\nare made by majority vote. Thus the Party is a united, militant organization in\nwhich factional or splitting activities are impermissible. All Party members\nmust carry out Party decisions, the minority must abide by majority decisions,\nand lower organizations must carry out decisions of higher organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The multi-national character of\nour country finds expression in the Communist Party, and is reflected in the\nCommunist Party of Quebec which is a distinct entity, within the Communist\nParty of Canada, having complete control of its own policies and structures in\nQuebec. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members of the Communist Party of\nQuebec, as members of the Communist Party of Canada, participate fully, on the\nbasis of equality, in its life and activities, in its Conventions, Central\nCommittee and leadership, take part in the collective formulation of policy and\nshare in the common responsibility for action in the interests of the working\nclass of Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All leading Party committees are\nelected. Elected committees are bound by Party policies as decided by\nconventions. They have the right to make decisions on the basis of these\npolicies, and all Party members and lower Party committees are obliged to carry\nthem out. All Party committees must report regularly on their work to the Party\norganization which elected them and must abide by the principle of collective\nleadership coupled with individual responsibility. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basic organization of the\nCommunist Party is the Party club. It should educate, encourage and in all ways\ndevelop each Party member to become an active worker for the Party\u2019s program\nand policies among their fellow workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Principled criticism and\nself-criticism is carried on in a comradely and objective manner to identify\nand correct errors or weaknesses. Any tendency to suppress or evade principled\ncriticism is detrimental to the Party and must be constantly opposed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In its consistent defence of the\nreal interests of Canada, the Communist Party is guided by the world outlook of\nMarxism-Leninism. The Communist Party of Canada upholds the time-honoured and\ntested principle of working-class internationalism. It develops fraternal ties\nwith Communist and Workers\u2019 Parties of other countries for the victory of the\ncommon aims of the working class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

************************<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ARTICLE 1 Name and Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The name of the organization\nshall be the Communist Party of Canada. The aims and purposes of the Party are\nset forth in its Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ARTICLE 2 Party Emblem<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The emblem of the Party shall be as produced below \u2013 a roundel comprised of half a gear, on the right side, and an ear of wheat, on the left side, forming a circle and symbolizing the unity of the workers and farmers of Canada. The official emblem shall be red in colour. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

ARTICLE 3 Membership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Section One<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any resident of Canada, sixteen\nyears of age or older, who subscribes to the provisions of Article 3 Section\nTwo, shall be eligible for membership. Members of the Communist Party of Quebec\nare members of the Communist Party of Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Section Two<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Party member is one who accepts\nand works to carry out the program and policies of the Party as determined by\nthis constitution and by Convention, carries out Party decisions, belongs to a\nclub, pays dues regularly and supports the Party financially. A Party member\nattends club meetings, reads, supports and spreads the Party\u2019s press and\nliterature and works to build the Party to the best of their ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Section Three<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All prospective members\nshall receive the Program and Constitution before formally applying. Applications\nfor membership that are made directly to the club shall be subject to\ndiscussion and decision by a majority vote of the club. Where there is more\nthan one club in a particular area, the higher body shall determine, in\nconsultation with the clubs, the most appropriate club to which that member\nshould be assigned. Once accepted the member shall take the initiation pledge\n(see below), pay their initiation fee and their first month\u2019s dues, and shall\nreceive a membership card. All new recruits shall be reported by the club to\nthe next higher body of the Party. Where an application is rejected, the club\nshall report such rejections to the next higher body which shall review the\ncase. Where an application for membership is made directly to a higher level of\nthe Party, that body shall determine the most appropriate club to which the application\nshould be directed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Section Four<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In areas where no Party\norganization exists, membership at large can be granted only by the Provincial\nExecutive Committee of the Party, or the Central Executive Committee where no\nProvincial Committee exists. Where deemed advisable this authority may be\ngranted by the Provincial Executive Committee, or the Central Executive\nCommittee, to a Regional Executive Committee. Only in exceptional circumstances\nmay such membership be granted where Party organizations exist. Members at\nlarge shall pay the regular dues and assessments direct to the office to which\nthey are attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of applications from\nformer Party members where the applicant was expelled from the Party or left\nbecause of basic disagreement with Party policy, the club or local Party\ncommittee shall submit such applications and their recommendations to their\nrespective Provincial Committees and where circumstances warrant, to the\nCentral Executive Committee for final decision. When a person applies to rejoin\nthe Party, the club considering the application will request and give due\nconsideration to the views of the applicant\u2019s former club and any Party body to\nwhich the applicant had previously been elected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Section Five<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Party member three (3) months\nin arrears in payment of dues shall cease to be in good standing (refer to\nArticle 5, Section One) and shall be officially informed thereof; a member who\nis six (6) months in arrears shall be stricken from the rolls after all efforts\nhave failed to bring such a member into good standing. This information should\nbe forwarded by the club to the next higher body of the Party. If those whose\nmembership terminated for these reasons apply for readmission within six (6)\nmonths they may, upon approval of the club, or higher committee or body in the\ncase of a Member at large, be permitted to pay up back dues and maintain\nstanding as old members. