“I want to protect the government's election financing. This bill is not meant to do that. Maybe in the future. Not now.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
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Strong and Free Elections Act
A bill to change election rules, aiming to limit foreign influence and increase penalties for electoral violations. During discussion, members debated various provisions, including political party financing, nomination voting, and virtual voting, while also raising their own concerns and proposals.
“I don't want to answer that. Maybe someone else can talk about it later.”
“I don't think Canadians want to give political parties more public funding through voting dollars. The member should bring it up at committee. I'm confused by what he said about long ballots. The bill says voters can only sign one nomination form per riding and an official agent can only be the agent for one candidate in that riding. Does the Bloc agree with this?”
“I want you to keep talking. The more you talk, the less time I might have to take a real position.”
“I want to move past the problems you raised and talk about virtual voting instead. I don't actually like virtual voting. But maybe if we all talk around it then I won't have to defend our law's details.”
“I want to know if there is anything in the election bill that the other member wants to change.”
“I want to look like I'm listening and working together on this bill. Do you think limiting each voter to nominating only one candidate and each agent to one candidate per riding is enough to fix the ballot problems you talked about?”
“I want to flatter my colleague before I talk. Elections Canada should make people sign a paper saying they really want to be a candidate. I think signing a paper might stop fake candidates.”