FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2014
Students from across the country are calling on the government to withdraw the controversial Bill C-23 as parliamentarians return to Ottawa today.
“In our view, the fairest elections are those that have the best turnout from eligible voters,” said Jonathan Champagne, Executive Director of the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA). “It is clear that the Fair Elections Act will result in the opposite effect.”
Bill C-23 was introduced for first reading February 4, 2014. Since being introduced the legislation has been heavily criticized by stakeholders for measures that could disenfranchise many Canadians, particularly youth. In particular, Bill C-23 will eliminate the practice of vouching, which is relied on by people whose identification does not prove their residence.
“The Supreme Court has ruled that the right to vote is always more important than procedural safeguards,” added CASA Board Member Travis Gordon. “This act will place needless restrictions on Canadians and can do only harm to the democratic process.”
-30-
For more information please contact:
Rob LeForte, Government Relations Officer
email: [email protected]
office: 613-236-3457 ext. 221