Dear editor,
There is a considerable need for Canada to embrace meaningful ways to restore faith in our voting system.
If we thought that Mr. Harper’s 250-page Bill C-23 would do that, I for one was disappointed and disillusioned. Right off the top, he has removed Election Canada’s right to motivate voters to get out and vote.
Mr. Harper’s government has a track record of breaking election laws — the In-and-Out affair, robocall schemes to suppress votes, election overspending and charges against Harper’s former spokesman, Dean Del Mastro. All good reasons why changes to the Elections Act should be done in a non-partisan manner.
And Mr. Harper is rushing these changes through Parliament, not allowing for serious consideration by our MPs. He is trying to shut down debate and ram through a bill that hasn’t had serious consideration and consultation by MPs or Canadian citizens. Even Elections Canada staff have not been consulted about the changes in this bill.
Questions for Mr. Harper and my MP, John Duncan:
Why the rush to get Bill C-23 through Parliament?
Who will benefit most from Bill C-23?
As leader of the official opposition, Stephen Harper was clear on the vital role of dissent in a democracy: “When a government starts trying to cancel dissent or avoid dissent is frankly when it’s rapidly losing its moral authority to govern.”
Mr. Duncan, please support democratic processes and encourage Mr. Harper to consult Canadians by allowing and encouraging more debate in and out of Parliament.
Cliff Boldt,
Courtenay
