Democratic Reform  Speaker, in addition to the measures mentioned, the hon. member should be happy to hear that the bill would also crack down on voter fraud by removing the use of vouching and voter information cards. It would make rules easier to follow for all. It would allow small donations in and keep big money out, because we want to let small donors contribute more to democracy through the front door and stop illegal big money from sneaking in the back door.

Bill C-23 An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to certain Acts

With respect to voter identification, the enactment amends the Act to require the same voter identification for voting at the office of the returning officer in an elector’s own riding as it requires for voting at ordinary polls. It also prohibits the use of the voter information card as proof of identity, eliminates the ability of an elector to prove their identity through vouching, allows an elector to swear a written oath of their residence provided that their residence is attested to on oath by another elector, and requires an elector whose name was crossed off the electors’ list in error to take a written oath before receiving a ballot.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  As well, we will improve the delivery of our training program, notably by investing in computer-based training. In addition, we plan to extend, to all electors, the use of the voter information card as proof of address, when presented with another authorized piece of identification. This should reduce the need for vouching. Yet such administrative improvements will have little impact unless they are accompanied by a few specific legislative amendments.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Poll locations are confirmed early in the election calendar, so that electors can be informed of where to vote on the voter information card that is mailed to each registered elector 24 days before polling day. Subsequent changes in poll locations are relatively rare but inevitably do occur for a variety of reasons.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  It was very successful for seniors, who often have issues establishing their identity and address. In that case, we allowed the voter information card to be used in combination with another piece of identification in order to meet the requirements of the legislation. Many seniors don't drive any more and they don't have a driver's licence.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I salute you for the deficit reduction measures you have taken. You said, “We will be considering options for expanding the use of the voter information card as proof of identity and address.” What is that?

Procedure and House Affairs committee  For the 2015 election, our focus is on improving convenience and accessibility for Canadians, while ensuring that the integrity of the electoral process is protected. We are considering options for expanding the use of the voter information card as proof of identity and address, as well as expanding our online voter registration service, which was launched in April. In addition, we will look at options for establishing new locations to vote by special ballot, such as university and college campuses, and community centres serving electors with disabilities.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  One thing we're doing, and we're going to test that in the upcoming byelections, is allowing the voter information card to be used as a piece of identity. So if the gentleman had received his voter information card at home, that would present his name and address right there. He could likely use that in combination with the Veterans Affairs card.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  As a result, people are not able to vote easily or under the proper conditions. So, as you are looking at the issue of voter information cards, you may want to consider the situation of these voters. In any case, I can tell you right now that I have a great deal of apprehension about these potential changes.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  First, the voter information card wouldn't be the only proof of identity. It would have to be combined with another piece authorized under the act. So there's already a safeguard measure in that respect. Second, we'll have a solution for seniors.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Thank you. I also want to make a comment on what my colleague Mr. Proulx mentioned. The voter information card: don't think about it. It would be good for people who work on your team to come and conduct an election campaign with us to see. You're thinking of that, in your ivory tower here, in Ottawa, but in the field...

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Where do we stand on the use of the voter information card as a piece of identification in an election? Will we need a bill to change that?

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Moreover, it will be one of the points we'll discuss on June 17 when you come and visit us. We'll tell you about one possible approach to using the voter information card.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  The improvements include continuing the development of an online registration system, to be implemented by October 2011; conducting a pilot project to test technology to assist voters with visual or physical disabilities in casting their ballots independently; developing new creative content for our advertising campaign aimed at youth; adding the voter information card to the list of pieces of identification authorized by the Chief Electoral Officer in order to address challenges some groups of electors face in proving their address prior to voting; improving our methods and approaches for election officer recruitment and training; and finally, exploring ways to reduce barriers faced by some groups of electors.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  A solution must be found for that particular problem. We believe that, in these kinds of situations, the voter information card could be an appropriate item to present. The hospital or facility name band is already accepted. Issues have been raised with respect to these voters groups.