In the backdrop of the continuing Liberal-NDP confidence-and-supply agreement, discussions on electoral reform legislation are advancing discreetly within Canadian politics. Spearheading these talks are notable figures, including Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Daniel Blaikie, NDP MP and democratic reform critic.
Revealed during an exclusive interview with CTV News amidst a break from NDP caucus retreat sessions in Edmonton, Blaikie shared insights into the substantial work invested in drafting amendments to the Canada Elections Act. Although not constituting a comprehensive overhaul of the federal voting system, the confidence-and-supply agreement encompasses proposals geared towards augmenting the “ability for people to vote.”
The outlined reforms within the agreement encompass:
- Expanding the voting period to three days during general elections.
- Granting voters the flexibility to cast ballots at any polling place within their riding.
- Enhancing the accessibility and integrity of the mail-in ballot process.
Blaikie expressed confidence that these reforms, consolidated into a single legislative bill, could be ratified in time for the impending federal election.
However, details regarding the scope of the reforms and the timeline for their implementation remain undisclosed. It is uncertain whether the changes will directly address voting accessibility or initiate a process for further examination. Discussions with Elections Canada have reportedly centered on the practicality of implementing these proposed changes.
A pivotal proposal currently under negotiation involves expanding the number of days available for Canadians to cast their ballots. While specifics were not divulged, considerations include a voting weekend, extended voting hours, or additional advance polling dates closer to the election day.
Blaikie underscored the objective of enhancing voting accessibility and emphasized the importance of gathering insights from Elections Canada regarding potential impacts on their operations.
Motivating the push for allowing voters to cast ballots at any polling place in their riding is Blaikie’s firsthand experience of witnessing potential voters being turned away in previous campaigns. With modern verification technologies, he believes this policy can be revised without compromising electoral integrity.
While potential amendments could be consolidated into a more comprehensive bill, both parties remain cautious about endorsing measures that deviate from their agreed-upon reforms. As negotiations continue, specifics about the timeline and draft legislation remain undisclosed. LeBlanc’s office has confirmed the ongoing work on the legislation, assuring further communication on next steps in due course.
According to spokesperson Jean-Sébastien Comeau, “Access to the vote is a fundamental principle of Canadian democracy, and our government is committed to further strengthening it.”