Liberals Call for Free Vote on Unfair Elections Act

April 9, 2014

OTTAWA – The Prime Minister must allow his MPs to have a voice on fundamental changes to our democracy and hold a free vote on the Unfair Elections Act, said the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau.

“The Conservatives’ Unfair Elections Act will bar thousands of Canadians from voting and limit investigations into electoral fraud, and I am calling on the Prime Minister to hold a free vote on these wholesale changes,” said Mr. Trudeau. “If the government continues to run roughshod over Canadians by forcing through its bill, I commit that a Liberal government will repeal the Conservatives’ undemocratic changes to our country’s Elections Act.”

Despite Canadians’ widespread opposition and the serious concerns raised by experts across the country and internationally, the Conservatives have responded by shutting down debate in Parliament.

“Liberals will continue to stand up for every Canadian’s right to vote,” said Mr. Trudeau. “The responsibility is on Mr. Harper to hold a free vote at Third Reading of his Unfair Elections Act and allow his MPs to speak for their constituents.”