The Canadian Press ran a report published on CTV News which said that the Canadian government will be making an introduction of a new bill that would be tightening some of the provisions of its existing election law. Minister of State Pierre Poilievre said The Fair Elections Act include the relaxation of rules regarding party spending, political donations, automated election calls and punishment for individuals convicted of impersonating an elections official.
"It closes loopholes to big money, imposes new penalties on political impostors who make rogue calls and empowers law enforcement with sharper teeth, a longer reach and a freer hand. The Fair Elections Act will ensure everyday citizens are in charge of democracy by putting special interests on the sidelines and rule-breakers out of business," Poilievre added.
The new legislation will also have the office of the commissioner of elections be governed by the public prosecutor's office. The Canadian Press said the commissioner's responsibilities is to enforce the current elections law. Incumbent commissioner Yves Cote has over five years to ensure the elections law will be followed. Moreover the decision to move the office of the elections commissioner was in order for the director of public prosecutions to make future, non-renewable appointments, the report said. Also, The Fair Elections Act has prohibit the appointments of former political candidates, political party employees, ministerial or MP staffers or employees of Elections Canada as commissioner in the future.
Individuals who wish to make donations to a political party will take note about the increase in the donation limit amount. The report said individual donations to a political party has now been raised up to $1,500 from the initial $1,200. Political party spending has also been increased by 5%, the report detailed. The new legislation is still banning unions and corporations from making donations to political parties.
Identification of voters in polling areas had been tightened as well. The Fair Elections Act is reportedly no longer recognizing endorsement from a qualified voter for another voter who does not have identification to be allowed to vote. The legislation, said The Canadian Press, will also allow the initial transmission of the results of the election as well.
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