moved for leave to introduce Bill C-497, an act to amend the Canada Elections Act (reimbursement of election expenses).
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to introduce this, my first, private member's bill in the House. It amends the Elections Act by allowing a registered party reimbursement of part of its election expenses, when at least 30% of the total number of elected candidates endorsed by it are women.
I believe that concrete mechanisms must be put in place immediately, which is why I am proud to introduce this bill. As I have already said, this bill constitutes a major step in relation to the presence of women in politics. I would remind my colleagues that 52% of the population are women. Now is the time to act.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)