moved for leave to introduce Bill C-401, an act to amend the Canada Elections Act (proxy voting).
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to introduce my private member's bill, an item in the Canada Elections Act, proxy voting. The proposed amendments would permit eligible voters, who on polling day are unable to vote due to illness or accidents in their electoral district or who cannot meet special boundary requirements, to cast a ballot during a general election by appointing a proxy voter to vote on their behalf.
A similar provision existed previously, but was replaced by a special ballot for which voters must apply in advance of election day.
During the last federal election many of my constituents lost their right to vote because they were unexpectedly taken ill or were required to be away on business after the deadline for a special ballot had already passed.
I would encourage all members in the House to support this bill.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)