Bill C-20 (39th Parliament, 2nd Session) committee  As the voting method outlined in this bill provides for, the expression of the democratic decisions by voters—the simple transferable vote—is a democratic process in terms of expressing the preferences of voters, no more and no less than the results of a referendum on a yes or no question.

Bill C-20 (39th Parliament, 2nd Session) committee  A distinction should be drawn, I think, between constitutional considerations and political considerations. Some of the matters you outlined could perhaps be speaking to political considerations, but as a matter of constitutional compliance it was thought prudent to ensure that the Prime Minister not be obliged to hold the consultation nor be obliged to appoint names submitted to him as a result of the consultation.

Bill C-20 (39th Parliament, 2nd Session) committee  I'm not passing judgment as to whether or not it is fine—

Bill C-20 (39th Parliament, 2nd Session) committee  That was the primary consideration at play for ensuring constitutional compliance, yes.

Bill C-20 (39th Parliament, 2nd Session) committee  An analogy could be drawn with the Referendum Act, in which a lot of the structure of thinking behind consultation in this bill is provided. A referendum, when held, does not bind any of the powers to which the referendum results are submitted.