Electoral Reform committee  I have just a bit of clarification. On the subject of changing the statement of ordinary residence, it can be changed any time during the year, but it is not effective until 60 days after it's been received by the commanding officer. During an election period, as General Corbou

Electoral Reform committee  One set of challenges we have is time periods. Our military vote period is from day 14 before the election to day nine. We have to get the material out in time. On deployed operations we have operations going on all around the world, and it's a challenge to ensure that Elections

Electoral Reform committee  Currently it's up to nine days before. It depends on where the members are deployed. In Canada it's a little easier. It should be easier from the United States. It really depends on where the members are deployed.

Electoral Reform committee  Most of the time it works in terms of members casting their vote where they wish to. As I mentioned earlier, if you change your statement of ordinary residence after the drop of the writ, then it's not effective. In that case, there is a difficulty in maybe voting in the riding w

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Thank you. Mr. Chair, I'd just like to thank the committee for the opportunity I've been given to speak to you about Bill C-76 and its positive impact on members of the Canadian Armed Forces. I am Colonel Vihar Joshi. I'm the Deputy Judge Advocate General, who is responsible fo

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That is the intent. By giving more voter opportunities, if you will, people will be able to avail themselves of their right to vote, and we will see higher levels of participation.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  We were. As I spoke about earlier, in the report that was tabled, this committee agreed to a revision of the special voting rules portion. In that context, we were consulted by Elections Canada in looking at the amendments.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I can get those numbers if you wish. For some of them we would not necessarily have all the numbers, but for teachers and assistants outside Canada we can certainly get those numbers. It's not that high. It's a very small group of individuals at this time.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  They could, yes.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That could be one of the reasons why, absolutely. Some folks may not have changed their SOR at the time the writ was dropped, so they're no longer able to vote in the riding in which they feel the most connection. As an example, let's say you joined in Pembroke and you never chan

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That is correct.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I really can't speak to that. There are a number of reasons that people may not have voted. There could have been operational reasons for an inability to vote in some cases. Not feeling connected with the riding is certainly a reason.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Certainly informing members about how to vote and their right to vote will help. Through the education program, that certainly will help get the message out to Canadian Forces' electors on how they can vote and where they can vote. I think it will go a long way to encouraging peo

Procedure and House Affairs committee  There is a very slight window. For people who happen to live in the district that pertains to their SOR, they can vote but only on polling day.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That is correct.