Editor:
In response “Fair election act not fair at all” (Coast Reporter opinion, April 25), it’s true that we generally respond quickly to issues that occupy the public eye. Sometimes that response takes the form of a letter to the editor or a press release.
In the case of the Fair Elections Act, we have been carefully monitoring constituents’ concerns. I consolidated these in a brief to Minister of State for Democratic Reform Pierre Poilievre in writing, and then followed up with in-person conversations. I’m pleased that the Minister has observed concerns such as the ones raised by our constituents, and made changes. Such is the nature of true democracy.
In weighing the amended version of the Fair Elections Act, readers should take into account not just the details, but also the ways in which the Minister balanced various competing values that had been brought to his attention since the last election:
• Elimination of election fraud and encouraging greater participation in elections;
• Independence of officers and commissioners versus their accountability to Parliament;
• Driving out the undue influence of money from elections while enabling parties legitimately to raise funds.
The Bill requires Elections Canada to publicize information desperately needed by Canadians who want to vote: about where, when and how to vote, about advance polls, about mail-in ballots.
The Bill cuts down on fraud by requiring a voter to produce identification, but allows for 39 or more forms of ID, and, with the Minister’s recently announced changes, allows a person without ID to be covered by an oath produced by someone who does have ID.
In its amended form, the Bill reflects concerns and values raised by people in our riding.
In my opinion, the process has demonstrated a healthy dialogue between the public and the responsible Minister and a reasonable balancing of competing priorities.
John Weston, MP West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea to Sky Country