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Section Six<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The issuance and acceptance of\nnew cards each year is a reaffirmation of membership in the Party. The club\nExecutive is therefore obligated to notify all members of the club in advance,\nthat a special meeting shall take place to review members\u2019 work prior to the\nexchange of cards, and that each member has the right and duty to be present\nand to participate in this review of work and exchange of cards. A club, after\nall efforts have failed, may upon majority decision, and in consultation with\nthe next higher Party body, refuse to renew a membership in the event of\nfailure to live up to the requirements of membership in the Party as described\nin Article 3 Section Two and Article 5 Sections Two, Four, Five and Six. A\nmember disagreeing with such an action has the right to appeal under Article 5,\nSection Three. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ARTICLE 4 Transfer of Members<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Central, Provincial, Regional or\nCity Committees shall assign or reassign members to clubs. This shall be done\nin consultation with the member and clubs concerned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It shall be the responsibility of\nclub members to notify their club upon any change of personal circumstances\nwhich might require transfer to a more appropriate club. The next higher level\nof the Party shall make this determination in consultation with the current\nclub and the proposed destination club. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members wishing to transfer from\none Party club to another in the same city, town or region shall apply to their\nclub and on receiving approval shall obtain the club secretary\u2019s signature to\nthe transfer form in their Party card. The club shall notify the next higher\nParty committee of all proposed transfers. The higher body shall decide on the\nappropriateness of the transfer. No member shall be granted a transfer unless\nin good standing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where the member transfers to\nanother Region or Province, they shall present their Party card signed in\naccordance with the above provision to the Party committee in the area to which\nthey have been transferred. It shall be the responsibility of the club and the\nParty committee in the area from which the member is transferring to promptly\nforward though the Central office any information with respect to the work of\nthe member which it is considered will be helpful to the Party in the area to\nwhich they are transferring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These provisions for transfer\nshall also apply to members of the Communist Party of Quebec moving to other\nparts of Canada, and to members of the Communist Party of Canada moving from\nother areas to Quebec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In all cases involving transfers\nthe responsible committee shall promptly assign the member to a club in\nconsultation with the member and the club. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ARTICLE 5 Rights and Duties of Members<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Section One<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every member of the Communist\nParty in good standing has the right and duty to participate in formulating and\ncarrying out the policies of the Party, including the right and duty to discuss\nany and all policies and tactics within the Party organization and in\ndesignated Party publications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every member of the Communist\nParty in good standing has the right to the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. to reserve their opinion in the event of\ndisagreement with a decision or submit it to a leading committee, at the same\ntime unconditionally carrying it out;<\/li>
  2. to participate in electing the Party\u2019s leading\ncommittees, either directly or through electing delegates to convention;<\/li>
  3. to criticize the work and composition of leading\nParty bodies, using the appropriate avenues within the Party;<\/li>
  4. to be nominated and elected to all committees as\nprovided for by the Constitution;<\/li>
  5. to be fully informed and consulted whenever\ndecisions are taken regarding their activity or conduct;<\/li>
  6. to address any question or statement to any\nParty body, including the Central Committee, and receive an appropriate\nresponse;<\/li>
  7. to prefer charges against any other member in\naccord with Article 11; <\/li>
  8. to appeal disciplinary action against them to\nthe next higher body, up to the Convention. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Section Two<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Party members should constantly\nendeavour to deepen their political knowledge and understanding through\nsystematic study of Marxism-Leninism and work to build the Party. Party members\nwork to implement the decisions of the Party, observe Party discipline and\noppose everything detrimental to the working class and the Party. Party members\nshould study and explain to potential members and supporters the program and\npolicies of the Party in order to win them for these aims. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It is the duty of every Party\nmember to refrain from activities in conflict with established Party policy as\nexpressed through decisions arrived at in conventions and by higher Party\ncommittees. It is the duty of every Party member to defend and strengthen Party\nunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Three<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Party member, club or\ncommittee, disagreeing with a decision of a club, City Committee, Region or\nProvince, has the right to appeal that decision to the next higher body and may\ncarry the appeal to the highest body of the Party, its Central Committee and\nthe Convention. While such an appeal is pending the individual member, club or\ncommittee appealing such a decision must abide by the decision already\nrendered. All appeals shall be heard by the respective committees within sixty\n(60) days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Four<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It shall be the obligation of\nevery member to oppose all forms of national discrimination, oppression and all\nideological influences and practices of racial intolerance and discrimination\nor special privileges based on nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Five<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It shall be the duty of every\nParty member to work for the complete social and economic equality of women and\nfor the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Party members shall set an\nexample of gender equality in social and political life, in the home and in the\nworkplace, and must oppose all forms of patriarchy and gender discrimination,\nhomophobia, transphobia, and discrimination against intersex people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Six<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Party members shall belong to the\nrespective trade union to which they are eligible, further its interests and\nfight consistently to uphold and promote trade union democracy. Where no trade\nunion exists Party members shall work consistently for the promotion of trade\nunion organization, principles and standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Party members eligible to do so\nshall join farm, cooperative, fraternal, professional and other peoples\u2019\norganizations which defend the interests of the working people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ARTICLE 6 Election, Responsibility and Accountability of Leading Bodies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Section One<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All leading committees of the\nParty, from the club executive member to the higher Party bodies shall be\nelected by secret ballot and majority vote either directly by the membership or\nthrough their elected delegates. Committees must report regularly on their\nactivities to the body which elected them or the body to which they are\nresponsible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Two <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Members of a club, by majority\nvote, have the right to recall any member of the club executive provided all\nmembers have been given written notice in good time as determined by the\nConstitution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Three<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Any Party member elected to a\ncommittee may be recalled at any time from their position by a majority vote of\nthe body which elected them except as modified by Article 9, Section Nine.\nVacancies shall be filled by the same body by a majority vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Four<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the election of Party\ncommittees and of delegates, a ballot shall be valid if it is marked for not\nmore and not less than the number to be elected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The election of alternate members\nto a committee shall in all cases be carried through by separate nominations\nand balloting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Five<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All elected Party bodies have the\nright to establish, where necessary, commissions to assist it in the guidance\nof work in particular fields. The function of such commissions shall include\nassistance in the implementation of policy and decisions of the respective\nresponsible Party bodies, and to assist in developing the Party\u2019s work in\nvarious fields of activity. Such commissions shall report regularly on their\nwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All executive Party bodies will\nprovide a financial report to the appropriate Regional, Provincial, or Central\nCommittee. All leading Party bodies must submit their financial statements to\nthe responsible Audit Committee, which will provide a financial report to the\nconvention that elected them, as indicated in Article 9, Section Six of the\nConstitution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section <\/em><\/strong>Six<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special Conventions and leading Committee meetings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Special Conventions at the city,\nregional, provincial or central level may be called either by a majority vote\nof the related committee or upon the written request of clubs representing\none-third of the membership in the area of the convention. In the event that\nthe committee fails to call a convention to be held within 60 days of the\nrequest, or 90 days in the case of a Special Central Convention, clubs\nrepresenting 51% of the membership in the area can convene a Special\nConvention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Special meeting of the City,\nRegional, Provincial or Central Committee shall be called at the request of\none-third of its membership, or upon the written request of clubs representing\none-third of the membership in the area concerned. If the committee is not\ncalled within 30 days of such a request, clubs representing 51% of the\nmembership in the area can convene a Special Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ARTICLE 7 Club, Regional and Provincial Structure <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Party Club<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section One<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The basic organization of the\nCommunist Party is the club. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Where there are three or more\nmembers in an area where no club exists, one may be established by the Central\nExecutive Committee, upon recommendation by the Provincial Executive Committee\nwhere it exists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clubs are organized in\ncommunities (cities, towns, wards, constituencies, or neighbourhoods), and\nplaces of employment or on any other basis determined by the responsible Party\ncommittee in the area. Party members shall be organized in workplace clubs\nwherever possible. City, Regional and Provincial Committees have the right to\nreorganize clubs, in consultation with existing clubs, and with the approval of\nthe CEC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The club shall have the right to\nchoose its own name, subject to confirmation by the Central Executive\nCommittee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Charters are issued to each club,\nand may be withdrawn by the CEC upon recommendation or consultation with the\nProvincial Executive Committees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Two<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Party clubs shall meet at least\nonce a month or more often if decided by the club membership. The club shall\nelect an organizer and whatever officers are deemed necessary to conduct the business\nof the club. These officers shall constitute the executive. Such elections\nshall take place annually, through secret ballot with nominations taking place\nat least two weeks before election, for a term of one year unless a majority of\nthe club membership desires to replace any one of them before the above time\nexpires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clubs shall conduct an annual\nreview of the political, ideological, financial and organizational work of the club\nand its executive, the results of which shall be forwarded to the next higher\nbody of the Party. Regular elections shall take place upon the completion of\nthis process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The club treasurer shall submit a\nfull financial report to the club at least every six months. Each club shall\nelect an auditing committee for the purpose of auditing the books. This\ncommittee may, when deemed advisable, avail itself of professional assistance.