House of Commons Hansard #44 of the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was election.

Topics

Fair Elections ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

Conservative

Scott Reid Conservative Lanark—Frontenac—Lennox and Addington, ON

Mr. Speaker, I would not agree at all. The Director of Public Prosecutions, of course, is a public official. No one questions his integrity. He was appointed in the same way, and indeed most public officials at the highest level are appointed in this way. There is no inherent problem with the process itself.

It is my understanding that when the bill goes through the same individual would continue to be commissioner of elections. I do not think there is any suggestion that somehow his integrity would be compromised by that change. However, he would be in the right office. He would be a prosecutor, someone who is officiating and prosecuting in a prosecutorial office.

The investigatory and administrative arm of Elections Canada would be kept separate from the prosecution. This is the same practice that allows us to separate, at this level, the Parliament of Canada, which is legislative, from the executive part of government. This should happen here too.

Fair Elections ActGovernment Orders

10:50 a.m.

Conservative

David Sweet Conservative Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, ON

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to debate Bill C-23, the fair elections act, which would make it easier to vote and harder to break the law. It is a bill that would close loopholes to big money and give law enforcement sharper teeth, a longer reach, and a freer hand. This bill is another step in the proud legacy of Canadian democracy. Step by step and generation by generation, Canadians have fine-tuned their electoral practices and procedures to make our system more representative, more responsible, and fairer.

I am delighted today to discuss the steps our government is proposing to improve the fairness of Canada's elections and how the rules are enforced. The fair elections act is a comprehensive bill designed to protect the integrity of federal elections in Canada by making the rules clearer, by reducing the influence of big money, and by giving real strength to the authorities that enforce the rules.

This bill would assure Canadian citizens that their votes count. Their votes and their contributions will not be nullified by the actions of cheaters who try to take advantage of loopholes in rules. The contributions of ordinary citizens will also not be diluted by the presence of big money from special interests or individuals who have been able to funnel great wealth into political campaign financing through existing loopholes.

Let me emphasize this. The bill before us would strengthen the penalties against those who abuse the system. When Canadians are cheated out of their votes through fraudulent acts or the system is abused when votes that had no right to be cast are counted, the integrity of democracy itself is put into question. Sadly, we have seen too many incidents in which that integrity and the strength of the foundation have been questioned.

The fundamental right of a citizen is the right to vote. One might even call it a responsibility to vote, or a duty to vote. It is a right, a responsibility, and a duty that was earned in blood during the world wars and during the constant vigilance to maintain freedom and the rule of law in the decades since then.

However, the voter turnout numbers tell us a different story. A generation ago, a large majority of voters went to the polls. In 1988, for example, 75% of eligible voters cast their ballots, or about 4 out of 5 voters. In the most recent election, in 2011, that number had dropped to 61%, or about 3 out of 5 voters. Most troubling is the decline in voter turnout for youth aged 18 to 24.

The bill before us introduces a series of amendments designed to restore confidence in the electoral system and provide voters with the assurance that their votes will count. It would introduce a response to changes in technology that have provided challenges that previous generations did not face, but which, if left unacknowledged, could undermine confidence in the integrity of our electoral system. This bill would give enforcement powers that send clear signals that cheating the system will not be tolerated.

Let me provide the House with an overview of what this bill contains. I will leave it for my colleagues to provide further information on the precise details.

Broadly speaking, this bill would bring fairness to Canada's federal election in eight areas.

First, it would protect voters from rogue calls and political impostors. There have been serious allegations that telephone and telemarketing technologies have been abused in past elections, and we are taking steps to put a halt to the practice. The bill would establish a mandatory public registry, administered by the CRTC, for those who want to use robocall technology. At the same time, it would provide prison time for those who abuse the technology, including those who impersonate election officials. It would increase penalties for those who deceive people out of their votes, plain and simple.

Second, this bill would give law enforcement sharper teeth, a longer reach, and a freer hand. By sharper teeth, I mean that it would allow the commissioner of elections to seek tougher penalties for existing offences. A longer reach means empowering the commissioner with more than a dozen new offences to combat big money, rogue calls, and fraudulent voting. A freer hand means that the commissioner would have full independence, with control of his or her staff and investigations, and a fixed term of seven years.

Third, this bill would keep big money out of politics. It would prevent the use of loans to evade donation rules, and it would allow parties to fund democratic outreach with small increases in spending limits while imposing tougher audits and penalties to enforce those limits. It would make it easier for small donors to contribute more to democracy through the front door and harder for illegal big money to sneak in through the back door.

