Mr. Speaker, last week our government announced its support for fair and reasonable amendments to the fair elections act. Now, some critics are saying that these amendments would not go far enough.
I just returned from two weeks with my constituents, and I can tell members that Canadians find it reasonable to show ID when they go to vote. Things like buying alcohol and crossing the border require ID. In Ontario, to receive an OHIP card, one must present three pieces of identification to prove citizenship, residence, and identity.
According to last week's Ipsos poll, 87% of Canadians believe it is reasonable to “require someone to prove their identity and address before they are allowed to vote”.
Protecting the vote is our government's commitment to Canadians and, unlike the NDP which supports voting without any form of ID, we have listened to Canadians and are moving forward with the bill. It just makes sense.