The Federal Government will soon make changes to the Elections Canada Act with C-65, a bill that expands voting access, targets electoral interference and combats the spread of disinformation. While the proposed legislation also adds two days of advance polling and improves mail-in voting, it falls far short of the changes promised by Prime Minister Trudeau back in 2015 to address the lack of confidence in our voting system and the political leaders it incompetently elects.
While the bill does include positive changes such as offering onsite voting for long-term care facilities and providing additional support for voters with disabilities, they would likely not take effect until 2029 – four years after the next scheduled federal election. There has also been criticism of how the bill impacts the use of voters’ data by parties during campaigns.
Even more disappointing is the bill contains no changes to how Canadians are represented. There is no mention of multi-member ridings, proportionality or even ranked ballots. With a myriad of affordability issues facing the country, Canadians should be assured their political representatives are prioritizing what they care about. Such an assurance is impossible without abandoning the archaic First Past the Post electoral system and upgrading to Proportional Representation.
Under PR, voter turnout would increase, more women would be elected and political diversity in the House of Commons would be a point of pride. PR would also strengthen the link between voter and MP by giving all Canadians a representative capable of advancing their interests in Parliament.
Democracy is not something to be taken for granted. Our leaders’ fear of change is keeping us from modernising our electoral system and adapting to the demands of the 21st century. If Canada wishes to remain a bastion of democracy in a world rapidly changing, it must take bold action to achieve real electoral reform so all citizens can play a role in shaping the future of their country.
FVC Board Candidates Q&A
Fair Vote Canada has nine amazing candidates for its Board of Directors and only six open positions! Please take the time to learn about the candidates and attend the Q&A Session on Saturday, May 11 at 12 pm EST to ask your questions.
Campaign Training for Electoral Reform
FVC is thrilled to offer campaign training on Saturday, May 25th from 10am – 4pm for all supporters who want to help build grassroots power for proportional representation. At this training, you’ll learn how to create a compelling narrative, motivate others to act, develop leadership skills and be part of growing a strong local team.
Democratic Reform in the News
Check out the latest on democracy and electoral reform from news sources in Canada and around the world:
- Nanaimo-Ladysmith MP named NDP’s critic for democratic reform
- Federal climate policy at risk due to FPTP
- Online Abuse in Local Elections | Samara Centre for Democracy
Fair Vote Toronto volunteers were at the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) convention last week. Folks were lining up to sign the Declaration of Voters Rights and support proportional representation!