\nOn the eve of elections of officers the yearly report on club finances must be\naudited and presented to the club membership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Following club elections, the\ncity, regional or provincial executive shall be informed of the personnel\nelected. The next higher body of the Party shall be kept informed of any\nchanges in club personnel during the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Three<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It shall be the aim and duty of\nthe Party club to bring about the closest relationship between the Party and\nthe working people in the area in which it works by joining in the struggle of\nthe people for their political, economic and cultural needs; by conducting\npropaganda, agitational and organizational work among the working people in\norder to convince them to support the Party\u2019s program and policy; by helping\neach member to become an active fighter for Party policy and a builder of the\nParty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Party club shall constantly\nstrive to gain new members and organizes the political education of its members\nso as to make them more effective workers in their areas, communities and\nindustries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All decisions in club meetings\nshall be by majority vote of all members present, and all members shall abide\nby such decisions. The club executive is obligated to notify all members of\nregular or special meetings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Party club checks up\nregularly on the carrying out of its decisions and on the activities of its\nmembers and works to strengthen Party discipline and Party unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Four<\/em><\/strong> City or Regional Organization<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In areas where two or more clubs\nexist, a city or regional organization may be formed by the decision of the\nclubs in consultation with the Provincial Executive or the CEC where no\nProvincial organization exists. In such cases, conventions composed of\ndelegates from all clubs in the city or region or of Party membership meetings\nshall elect a City or Regional Committee responsible for the work in the given\narea. Such conventions shall take place at least once every two years. Clubs\nmay submit names to the Convention for the election of the City or Regional Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These committees shall assist the\nclubs to strengthen their public work, administer the affairs of the city or\nregional Party organization and elaborate at the local level the decisions of\nthe Central and Provincial bodies of the Party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To be eligible for election to\nthe City or Regional Committee one shall have been a member of the Party in\ncontinuous good standing for at least one (1) year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Five<\/em><\/strong> Provincial Organization<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In provinces where two or more\nclubs exist, a Provincial Committee may be formed by decision of the clubs, in\nconsultation with the CEC. The highest body in the provincial organization\nshall be the Provincial Convention which shall be convened at least once every\nthree years. Provincial Conventions shall be composed of delegates elected by\neach club of the Party on a basis determined by the Provincial Committee of the\nParty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Provincial Convention shall\nby secret ballot and majority vote and with due regard for the need to ensure\nregional representation elect a Provincial Committee and alternate members in\nsuch numbers as the Convention may determine. The Provincial Committee shall\nmeet between conventions at least two times a year.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Party clubs, City or Regional\nConventions may submit nominations to the Provincial Convention for election of\nthe Provincial Committee. To be eligible to the Provincial Committee one shall\nhave been a member of the Party in good standing for at least two (2) years.\nThis shall not apply where a new provincial organization is to be established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Provincial Committee shall,\nby secret ballot and majority vote, elect from its ranks the Provincial\nExecutive Committee and the Provincial Secretary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In matters of a provincial,\nregional or local nature, including all forms of electoral and other public\nactivities, the Party organization concerned shall exercise full initiative in\nformulating policies and make decisions in conformity with the general policies\nof the Party and its Convention. Should a lower Party organization find that a\ndecision made by a higher Party body does not, in its opinion, suit the actual\nconditions in its locality it should request the higher Party body to modify\nthe decision. If the higher Party body still upholds its decision it must be\ncarried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ARTICLE 8 Communist Party of Quebec<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Communist Party of Quebec is\na distinct national entity within the Communist Party of Canada. The Communist\nParty of Quebec has complete control over its policies, structures and finances\nwithin Quebec, as enshrined in its constitution and as decided by the National\nConvention and the National Committee of the Communist Party of Quebec. