SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 333

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 17, 2024 11:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 333 - Jun/17/24
Hon. Dominic LeBlanc
  • Jun/17/24 5:24:31 p.m.
  • Watch
Madam Speaker, the parliamentary secretary to the House leader has said it very well. We on this side, with the co-operation of some opposition parties, I hope the New Democratic Party and the Bloc Québécois, think it is important to offer thoughtful ways to enhance citizens' ability to participate in the democratic process. Our colleague from Winnipeg North referred to long-term care homes. We just discussed the importance of campus voting and persons with disabilities. We talked about indigenous languages, for example, in a territory as vast as Nunavut. All of these are very important, thoughtful and balanced ways to ensure that Canadians are easily able to access the democratic process, obviously while at all times ensuring the integrity of the process. I also share our friend's view with respect to the importance of Elections Canada and the terrific work it does, which is recognized around the world.
155 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border
Context: House Hansard - 333 - Jun/17/24
Mr. Luc Desilets (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, BQ)
  • Jun/17/24 11:25:24 p.m.
  • Watch
Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for his speech. It was very thoughtful and wise. I really liked the fact that he said perhaps members should not be allowed to vote to postpone the election because they could be in a conflict of interest. I really liked that. To me, that is a critical aspect of this legislation. The government is postponing the election for a ridiculous reason. It could have suggested holding it sooner instead. The legislation offers enough opportunities for people to vote early, for example. The most troubling part is what this does to perceptions of parliamentarians. The public is once again going to take refuge behind arguments like the fact that these MPs will qualify for pensions a little earlier. I myself am one of them. I was elected in 2019, and I absolutely do not support this utterly ridiculous date change. I would like to hear my colleague talk about how the public would perceive this bill if it were passed.
166 words
  • Hear!
  • Rabble!
  • star_border