Procedure and House Affairs committee  Absolutely. This power is used on a regular basis to facilitate the voting process, not to restrict voters' rights. None of the measures taken during this election, the last general election or previous elections was aimed at reducing or restricting the fundamental rights of vote

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Yes, he is responsible for media communications.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That's one possibility, but again, I would remind you of the instructions that I gave to my staff earlier this week: any veiled individual will be required to uncover his face to establish his or her eligibility before being allowed to vote.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  They will be asked to uncover their face in a manner that is respectful of their beliefs.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I don't deny that.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No, but just let me say this. This issue has been widely debated by the media over the past few days. Every political leader has since voiced his opinion on the subject, with various solutions having been proposed. I think people have made their views known and that all citizens

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Let me say again that neither the federal nor the provincial act requires an individual to uncover his or her face. Mr. Blanchet made a decision, based on specific circumstances and a given legal framework. Any decisions that I make must be in accordance with the framework set ou

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I think so.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  With all due respect and without offending the committee, I think I must rely on the will of Parliament as expressed as a Parliament.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Again, with all due respect, I cannot accept the position that a committee can adapt or amend an act of Parliament.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I have no reason to doubt it.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Only when circumstances warrant.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I am not sure I quite understand the gist of your question.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  At this point in time, no, given the fundamental rights of electors.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I will not in the current circumstances, because that would be a requirement for me to offend the act, not uphold the law as stated on the books.