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ARTICLE 9 Central Organization<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Section One<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The highest authority of the\nCommunist Party is the Convention. It amends the Party program and\nconstitution, elects the Central Committee of the Party and makes other\npolitical and organizational decisions which are binding upon the entire Party\nmembership. Regular Conventions shall be held not more than three (3) years\napart, with no option for the Central Committee to extend the period between\nconventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Two<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Convention shall be composed\nof delegates elected by secret ballot at Special Provincial Conventions called\nfor this purpose, excepting that Provincial Committees may decide with the\nagreement of the Central Committee that delegates shall be elected by Regional\nConventions or by club meetings called specially for this purpose. Clubs or\ncities or regions existing where Provincial bodies do not exist are entitled to\nelect Convention delegates from clubs or from City or Regional Conventions in\nconsultation with the Central Committee. Those attaining the highest vote shall\nbe declared elected delegates. Delegates shall be elected on the basis of\nproportional representation as determined by the Central Committee according to\npaid-up convention assessments and of initiation fees dating from the\nimmediately preceding September 1st, and up to a cut-off date determined by the\nCC at the time the Convention is called. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To be eligible for election as a\ndelegate to the Central Convention one shall have been a member of the Party in\ncontinuous good standing for at least one (1) year. This provision may be\nwaived by the CEC where a new Party organization has been established. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Members of the outgoing Central\nCommittee, unless elected as delegates, shall be seated with voice only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Three<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The convention shall be preceded\nby not less than three months discussion in all Party organizations of the\ndraft political resolution and such other documents as are submitted by the\nCentral Committee to the Convention. During the discussion period the Central\nCommittee shall make available a Party publication within which to conduct the\npre-convention discussion. During the discussion all Party organizations may\npropose amendments to the draft Convention resolution and the Constitution or\nother documents submitted by the Central Committee and submit any document for\nthe consideration of the Convention. All resolutions for the Convention must\nreach the Central Executive no later than eleven (11) days before the opening\nof the Convention, and such resolutions shall be made available in suitable\nform to all delegates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Four<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Executive Committee\nof the Party shall have the right, prior to the Convention, to establish\nConvention committees from among the accredited delegates, subject to later\napproval or change by the Convention and where necessary to call upon such\ncommittees to commence their work prior to the Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Five<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Clubs, elected committees,\nRegional or Provincial Conventions, the National Convention of the Communist\nParty of Quebec and delegates to the Central Convention may submit nominations for\nthe election of the Central Committee to the Convention accompanied by the written\nconsent of the nominees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Convention shall elect a\nCommittee on Nominations which shall receive all nominations for election to\nthe Central Committee. Its functions shall be to decide on the eligibility of\nall candidates nominated. To help all delegates be fully informed, the\ncommittee shall submit to the convention its recommendations on the general\ncomposition of the Central Committee in a form decided by the convention. It\nshall give due regard to leadership qualities; links with the working class and\ndemocratic forces; the multi-national character of Canada; area representation;\nbalance of experienced comrades and the timely promotion of younger comrades,\ntaking into account the systematic advancement of Indigenous people, women, people\nwith disabilities, people from racialized communities, and two-spirit, lesbian,\ngay, bisexual, trans and intersex people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Convention shall by secret\nballot and majority vote elect a Central Committee, and by a subsequent secret\nballot and majority vote elect alternate members who shall replace members\nunable to attend a meeting. The number of alternates shall be determined by the\nConvention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Those receiving the most votes\nshall be declared elected provided that they obtain at least 50 percent plus\none of the ballots cast. In case there are not sufficient elected in this way,\nthere shall be a run-off vote until such time as the proper number has been\nelected with 50 percent plus one of the ballots cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To be eligible for election to\nthe Central Committee one must have been a member of the Party in continuous\ngood standing for at least two (2) years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Six<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Audit Committee <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Convention shall\nelect a Central Audit Committee of three (3) members whose task shall be to\nexamine the financial state of the central organization and submit audited\nfinancial reports to the Convention covering the period between Conventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To be eligible for election to\nthe Audit Committee, members shall be in good standing for not less than five\n(5) years, shall not be members of the Central Committee, or on the payroll of\nthe Party, and shall be within easy commuting distance of the city in which the\nCentral headquarters is located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Provincial and Regional Audit\nCommittees shall be elected by Provincial and Regional Conventions and shall\nsubmit audited financial reports to Provincial and Regional Conventions. Copies\nof such reports shall be forwarded to the Central Audit Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Audit Committee may\nmake recommendations, as to financial policy and procedures in respect to the\ncontrol of Party funds, to the appropriate Party committees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Seven<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Appeals Committee <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Convention shall\nelect a Central Appeals Committee of three members to consider and decide on\nappeals that are properly placed before it. The Central Appeals Committee shall\nreport its findings to the Central Committee whose decisions shall be binding\nunless they are further appealed to the Convention whose decisions shall be\nfinal and binding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Members of the Central Appeals\nCommittee shall have voice but no vote, at all Central Committee meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To be eligible for election to\nthe Appeals Committee, members shall be in good standing for not less than five\n(5) years, and shall not be members of the Central Committee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Eight<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Central Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Committee is the\nhighest authority of the Party between Conventions. It is responsible for\ncarrying out Convention policies and decisions and for upholding the\nConstitution. It is responsible for the Central treasury, and submits financial\nstatements to the Central Audit Committee which will present financial reports\nto each Central Convention.