Yesterday, The Honourable Jay Hill, P.C., M.P., the Member for Prince George—Peace River and the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and the Minister for Democratic Reform, introduced Bill C-16, An Act amend the Canada Elections Act. The Act endeavours to legislate pre-set election dates, so that under regular circumstances, elections would be precipitated four years after the previous election.
After having read through the entire draft (it's about a page long, perhaps two), my opposition to this legislation is not as staunch as it has been in recent days. I was elated to see that the Government of Canada included a provision which, in particular, recognizes the right and prerogative of the Governor General of Canada to exercise discretion in dissolving the Parliament of Canada. This ensures that our system continues to have an "emergency" mechanism, which was my major concern. Moreover, the legislation does not compromise the confidence convention, which I am happy to see.
The Conservative Party of Canada is respecting our nature in Canada of administration through convention, rather than through Statute (a practice for which I advocate) — and for this, I can accept a compromise. Insofar as the draft respects existing conventions, then I would be happy to support this legislation; a reasonable compromise between the democratic needs of a country, and the conventions that ensure that Canada is never taken off-guard by some unexpected circumstances.
After having read through the entire draft (it's about a page long, perhaps two), my opposition to this legislation is not as staunch as it has been in recent days. I was elated to see that the Government of Canada included a provision which, in particular, recognizes the right and prerogative of the Governor General of Canada to exercise discretion in dissolving the Parliament of Canada. This ensures that our system continues to have an "emergency" mechanism, which was my major concern. Moreover, the legislation does not compromise the confidence convention, which I am happy to see.
The Conservative Party of Canada is respecting our nature in Canada of administration through convention, rather than through Statute (a practice for which I advocate) — and for this, I can accept a compromise. Insofar as the draft respects existing conventions, then I would be happy to support this legislation; a reasonable compromise between the democratic needs of a country, and the conventions that ensure that Canada is never taken off-guard by some unexpected circumstances.
