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ISSUE
Canada has a long and proud tradition of democratic reform, including the universal extension of the right to vote, a progressive process for redistributing seats in the House of Commons, and a century of free and fair elections.
Canada’s expertise in elections is respected around the world, and Canadians are often called upon to provide advice for emerging democracies. For instance, Elections Canada sent observers to recent elections in the Ukraine and Iraq.
While Canada once led the world in shaping vibrant democratic institutions, our democratic institutions today are failing to keep pace with the expectations of Canadians and the needs of a changing society.
Liberal governments have repeatedly failed to implement even the smallest of reforms, despite making grandiose promises to eliminate the “democratic deficit.” It is time to update our democratic institutions to reflect the growing demand of Canadians for more accountable government.
THE PLAN
To improve our democratic institutions a Conservative government will:
- Modernize our upper house by finally electing senators.
- Introduce legislation modeled on the British Columbia law requiring fixed election dates every four years, except when a government loses the confidence of the House.
- Clean up internal party politics, beginning with the riding nomination process, to ensure that the wishes of the constituency association are respected in the choice of local candidates.
Senate
Public support for the Senate stands at a historic low. A March 2003 Environics poll showed 73 per cent of Canadians and 77 per cent of Albertans identify Senate reform as very or somewhat important in future talks about the Constitution.1
The appointment of senators by the Prime Minister accounts for much of the dissatisfaction with the Senate as a forum for regional voices. The appointment of senators means the Senate neither represents constituents nor provinces. Instead, appointment to the Senate is viewed as a patronage reward for political party service.
The fact that senators are appointed makes them reluctant to exercise the considerable powers given to them in the Constitution Act, 1867. Specifically, Senators seldom reject or substantially change legislation that comes from the House of Commons.
The Senate Plan
A Conservative government will begin the movement towards Senate reform by initiating a federal process for electing senators.
Alberta has already had several elections for Senate candidates. Premier Bernard Lord of New Brunswick has said that he would also consider elections for Senate candidates. A Conservative government will establish a national process for senatorial elections in each province and territory on an interim basis.
The Conservatives will initiate this reform to start building a consensus for other democratic reforms, such as fixed terms for senators.
Fixed Election Dates
Under the current system, the Prime Minister sets the day of the federal election. Liberal Prime Ministers have abused this power by calling mid-term elections for partisan advantage. It is time to consider fixed election dates.
British Columbia has already taken this step. The day he took office, Premier Gordon Campbell announced the date of the next provincial election. Ontario has also passed legislation providing for a fixed four-year election cycle.
A Conservative government will pass legislation modeled on the British Columbia law requiring fixed election dates every four years, except when a government loses the confidence of the House.
A Conservative government will consult with other parties before proposing a permanent timetable. As is the case in B.C., a temporary departure from this date can be made in the event that a party loses the confidence of the House of Commons.
Nomination Reform
Questions have been raised about the nomination process in all parties. Liberals complained when Prime Minister Paul Martin parachuted several “star” candidates into ridings, leaving volunteers and various ethnic and cultural groups out of the democratic process.
Paul Martin has hand picked numerous candidates. Some of those were appointed despite objections from the constituency association, such as Michael Ignatieff in Etobicoke-Lakeshore, Lee Farnsworth in Ottawa-West-Nepean, Bill Cunningham in Burnaby-Douglas, Ujjal Dosanjh in Vancouver-South, and Ruby Dhalla in Brampton-Springdale.
A Conservative government will:
- Ensure that party nomination races are conducted in a fair, transparent, and democratic manner. All potential candidates would have to seek the approval of their candidacy from the local party associations (Electoral District Associations).
- Prevent party leaders from “parachuting” a “star” candidate into a riding against the local association’s wishes.
THE CHOICE
The Liberals talk about senate reform but effectively block their own ability to reform the senate by ruling out so called “piecemeal” reforms. Their record on fixed election dates is clear – they oppose them. And few parties have a more disturbing record of appointing local candidates against the wishes of local riding officials than the Liberal Party of Canada.
A new Conservative government will appoint elected senators. It will set a fixed election date. And it will clean up nominations and end “parachute” candidacies.
The choice Canadians face on January 23rd is a practical Conservative plan to revitalize democracy or more Liberal backroom politics-as-usual.
1. Government of Alberta, Alberta Calls for Triple E Senate (http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/index.cfm?Page=476)
