We asked readers "What matters to you in the upcoming federal election?" We sent the questions to all candidates running on Sept. 11 and have printed their responses, unedited, in the order we received them. We did not receive responses from Rudolf Neumayer, People's Party of Canada, or Daniel Patrick Grogan, Rhinoceros Party.
What is your party’s position on electoral reform?
What is your party’s position on electoral reform?
Tim Thompson, Green Party of Canada: The Green Party of Canada believes that every Canadian deserves a voice, especially those in rural New Brunswick who have been left behind by politics as usual in Ottawa. We will fight for electoral reform to ensure that every voter has a voice in our government. The results of the current first-past-the-post system produce leaders who are not represented by the majority of the population. Electoral reform will be a priority of the Green Party and we will not support any other party unless we can work together to achieve a new voting system of proportional representation that gives all Canadians a real voice in Ottawa.
Rob Moore, Conservative Party of Canada: Members of Parliament are elected to represent their constituents in Ottawa. Too often, MPs simply tow the party line and do not reflect the values and priorities of their constituents. Conservatives believe there must be free votes in the House of Commons so MPs can vote for their constituents wishes. Conservatives also believe that when you change the rules of democracy, everyone gets to have a say. Our position remains that any change to the way we elect Members of Parliament must only be decided in a referendum where Canadians decide.
John Evans, National Citizens Alliance: End the corporate globalist misinformation and control over federal politics. Empower the Canadian people through citizen-initiated reform, citizen-initiated legislation and recall of any MP and new measures to reign in conflict of interest and special interest control over federal policy including the revolving door between federal government and corporate boardrooms.
Alaina Lockhart, Liberal Party of Canada: When we were elected, we engaged in conversations across the country with Canadians about our democracy. From these conversations came the conclusion, there was a wide range of opinions, but no clear consensus on an alternative voting system. In my conversations with the people of Fundy Royal the broad support for change was not there. The Liberal view has always been clear: Major reforms to the electoral system and changes of this magnitude, should only be made if they have the broad support of Canadians. We remain committed to improving this country’s electoral system and moved forward with legislation to repeal undemocratic elements of the previous government’s Fair Elections Act. Including, increasing transparency in political fundraising and protecting our democratic institutions from cyberattacks.
Rob Moore, Conservative Party of Canada: Members of Parliament are elected to represent their constituents in Ottawa. Too often, MPs simply tow the party line and do not reflect the values and priorities of their constituents. Conservatives believe there must be free votes in the House of Commons so MPs can vote for their constituents wishes. Conservatives also believe that when you change the rules of democracy, everyone gets to have a say. Our position remains that any change to the way we elect Members of Parliament must only be decided in a referendum where Canadians decide.
John Evans, National Citizens Alliance: End the corporate globalist misinformation and control over federal politics. Empower the Canadian people through citizen-initiated reform, citizen-initiated legislation and recall of any MP and new measures to reign in conflict of interest and special interest control over federal policy including the revolving door between federal government and corporate boardrooms.
Alaina Lockhart, Liberal Party of Canada: When we were elected, we engaged in conversations across the country with Canadians about our democracy. From these conversations came the conclusion, there was a wide range of opinions, but no clear consensus on an alternative voting system. In my conversations with the people of Fundy Royal the broad support for change was not there. The Liberal view has always been clear: Major reforms to the electoral system and changes of this magnitude, should only be made if they have the broad support of Canadians. We remain committed to improving this country’s electoral system and moved forward with legislation to repeal undemocratic elements of the previous government’s Fair Elections Act. Including, increasing transparency in political fundraising and protecting our democratic institutions from cyberattacks.
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