moved for leave to introduce Bill C-297, an act to amend the Canada Elections Act (candidate selection).
Mr. Speaker, in response to a large number of communications from constituents, I am pleased to introduce an amendment to the Canada Elections Act.
There is much concern being expressed about the mass signing up of thousands of members of special interest groups and political party riding associations simply to secure nominations. Many of these instant members have no knowledge of the process in which they are engaging. We want all Canadians to participate but this practice risks distorting the electoral process. In many cases instant party members are ineligible to vote in the actual election for which they effectively choose candidates.
The bill would require a minimum of a one year membership in a party and eligibility to vote in a federal election in order to vote in the candidate selection process.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)