Fourth, the bill before us would crack down on voter fraud. It would prohibit the use of vouching and voter identification cards as replacements for acceptable identification papers. Elections Canada has found irregularities in the use of vouching and a high rate of inaccuracy in the National Register of Electors, which is used to create the voter information cards. I think my colleague earlier made this very clear with the example of his own personal situation. The bill would put a stop to the potential for these irregularities.

Fifth, the measures in the bill would make the rules easy to follow. Members on all sides of the House have complained that the current rules can be unclear. Complicated rules lead to unintentional breaches and intimidate everyday people from taking a more active part in democracy. The bill would make the rules for elections clearer, predictable, and easy to follow. In a fashion similar to the service provided by Revenue Canada, parties would have the right to advance rulings and interpretations from Elections Canada, which would keep a registry of interpretations and provide consultation with and notice to parties before changing any of these interpretations.

Sixth, the bill would enable the system to respect democratic election results. When members of Parliament and the Chief Electoral Officer disagree on an item on an MP's election expense return, the act would make it clear that MPs are able to present the disputed case in the courts before they are deemed ineligible to sit and vote as an MP.

Seventh, the bill would uphold free speech by repealing the ban on the premature transmission of election results. In the Internet age, this is as much a reflection of reality as anything else.

Finally, the bill before us would bring better service to voters, while focusing Elections Canada advertising on the basics of voting: where, when, and what ID to bring. It would explicitly require Elections Canada to inform voters with disabilities of the extra provisions available to help them vote.

Those are eight key areas in which we can build the democratic ideals that our country is known for around the world; the ideals that our soldiers in two world wars and since then have so sacrificed for.

I have served on the international human rights subcommittee of this House and listened to the testimonies of victims of various regimes in other countries that our freedom, democracy, and human rights are a big part of what makes Canada great.

Many people from across the political spectrum have underscored the importance of reforming our electoral laws and restoring confidence in Canada's democracy. I am confident they agree with me that these reforms are needed before Canadians return to the polls next year.

In fact, the bill would implement 38 of the recommendations that the Chief Electoral Officer made in his report on the 40th general election, which was tabled in 2010.

I urge hon. members—

Fair Elections ActGovernment Orders

10:55 a.m.

Conservative

The Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer

It is time for statements by members. The member will have two minutes left to conclude his speech after question period.

Statements by members, the hon. member for Richmond Hill.

Citizenship and ImmigrationStatements By Members

10:55 a.m.

Conservative

Costas Menegakis Conservative Richmond Hill, ON

Mr. Speaker, yesterday our government unveiled the first comprehensive reform of the Citizenship Act since 1977. Bill C-24, the strengthening Canadian citizenship act, would increase the efficiency of the citizenship program, reinforce the value of citizenship, and combat fraud. It would promote Canada's interests by honouring those who serve Canada, and it would protect Canadians from foreign criminals and those who pose a threat to our national security.

As Canadians, we understand the value and sacredness of citizenship. This bill encourages new Canadians to form a stronger attachment to Canada and to embrace Canadian values and traditions and the Canadian way of life. We have welcomed 1.4 million new Canadian citizens since our Conservative government took office. We have welcomed more families and more permanent residents, and we continue to attract the world's most talented and innovative immigrants to Canada.

I encourage all members of the House to support this very important piece of legislation.

Foreign AffairsStatements By Members

February 7th, 2014 / 11 a.m.

Liberal

Jim Karygiannis Liberal Scarborough—Agincourt, ON

Mr. Speaker, I want to express my concerns regarding the frequent ceasefire violations along the border of Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. These incidents have resulted in the tragic loss of life. Recently, an Armenian soldier, Armen Hovhannisyan, was shot and killed by Azeri troops.

At present, the envoys of the Minsk Group of countries are visiting the region and these violations serve only to complicate their work. As we are on the eve of a meeting of the foreign affairs ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Paris, it is essential that both sides exercise restraint and control of their militaries to ensure a productive atmosphere for this meeting and for the important work of the Minsk Group.

Canada has always been, and will continue to be, a supporter of peace talks between the parties. The OSCE Minsk Group should be the only venue for the resolution of this conflict. I am asking that we work to ensure that no future aggressive actions, such as the recent one by the Azeri military along the border, take place so that negotiations toward peace can continue constructively.

The EconomyStatements By Members

11 a.m.

