moved for leave to introduce Bill C-377, an act to amend the Referendum Act.
Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to introduce my private member's bill, an act to amend the Referendum Act. This act would allow electors to petition for a referendum on proposed legislation or on constitutional amendment.
The act provides for any questions supported by citizens in this way to be put to the electors. It also sets up procedures for establishing committees to co-ordinate the support for and to co-ordinate the opposition to the question.
Canadian electors are educated, informed and responsible. They seek the democratic means to raise issues of broad economic, social and constitutional importance and ensure those issues most important to them are placed on the legislative agenda.
Similarly the final decision on key issues of significant impact to our future must be given to the electors. The enactment of the bill will strengthen democracy in the country.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)