Procedure and House Affairs committee  All right. I just want to make it clear that when testimony was being given to the House committee on Bill C-31, the events that arose in connection with the Quebec provincial election had yet to occur. However, when the Senate proceeded to examine the bill, I was invited to appe

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I issued this reminder to election personnel pursuant to section 144 of the Act which requires confirmation of voter eligibility. As such, I asked election personnel to invite anyone whose face is concealed to uncover it in a manner that is respectful of their beliefs. We will ma

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I have to rely on the text of the law. There were several discussions on the matter of identification of electors throughout the debate in the House and the Senate. In the last few days I reviewed all of those debates to see whether there was an intention expressed in the House o

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Identification is possible in many fashions, and that's what the act provides. One is through a photo, but there are other alternatives provided in the act that do not require visual identification.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  It's saying that this power is extraordinary.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  In specific circumstances I may be able to adapt the act to ensure that the voting proceeds in a normal, orderly fashion.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  I have the authority, the power to adapt the act.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  As we speak, I don't see grounds to use the power.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Sorry, I missed part of your question.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Not in the circumstances as they exist today.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  The fundamental reason is that this authority, under section 17 of the act to adapt the act, I believe is designed much more for operational matters, as opposed to dealing with some fundamental rights protected by the charter, including the right to vote and the freedom of religi

Procedure and House Affairs committee  We will endeavour, to the best of our ability, to put in place a process that is respectful of voters' beliefs.

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.