NDP

Linda Duncan NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Mr. Speaker, next week the government will table a new budget. The Conservatives claim their priority is economic prosperity and job creation, but economic prosperity for whom, in whose interests, and for which economic sectors?

What Canadians want and deserve are policies and investments that foster job creation and business development in the communities and across sectors—in other words, economic diversity. Two sectors meriting greater attention and offering huge potential are the clean energy and energy efficiency sector and first nation energy enterprises.

Last month's International Indigenous Energy Summit, organized by the Calgary-based Indian Resource Council's National Energy Business Centre of Excellence, showcased inspiring models of investment ingenuity. Successful wind power, solar, run-of-river, geothermal, and biofuel projects are providing cleaner and more reliable energy sources for first nations and neighbouring communities, quality jobs, training, and dollars for expanded local enterprises.

The choice is clear. The federal government can stick to the same old narrow path or embrace economic strategy for a cleaner, sustainable, more economically diverse Canada.

Winter Olympic GamesStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Conservative

Earl Dreeshen Conservative Red Deer, AB

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize some extraordinary individuals from my great riding of Red Deer.

On February 15, I will have the pleasure to celebrate the 100th birthday of Bill Wagstaff from Elnora. He has always been active and involved in our community and a great supporter of young people. Along with his family and friends, I look forward to celebrating his remarkable life.

Bill will be cheering alongside other central Albertans as we celebrate our local athletes at the XXII Olympic Winter Games. Zina Kocher will once again be competing in biathlon for Canada. We are also cheering for speed skater Danielle Wotherspoon-Gregg; Matthew Rowley, also from Red Deer; and Atsuko Tanaka, from Calgary. Both train in Red Deer as ski jumpers. We will once again be cheering for Lyndon Rush, who is back on the bobsled for Canada after winning a medal in Vancouver, along with Mellisa Hollingsworth, who is competing in her third Olympics in skeleton.

Central Albertans are proud of these athletes, and we wish all of them the best of luck in Sochi.

UkraineStatements By Members

11 a.m.

Conservative

Rick Dykstra Conservative St. Catharines, ON

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada supports the advancement of democracy and human rights around the world. Since November, Ukrainians have been demonstrating across their country for the right to democratically decide the future of their nation. They have been met with violent repression and deplorable treatment by their own government.

Canada has already taken measures that show our support for the people of Ukraine, and we will continue to stand by them during this tumultuous time. As the situation unfolds and Ukraine moves forward in the struggle for democratic reform, we are reminded that issues of democracy, human rights, freedom, and the rule of law are issues that transcend party lines.

In the coming days, we will be forging action plans to deal with the developments in Ukraine, and I hope that all members will continue to come together to contribute to a solution that promotes democracy and the safeguarding of individual freedoms for all of those in Ukraine.

PRINOTHStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

NDP

Réjean Genest NDP Shefford, QC

Mr. Speaker, PRINOTH, a Granby company, dominates the North American snow grooming equipment market.

With a $20 million contract for 62 snow groomers, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi are a high-profile international project for this Canadian manufacturer.

From the very beginning, PRINOTH has been synonymous with the highest quality vehicles. With over half a century of experience, PRINOTH continues to develop and perfect the drive wheel system invented by Bombardier in 1935. PRINOTH groomers are considered the best in the world.

The Granby facility employs no less than 350 workers, and 60 more are in charge of North American sales and distribution.

We are very proud of this local company.

Elections in ThailandStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Conservative

Deepak Obhrai Conservative Calgary East, AB

Mr. Speaker, Canada and Thailand have enjoyed warm relations. Thailand held parliamentary elections this past Sunday. Despite actions by anti-government protestors intent on derailing the polls and the political process, 47% of Thailand's 43 million eligible voters came out to exercise their right to choose who will govern them. This sends a strong message to all political parties, the military, and the election commission that the people of Thailand value their right to vote.

The actions of protestors to block voters and prevent polling stations from opening are a cause of concern for Canada. It is worth noting the restraint shown by the Thai government, the military, and other authorities, which ensured mass-scale violence was averted and skirmishes and disruptions were kept to a minimum.

We now call upon the opposition to return to the talks and on the election commission to ensure the electoral process is carried out fully and expeditiously. That is the overwhelming desire of the Thai people and also of Canada.

The EnvironmentStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Conservative

Kelly Block Conservative Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, SK

Mr. Speaker, last Friday the U.S. State Department released its final supplementary environmental impact statement on the environmental effects of Keystone XL. This is the fifth environmental study that has been undertaken for this project. The state department study demonstrates once again what we on this side of the House have known for a long time and what so many of those in opposition feared: that the Keystone XL pipeline would not have a significant impact on the environment.

Would it not be great if the opposition members would stop campaigning against Canadian jobs and the Canadian economy? Rather than accepting the scientific basis of this report, the New Democrats have once again put ideology before science.

The benefits of the Keystone XL pipeline project are clear. It is time for all members in this House to support this project, which will create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity.

VIA RailStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

NDP

Yvon Godin NDP Acadie—Bathurst, NB

Mr. Speaker, on January 24, 2014, the Province of New Brunswick and CN announced a total investment of $55 million to upgrade the tracks between Campbellton and Moncton. The federal Conservative government was notably absent.

At the same press conference, it was also announced that the line between Miramichi and Bathurst would be eliminated, which is nothing to celebrate. To save passenger rail service in eastern New Brunswick and Quebec, VIA Rail and the government need to invest $10 million.

VIA Rail says it does not have the money and is considering using CN tracks in the western part of the province. According to CBC, this option would cost $50 million for the purchase of new land and to build new stations, and 50% of passengers would be lost.

The government says its hands are tied, since VIA Rail is a crown corporation, even though it has invested in VIA in the past. What is $10 million to maintain train service from coast to coast?

I encourage everyone to sign the petition I have launched to maintain the rail line between Miramichi and Bathurst.

Canadian Armed ForcesStatements By Members

11:05 a.m.

Conservative

Rick Norlock Conservative Northumberland—Quinte West, ON

Mr. Speaker, in December, at CFB Trenton, I welcomed back members of the Disaster Assistance Response Team after the completion of their 40-day deployment to the Philippines to provide humanitarian assistance following Typhoon Haiyan, and we let them know how proud Canadians are of them.

Then in January, at CFB Trenton, I welcomed back 88 troops from Afghanistan. These soldiers served for several months in Operation Attention, Canada's contribution to the NATO training mission in Afghanistan. About 100 members of the Canadian Armed Forces are still serving in Afghanistan, and they will be returning home in March 2014 upon the conclusion of Operation Attention.

On this red Friday, and every day, we thank our Canadian men and women in uniform for their bravery and willingness to serve, both internationally and at home.

Winter OlympicsStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

NDP

Nathan Cullen NDP Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate all of our athletes who are proudly representing Canada at the Winter Olympics that are starting in Sochi today.

After so many years of training, hard work and effort, the time has come for our athletes to fully enjoy the Olympic experience.

Congratulations to all the athletes and their families. On behalf of all my NDP colleagues, I wish the athletes the best of luck. With their determination and courage, our brave athletes are role models for all of us.

New Democrats hope that these games will be inclusive, safe, and respectful of human rights, promoting the shared Canadian and Olympic values of justice and respect for all. Canadians across the country will be glued to their televisions to witness what will certainly be many memorable moments.

New Democrats join with our colleagues in this House in saying “Go, Canada, go”.

Manitoba's Olympic AthletesStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

James Bezan Conservative Selkirk—Interlake, MB

Mr. Speaker, the opening ceremonies have just started in Sochi, and I want to acknowledge some remarkable Manitobans who will be going for gold in these 22nd Winter Olympic Games.

Megan Imrie of Falcon Lake will complete in the biathlon event. Brittany Schussler will give it her all in long track speed skating. Canada's women's curling team will be proudly represented by Winnipeg's own Dawn McEwan, Jill Officer, Kaitlyn Lawes, and Jennifer Jones. Jocelyne Laroque of Ste. Anne will compete in her first Olympic games as a member of the women's hockey team. Jonathan Toews will also be helping Canada defend our gold medal in hockey.

On behalf of all Manitobans and indeed all of Canada, I wish all our athletes good luck as they represent our country and remind us of what we can achieve as Canadians. Go, Canada, go!

Winter Olympic GamesStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Liberal

Frank Valeriote Liberal Guelph, ON

Mr. Speaker, today marks the beginning of the 22nd Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, which will see thousands of athletes from 88 nations come together to participate in nearly 100 events to see who may fulfill the Olympic motto of “Faster, higher, stronger”.

From the opening ceremonies today right through to the closing ceremonies on February 23, Canadian athletes from coast to coast to coast will take part in these games in the spirit of not just competition in athletic excellence but friendship, multiculturalism, and inclusion across race, creed, and orientation. All the way, the folks back here at home will be right there with them, if not in body then in spirit, as we cheer on our Olympians.

