Media Centre

Opening Statement by the Honourable Robert Nicholson
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform

Bill C-31: Integrity of the Electoral Process

October 24, 2006
Check Against Delivery

• Canada has one of the most respected democracies in the world. But there is always room for improvement.

• This Government has listened to the recommendations of an all party report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.

• And we are pleased to introduce a bill that will implement those recommendations.

• We are all interested in improving the integrity of the electoral process, and we have a responsibility to ensure our democratic process continues to enjoy the confidence of all Canadians.

• This bill, in conjunction with the significant reforms of the Federal Accountability Act, will help to restore confidence in our democratic process.

• The Federal Accountability Act proposes significant reforms that will help to restore the trust of the Canadian people in their political system.
  • It will eliminate the opportunity for undue influence in the electoral process by large or corporate donors.
  • It will eliminate loopholes in the political financing system.
  • And it will provide for the independent, merit-based appointment of returning officers.

• The bill we are introducing today will build on the Federal Accountability Act by making a number of reforms to improve the integrity of our electoral process.

• Most importantly, the bill will implement the recommendations of the Standing Committee - many of which were based on recommendations of the Chief Electoral Officer - to reduce the opportunity for fraud harming our electoral system and to ensure the electoral process operates effectively and efficiently.

• For instance, the bill will introduce a process of voter identification at the polls.

• Most Canadians are likely surprised to hear that there is currently no legal requirement for them to have ID to vote. After all, almost every other important activity in society requires ID.

• Certainly, a fundamental activity such as voting should also require mechanisms to ensure that a person coming to the polls is qualified to vote.

• This bill proposes, as recommended by all parties on the Standing Committee, that each voter will need to show one piece of government issued photo-ID to vote, or two other pieces of ID that adequately establish their identity and residence.

• To ensure no one is prevented from voting because of lack of ID, if voters do not have acceptable ID, they may still vote by taking an oath as to identity and having a qualified elector vouch for them.

• To avoid the possibility of this being abused, we have accepted the Committee’s recommendation to tighten up the vouching system to prevent someone that has been vouched from then vouching for someone else without ID.

• Collectively, these provisions will ensure those qualified will be able to vote, but that all are aware of the seriousness of this fundamental right.
• And, all will be made aware of the seriousness of voting fraudulently. Voters taking the oath will be orally informed of the qualifications for voting and the legal consequences of voting fraudulently.

• And, all will be made aware of the seriousness of voting fraudulently. Voters taking the oath will be orally informed of the qualifications for voting and the legal consequences of voting fraudulently.

• Indeed, the Canada Elections Act provides a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and 5 years’ imprisonment for voting when not qualified.

• Also, the bill will make sure that candidates have an effective right of access to the public, enhancing the ability of voters to make an informed choice.

• This is fundamental to the functioning of our democracy.

• No longer will candidates or election workers be barred from so-called gated communities due to a legal technicality. This law will make it clear that they have a right of access.

• This bill will also make it clear that candidates will have a right to access public spaces, such as shopping centres, in order to campaign. All candidates from all parties must have this freedom and right of access.

• Further, the bill will take steps to enhance the accuracy of the National Register of Electors. The Register is used to establish the lists of electors used on polling day.

• Instances of duplication on the list, errors on the list, and even dead people registered on the list to vote, impair public confidence in our system and create the potential for abuse.

• By improving the accuracy of the Register and making other operational improvements, we reinforce the integrity of the process as a whole.

• By reducing the opportunity for fraud, we maintain a system that ensures only the votes of qualified voters count.

• And, as outlined in our Response to the Standing Committee tabled last Friday, our Government hopes to work with the Committee and other Parliamentarians to explore further means for facilitating the ability of qualified voters to exercise their fundamental right to vote.

• We all have a stake in our democracy, and this Government is proud to take action to improve our electoral process for the benefit of all parties and all Canadians.