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It shall have the authority to\ndecide on new policy when events make that necessary. It shall initiate\ndiscussions throughout the Party prior to such decisions being taken, whenever\npossible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It shall meet at least two times\na year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alternate members shall have full\nvoting rights when replacing a Central Committee member. An alternate becomes a\nfull voting member of the Central Committee in the order determined by the Convention\nwhen a vacancy occurs.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Reports, summaries, decisions and\nother material adopted at Central Committee meetings shall be published and\nmade available to all Provincial and Regional Committees, to the National\nCommittee of the PCQ, and to the Party membership for study and discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Questions raised with a higher\nParty committee as a result of disagreement with a majority decision, in\naddition to being considered by the committee to which the appeal is made, may\nbe made the subject of special organized discussion for a specified period\nwithin the Party organization by a majority vote of the Central Committee or\nits Executive.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Committee shall elect\nthe editor of the central press.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Nine<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Central Executive Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Committee shall, by\nsecret ballot and majority vote, elect from its ranks the Central Executive Committee\nand the Party leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Executive is charged\nwith carrying out the decisions of the Central Committee and giving prompt and\neffective leadership. It shall develop the public work of the Party, initiate\ncampaigns and further advance Party policy in accord with the general line of\nthe Party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The CEC is responsible for all\nits decisions and actions to the Central Committee with whom it shall consult\nregularly on political and organizational questions. All members of the CEC\nshall be responsible to the Central Committee and may be removed, released or\nchanged by a majority vote of the Central Committee. Vacancies may be filled,\nor the composition changed, by a majority vote of the CC.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Central Committee by a\ntwo-thirds majority vote has the power to suspend any of its members for\ncontinuous absenteeism, for unauthorized lengthy or permanent departure from\nCanada, and replace them by an alternate member of the CC in the order\nestablished by the Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ARTICLE 10 Parliamentary Elections<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Section One<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    All Party members who are\neligible to do so shall make certain they are on the voters lists and shall\nvote in accordance with the tactic adopted by the Party at each election and\nreferendum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Two<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In the case of provincial\nelections, nominations of candidates are subject to approval by the Provincial\nExecutive or as determined by the Communist Party of Quebec. In the case of\nfederal elections, nominations of candidates are subject to approval by the\nCentral Executive Committee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Section Three<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The parliamentary candidates\nincluding the leader and elected members shall be subject to the discipline of\nthe Party as determined by the Central and Provincial Committees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ARTICLE 11 Disciplinary Procedure<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Section One<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conduct Subject to Discipline<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conduct or action by any member\nof the Party detrimental to the Party and the best interests of the working\nclass, including failure to carry out Party decisions is subject to\ndisciplinary action.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Disciplinary action may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • Censure<\/li>
    • Removal from all responsible posts<\/li>
    • Expulsion from the Party<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      No member may form or participate\nin a faction \u2013 that is a group which advocates a political line different from\nor opposed to that decided by the Convention or the respective responsible\nParty committee, and which agrees formally or otherwise to an internal\ndiscipline standing above that of the Party. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The practice or advocacy of any\nform of discrimination or violence that is based on national, ethnic, or\nIndigenous origin, racialization, gender identity, language, age, physical\nappearance, disability, sexual orientation, the sex characteristics of intersex\npeople, or religious belief shall be subject to disciplinary action including\nexpulsion from membership.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Any member shall be expelled from\nthe Party who is found to be a strikebreaker, provocateur or traitor to the\nworking class. Any member shall be expelled from the Party who advocates conspiracy\nor terrorism.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In taking disciplinary decisions,\nall Party organizations must exercise the utmost care, thoroughly investigate\nand study the facts and material evidence of the case and listen carefully to\nthe statement made in their defence by the Party member concerned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Every member of the Communist\nParty in good standing, club, and elected body shall have the right to prefer\ncharges against any other member or elected Party committee.