In the midst of the great depression, representatives of farmer and labour parties from many parts of Canada gathered in Regina to proclaim a Manifesto and build a new political party. Thus, the Regina Manifesto became the touchstone for the new Cooperative Commonwealth Federation.

From those beginnings in the C.C.F., our basic principles have flowed from a set of beliefs about human dignity and social justice. The principles of equality, democracy, sustainability, com- munity and cooperation are at the heart of our movement and our Party and have helped shape Canada as a compassionate and progressive society.

The founders of our Party set out to improve the human condition within the context of the social and economic system of their times, without forsaking the goal of changing that system and building a new society - what Tommy Douglas called "the new Jerusalem".

This approach is more relevant and insightful than it has ever been in the face of new chal- lenges confronting Canada - economic and social upheaval, globalized capitalism and widespread environmental deterioration.

Those same challenges confront the rest of the world. The ever-increasing consolidation of wealth and power is creating intolerable and inhumane living and working conditions, an unparal- leled gap between rich and poor, rapidly rising global unemployment and massive exploitation of the world's natural resources.

Today, at a major turning point in Canada's history, New Democrats seek to re-affirm our principles and mission in this Renewal Declaration. Our task is to build a different kind of society - a society where there is equality, human dignity and justice for all.

Table of Contents: