Bill C-340 (Historical)

An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act (political financing)

This enactment amends the Canada Elections Act regarding the contribution limits and the computation of the fund paid to registered political parties. It also makes a consequential amendment to the Income Tax Act as to the eligible amount of a monetary contribution made to a registered party, a registered association or a candidate.

Canada Elections Act

[Rhéal Fortin, Bloc, Rivière-du-Nord, QC]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-340, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act (political financing).

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce a bill to amend political party financing. This bill will help overcome the mistrust with which many people view politicians by reducing the often undue influence of major donors on the party in power. This bill will also make the votes cast by voters of all parties in all ridings more meaningful.

This fundamentally democratic bill is inspired by Quebec's Act to Govern the Financing of Political Parties, which was passed unanimously in Quebec. I hope this bill will have the support of all parties.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, NDP, Hochelaga, QC]

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties. If you seek it, you will find consent for the following motion: That, at the conclusion of today's debate on the opposition motion in the name of the member for Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, all questions necessary to dispose of the motion be deemed put and a recorded division deemed requested and deferred to Wednesday, March 8, at the expiry of the time provided for Government Orders.

[The Speaker, Geoff Regan]

Does the hon. member have the unanimous consent of the House to move the motion?

[Some hon. members]

No.