Statement by Maryam Monsef, Minister of Democratic Institutions on the matter of Frank v. Canada

OTTAWA, Oct. 20, 2016 /CNW/ - "Today, the Government of Canada filed its memorandum of argument in the Supreme Court of Canada in the matter of Frank v. Canada (Attorney General), in which it defends current restrictions on non-resident Canadian citizens voting in federal elections. 

"The government must defend Parliament's right to make laws that are compliant with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, to be clear, the Government of Canada is firmly committed to enhancing Canadians' participation in their democratic institutions and believes that more Canadians should have the ability to vote, not the opposite.

"We are currently examining the law as it relates to long-term non-resident Canadians who wish to vote in federal elections and we intend to introduce legislation this year that will meet the needs of highly mobile Canadian citizens who live in today's increasingly interconnected world."

SOURCE Minister for Democratic Institutions

(media only): Jean-Bruno Villeneuve, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Democratic Institutions, 613-995-0238