The Harper government is making a blatant attempt to change the electoral laws in their favour.
I’ve worked for 30 years at all election levels and was always proud of the organized and fair results. The so-called “Fair Elections Act” is anything but and the prime minister ought to be ashamed.
If the Conservative party is frightened that they cannot get re-elected fairly, then perhaps they ought to either govern better or accept defeat gracefully.
The act, if passed, will embarrass Canada on the world stage. Disenfranchising a large sector of the electorate by abolishing vouching? Muzzling Elections Canada – universally respected for fairness and excellence? Transferring enforcement of electoral law to cabinet via the justice department rather than Parliament itself? Putting more money into the electoral process by upping contribution limits and separating campaign costs from cost of fundraising for campaigns? Letting incumbent parties in ridings appoint electoral staff?
If this government seriously expects Canadians to accept this new electoral law as “fair” and an “improvement,” then perhaps they ought to go one step further. I say change the name of the country while you’re at it. May I suggest Zimbabwe?
Pam Grover, Surrey