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Section Two<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Charges Against Individual Members<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Charges against an individual\nmember shall be made in writing and forwarded to the level at which the conduct\nrelates \u2013 the individual\u2019s club, the related provincial executive, or the\ncentral executive \u2013 who shall inform the individual charged and initiate an investigation\ninto the charges.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Party bodies before whom a\ndisciplinary matter has been placed may strike a committee from its members\nwithin its jurisdiction to investigate the matter and report back with recommendations\nwithin 60 days.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The club, provincial or central\nexecutive shall present the written charges to the individual charged. A club\nshall inform the next higher level of the Party, and a higher body shall\ncommunicate the charges to the individual\u2019s club. Where a body fails to take\naction against an individual whose actions are detrimental to the Party, the\nnext higher body, including the CEC, may initiate such action.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      All parties concerned in any\ndisciplinary action shall have the right to appear, bring witnesses and freely\ntestify before the body initiating the disciplinary procedure or its designated\ninvestigating committee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The club, provincial or central\nexecutive may suspend a member under investigation, for a period of not more\nthan 60 days, for action detrimental to the Party. This suspension and the\nreasons for it shall be immediately communicated in writing to the member and\nto the next higher body, who may overturn the suspension. Such suspension shall\nonly last while the member is under investigation, to a maximum of 60 days.\nDuring this time, the suspended member retains the rights to represent themself\nand appeal discipline.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Notice of motion must be given to\nall members of the club, provincial or central executive that a proposal\nconcerning disciplinary action will be placed before the next meeting. The body\nbefore which a disciplinary matter has been placed shall have the right to\ndecide by a vote of a majority of its members on any disciplinary measure up to\nand including expulsion from the Party, subject to Section Five.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      All actions of discipline must be\nreported at once to the Provincial and thence the Central Executives of the\nParty which shall then take whatever appropriate measures may be necessary to\ninform the Party.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Section Three<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Charges Against a Party Committee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Charges against any elected Party\ncommittee shall be made in writing to the committee being charged, to all\nmembers of the committee, and to the next higher body. Notice of motion must be\ngiven to all members of the committee being charged and the higher Party body\nthat a proposal concerning disciplinary action will be placed before the next\nmeeting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The higher Party body may strike\noff a committee from its members within its jurisdiction to investigate the\nmatter and report back with recommendations within 60 days.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      All parties concerned in any\ndisciplinary action shall have the right to appear, bring witnesses and freely\ntestify before the body initiating the disciplinary procedure or its designated\ninvestigating committee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Disciplinary action against an\nelected Party committee shall be effective when voted upon by a majority of\nthose present at a meeting of the higher body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Should the disciplinary action\ntaken involve the removal of the said Party committee, the higher body shall\nconvene a convention of the body which elected the removed committee within 60\ndays, which convention shall have the power to review the action taken, and\neither ratify or appeal it to the Convention of the next highest body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Section Four<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Expulsion<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Expulsion from the Party is the\nmost severe of all Party disciplinary measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Expulsions shall be effective\nwhen voted on by a majority of the members of the Party body before which the\ndisciplinary case has been properly placed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Except as noted in Article 11\nSection Five, expulsions are subject to appeal as provided in Article 11\nSection Six. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Section Five<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Summary Expulsion<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In the case of unmistakable\nevidence that a person holding Party membership is an undercover agent or\nprovocateur, such a person may be summarily expelled by the Central Committee\nor by a Provincial Committee. Such actions shall be reported on to the next\nhigher body which has the power to review such decisions. Such expulsions are\nnot subject to appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Section Six<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Appeals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Either side involved in a\ndisciplinary action shall have the right to appeal the decision to the next\nhigher body, up to and including the Convention of the Party, whose decisions\nshall be final. Pending the appeal such disciplinary measures shall be binding.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Party committees shall deal with\nsuch appeals within 30 days, failing which the member shall have the right to\nappeal to the next higher body. Party bodies, before whom an appeal has been\nplaced, may strike off a committee from its members within its jurisdiction to\nhear the appeal and report back with recommendations within 60 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      ARTICLE 12 Initiation Fees, Dues and Assessments <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Section One<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Initiation fees, dues and\nconvention assessments shall be paid according to rates fixed by the Central\nConvention. The income from dues shall be credited to the Provincial\nCommittees, Regions and clubs of the Party as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      • Party club \u2013 10%<\/li>
