Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard Eade
I think that there needs to be some real reform to the electoral systems in Canada.
One big change that I would like to see is that candidates MUST sign a declaration that they will SERVE FOR AT LEAST 1 YEAR (barring any unforeseen major issue, which must be agreed to in a private meeting of representatives from all parties) from their swearing-in date. This would put an end to this business of getting elected just to quit and force a by-election. This would go for every level, from municipal to federal. The public votes for a candidate in good faith, expecting that person to represent them. The candidate needs to show good faith back and live up to the agreement.
There can be a provision to allow an election winner to voluntarily step down within the first year of office – but they (or their party) MUST PAY ALL COSTS FOR A BY-ELECTION. The public should not have to pay for by-elections that are forced by the whim of an elected person.
If there is any compensation from the public purse paid to candidates for their election expenses, including tax write-offs, these should be held and PAID ONLY AFTER THE 1 YEAR REQUIREMENT HAS BEEN MET. If the person chooses to leave before the anniversary of their swearing-in, they forfeit any compensation.
In the case of the leader of the federal ruling, or loyal opposition, party losing their seat; with the above requirement, they could be out of the Commons for an extended time. That is, unless a by-election came up because of a major issue (say, health), it would be at least 1 year from the swearing-in date before someone could volunteer to step aside to make way for the leader to run. Unless, of course, the affected party was footing the ENTIRE bill for a sooner by-election.
A federal party leader who did not win a seat in the Commons during the general election, would be REQUIRED TO RUN IN THE FIRST AVAILABLE BY-ELECTION. This would put an end to ‘Cherry-Picking’ safe ridings.
In the meantime, if that leader had already been living, prior to the general election, in the official residence, and it was agreed by all parties that there was a very good chance of the leader winning a seat in the next by-election, then the affected party would be able to PAY RENT FOR THE RESIDENCE. The rent would start at market rate and double after each by-election (or group of by-elections, if they are held on, or close to, the same date). This would allow the party leader to remain in place until they gained re-entry to the Commons. But it would provide incentive to not skip by-elections.
So, in this case, I would say that PP could stay, but his party should pay to rent Stornoway. And the CPC should be paying the full cost for forcing an otherwise unnecessary by-election in Battle River – Crowfoot, Alberta.
|
I 100% agree. I think of Andrea Horwath who won her Hamilton seat, but she did not become Premier and so immediately quit to run for Mayor of Hamilton. Even Nussbaum, I'm a huge fan of his work at the NCC, but he quit the seat he had just won to become the head of the NCC. A lot of these people take their elected positions for granted and don't think twice about jumping ships if a better opportunity comes up. An Liberal MPP in Vanier (Nathalie Des Rosiers) did the same, staying a little over a year of her second term just to quit and take a better job in Toronto.
Unless someone has to step down for health issues, mental health or to take care of a loved one, very few other reasons are valid.
And what Skippy's doing now, forcing a well liked MP to quit his job so he can have a go at it in one of the safest ridings in Canada for the Cons, it's insulting to tax payers.
Threaded Mode