I join with all members in this House in wishing our athletes and athletes participating from all over the world a happy and safe Winter Olympics. We cannot wait until our athletes return home, their luggage just a little bit heavier from the weight of their medals.

Veterans AffairsStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

Conservative

Ben Lobb Conservative Huron—Bruce, ON

Mr. Speaker, our government remains committed to serving the Canadians who served us.

I would like to share a story from Stan Kenyon, a 95-year-old World War II veteran from Brantford, Ontario.

He recently stated in a local Brantford newspaper:

I am getting all of the benefits I need, I always have, and I've never once been to an office. Someone either comes to my home to see what I need or I get a letter in the mail.

This is exactly what Canadians and veterans expect, and I thank Mr. Kenyon for his contribution to Canada. It is an honour to serve him. I also thank the member for Brant, who sits right beside me, for his hard work on behalf of veterans in his riding and across this country.

Democratic ReformStatements By Members

11:10 a.m.

NDP

Alain Giguère NDP Marc-Aurèle-Fortin, QC

Mr. Speaker, when Canadians demanded changes to the Canada Elections Act, they were wanting to ensure that there would not be a repeat of the Conservatives's fraudulent calls, the in and out scheme and the sectoral financing schemes in Quebec.

Elections Canada needed more power, not less. The government was supposed to encourage more voter participation, not try to suppress it. It should have encouraged young people and the first nations to vote, not try to suppress their right to vote.

The Conservatives chose to introduce an election bill tailor made to help and protect the Conservative Party. Now, investigations on Canada Elections Act infractions will be dealt with by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who reports to a Conservative minister.

Election rules are not like a plant that can be uprooted whenever they want.

Canadians deserve better than a government that attacks the Chief Electoral Officer just because he took the Conservatives to court. Electoral legislation is not meant to make cheating easier.

Career CollegesStatements By Members

11:15 a.m.

Conservative

Corneliu Chisu Conservative Pickering—Scarborough East, ON

Mr. Speaker, the office of the Liberal leader attacked millions of middle-class Canadians, unfairly criticizing career colleges and those who attend them.

While the Liberal leader's office writes off career colleges, the facts are that it is because of the hundreds of extremely valuable career colleges that Canada remains one of the most educated nations in the world.

The average Canadian attending a career college is looking to make a better life. Many of the students have families. They are looking to get trained for the in-demand jobs of this economy.

Our Conservative government understands this. That is why we are working on initiatives such as the Canada jobs grant to ensure skills training actually leads to a guaranteed job and employers are putting more money into equipping Canadians for available jobs.

The out-of-touch elitists in the Liberal Party leader's office should be ashamed of themselves.

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

NDP

Libby Davies NDP Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, section 18 of the Canada Elections Act states:

The Chief Electoral Officer may, using any...means that he or she considers appropriate, provide the public...with information relating to Canada’s electoral process, the democratic right to vote and how to be a candidate.

The Conservatives are removing that section. This bill was supposed to target widespread election fraud during the last election, so why are they using it to stop the CEO from talking to the media?

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

Nepean—Carleton Ontario

Conservative

Pierre Poilievre ConservativeMinister of State (Democratic Reform)

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has made a factual error in her question. Section 18 of the existing act deals with promotional advertising by Elections Canada and has absolutely nothing to do with communicating allegations of wrongdoing.

Sections 534 and 535, not section 18, require the CEO to report to the House of Commons on electoral events and any matters that arise from them. These automatically become public and the fair elections act does not change that.

Furthermore, the CEO will still have the ability to report any allegations he wishes to the commissioner, who has a legal responsibility to enforce the act.

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

NDP

Libby Davies NDP Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, the minister should read his actual bill, not the imaginary one that he uses to—

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

Some hon. members

Oh, oh!

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

Conservative

The Speaker Conservative Andrew Scheer

Order, please. The hon. member for Vancouver East has the floor.

Democratic ReformOral Questions

11:15 a.m.

NDP

Libby Davies NDP Vancouver East, BC

Mr. Speaker, when we look at the actual bill, it does limit the Chief Electoral Officer's access to the media. Clause 7 of the bill severely limits what the CEO can talk about. For example, the minister is banning the head of Elections Canada from talking about the state of Canada's voting system. Why are the Conservatives using this bill to put a gag order on Elections Canada?