      • Region\/City \u2013 20%<\/li>
      • Provincial Ctte \u2013 20%<\/li>
      • Central Party \u2013 50%.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Section Two<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        No obligatory assessment, other\nthan the Convention Assessment, shall be levied upon the membership, except by\nspecial decision of the Central Committee of the Party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Section Three<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Initiation Fee and Schedule of Dues<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Upon acceptance into the Party\nsubject to Article 3, Section Three, new members shall pay an initiation fee of\n$1.00. All members of the Party shall pay monthly dues and an annual Convention\nAssessment on the following basis:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Net Monthly Income:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Under $ 600                              Monthly dues: $\n1.00                          Convention\nAssessment: $ 1.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        $ 601 \u2013 1,000                           Monthly dues: $ 4.00                          Convention\nAssessment: $ 4.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        $ 1,001 \u2013 1,500                       Monthly dues: $ 8.00                          Convention\nAssessment: $ 8.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        $ 1,501 \u2013 2,000                       Monthly dues: $\n12.00                         Convention\nAssessment: $12.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        $ 2,001 \u2013 2,500                      Monthly dues: $ 16.00                          Convention\nAssessment: $16.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        $ 2,501 \u2013 3,000                      Monthly dues: $\n20.00                         Convention\nAssessment: $20.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        $ 3,001 \u2013 3,500                      Monthly dues: $\n24.00                         Convention Assessment: $24.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        $ 3,501 \u2013 4,000                      Monthly dues: $\n28.00                         Convention\nAssessment: $28.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        $ 4,001 \u2013 4,500                      Monthly dues: $\n34.00                         Convention\nAssessment: $34.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Over $4,500                             Monthly dues: $\n40.00                        Convention\nAssessment: $40.00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Convention assessments shall be\ncollected from the first of September to the end of the current year from any\nmember in good standing. A new membership card shall not be issued until all\nmonthly dues and the Convention Assessment have been collected. All members of\nthe Party who join prior to September 1 must pay the Convention Assessment for\nthe current year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Monthly dues and Convention\nAssessments are based on members\u2019 net aggregate monthly income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Club treasurers shall show that a\nmember\u2019s dues have been paid by initialling the card in the square showing the\nmonth for which dues have been paid. Payment of the annual Convention\nAssessment and Initiation shall be shown in the same way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ARTICLE 13 Documents and Publications <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        The Communist Party of Canada is\nnot responsible for any political document, policy, book, or article or any\nother expression of political opinion except such as are issued by authority or\nsanction of its Convention, Central Committee or Central Executive Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        ARTICLE 14 Amending and Interpreting the Constitution <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        The Constitution of the Communist\nParty may be amended by decision of a majority of voting delegates present at\nany regular or special Convention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The CEC shall have the authority\nto interpret the Constitution and lay down procedures in all matters not\nspecifically covered by it. Such interpretations shall be submitted to the next\nCentral Committee meeting for its approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Initiation Pledge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        The new member on being initiated\ninto the club will repeat after the presiding officer the following pledge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I, _____________, accept as my own the aim of the Communist Party to work unceasingly for the establishment of a socialist society in Canada, in which the principal means of producing and distributing wealth will be the common property of society as a whole, and where exploitation, want, poverty and insecurity will be ended forever.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In furtherance of this noble aim I accept and will work to the best of my ability to carry out the program and policies of the Communist Party of Canada as determined by the constitution and Convention. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I will be active in my club, pay my dues regularly and support the Party financially.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        I will read, support and spread the Party\u2019s press and literature and work at all times to build the Party.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        As amended at the 39th Convention Communist Party of Canada, May 17-20, 2019. PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIZATION The Communist Party of Canada is the Marxist-Leninist party of the working class dedicated to the cause of socialism. It is a voluntary organization of like-minded people which strives to unite in its ranks the most politically advanced and…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"no-sidebars.php","meta":{"give_campaign_id":0,"_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3393","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"campaignId":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3393","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3393"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3393\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4377,"href":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3393\/revisions\/4377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/communist-party.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}