Mr. Speaker, yesterday the democratic reform minister introduced a sweeping bill designed to protect the fairness of federal elections. The fair elections act would make it harder to break elections law. It closes loopholes to big money, imposes new penalties on political impostors who make rogue calls, and empowers law enforcement with sharper teeth, a longer reach, and a freer hand.
I believe it is important to share the positive feedback we are hearing regarding this bill. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind said, “Voting is a democratic right for all Canadians”, and, “We are happy to have the opportunity to work hand in hand with government representatives to increase accessibility and awareness of election amongst the blind and partially sighted.” The former CEO of Elections Canada, Jean-Pierre Kingsley, said that if he were dealing with a masters student, he would give it an A minus, and that “Overall, it looks like a good bill”.
I am pleased to be working with the minister on this legislation and look forward to debating it here in the House.