07) CRACKS IN THE TORY WALL?

People's Voice Editorial

            It appears that Stephen Harper's iron grip over his caucus may be a bit looser these days, at least around Bill C‑23, the "(Un)Fair Elections Act."

            A Senate committee report, endorsed by Conservative members, calls for nine changes to the bill. One is to remove the "fundraising" exemption which would allow the Conservatives drive truckloads of cash through election spending limits. While any party could theoretically do the same, the proposal would give the Conservatives an enormous extra advantage, and result in a huge increase in political spending.

            Another important amendment would allow Elections Canada to continue funding the Student Vote organization, and other voter education programs in schools. Apparently the senators are feeling the heat for Harper's blatant attempt to steal the next election long before the votes are counted.

            Unfortunately, the Senate committee did not recommend the retention of vouching, where one registered voter verifies the identity and address of another voter. This critical change could deprive up to half a million Canadians of their right to vote, according to electoral experts, especially poor people, Aboriginal peoples,  the elderly, many immigrants, and those in rural areas who lack the required "street address" ID. The elimination of vouching will almost certainly be challenged in court as a violation of the Charter guarantee of the right to vote.

            And that gets to the heart of the matter. Like their ultra‑right US Republican mentors, the Harper Tories pose the democratic right of casting a ballot as a suspicious or even criminal act, to be restricted by making it difficult for sections of the population less likely to vote Conservative.

            The Senate amendments are an important reflection of public anger. But this odious legislation must be withdrawn completely, not tinkered with.

(The above article is from the May 1-15, 2014, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading socialist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)