Canada's New Government takes action, to reduce oppurtunity for voter fraud

October 24, 2006

OTTAWA – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform today introduced in the House of Commons a bill to amend the Canada Elections Act so as to improve the integrity of the electoral process.

“I wish to thank the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs for its work and I am confident that this bill, in addition to the Federal Accountability Act, will go a long way in further fostering and protecting Canada’s democratic electoral process,” stated Minister Nicholson.

A key reform recommended by the Committee, and implemented in this bill, is the introduction of a uniform voter identification system at the polls. Photo identification will be required, and may only be waived through more stringent alternative means of demonstrating proof of identity. The bill also introduces amendments aimed at:

• improving the accuracy of the National Register of Electors by permitting voters to voluntary confirm their Canadian citizenship for the purpose of updating their information;

• facilitating eligible individuals to exercise their right to vote;

• creating measures to improve communication between election officials; candidates, parties, and the electorate; and

• making operational improvements to the electoral process, based on suggestions by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

“A well-functioning electoral system is at the heart of a representative democracy,” added Minister Nicholson. “I look forward to working with members of the Standing Committee and other Parliamentarians in ensuring that our electoral process commands the full confidence of Canadians.”

On June 22, 2006, the Committee on Procedure and House Affairs tabled its Thirteenth Report, entitled Improving the Integrity of the Electoral Process: Recommendations for Legislative Change. This bill responds to the report of the Standing Committee by introducing amendments aimed at reducing the opportunity for electoral fraud and improving the integrity of the electoral process. The Government response to the Committee report was tabled in the House of Commons on October 20, 2006.

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For more information visit

http://www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/lgc