OTTAWA, Sept. 30, 2016 /CNW/ - It is vital that Canadians contribute their opinions on Canada's electoral processes. The choice of an electoral system should be based on the values and objectives of the people it serves. The way that we elect our Members of Parliament has a direct impact on our daily lives through the debates and votes they participate in and the laws that they enact.
The Special Committee on Electoral Reform will consider public comments and input when reporting its findings and recommendations to the House of Commons. The deadline for written submissions, or briefs, to the Special Committee is 11:59 p.m. (EST) Friday, October 7, 2016. With only one week remaining, the Minister of Democratic Institutions, the Honourable Maryam Monsef, is urging Canadians to submit their thoughts and opinions on electoral reform to the House of Commons' Special Committee on Electoral Reform.
Canadians have also been invited to attend meetings or hold their own gatherings and share their ideas about the future of Canada's democracy either in person or online. So far thousands of Canadians have attended more than 200 electoral town halls and engagement events, in every part of the country.
Quotes
Throughout the summer, I travelled from coast-to-coast-to-coast, in all provinces and territories, to participate in consultations in 22 urban and remote communities across the country. The tour has allowed me to meet with a range of Canadians from all walks of life and to discuss the values they feel should be reflected in Canada's electoral system. My Parliamentary Secretary, Mark Holland, has also been travelling across the country, taking part in well over 30 electoral reform town halls.
I encourage all Canadians to add their voices to this important, historic conversation. To those who have already shared their comments and input either in person or online, I thank you sincerely for your contribution to your country. I hope you will continue to be engaged in the efforts to modernize our voting system.
- Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Democratic Institutions
Quick Facts
- An all-party parliamentary committee has been established to consult Canadians, study federal electoral reform and submit a report and recommendations to Parliament by December 1, 2016.
- All Members of Parliament have been encouraged to hold their own discussions with their constituents.
- A detailed dialogue guide, as well as educational and logistical resources, are available on Canada.ca/Democracy.
- Additional details for the date, time and locations of events held with the Minister, Members of Parliament or other groups are available at Attend a Canadian federal electoral reform event on the Canada.ca/democracy site.
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SOURCE Minister for Democratic Institutions
(media only): Jean-Bruno Villeneuve, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Democratic Institutions, 613-995-0238; Media Relations, Privy Council Office, 613-957-5420
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