FIXED ELECTION DATES

Devolin Column 
(June 1, 2006)

Fixed Election Dates

As you may know, I have been concerned for many years about declining voter turnout among young Canadians. For example, in the 2004 federal election turnout among voters over 60 exceeded 80% while participation among those under 25 was less than 30%.

During the last election campaign, the issue of democratic reform came up almost daily. I heard many ideas on how to get more young people involved in the democratic system, and one of the suggestions often voiced was the implementation of fixed election dates.

That’s why I was pleased when, earlier this week, Prime Minister Harper announced that he intends to move forward on democratic reform and will propose fixed election dates for the House of Commons. 

Monday, October 19, 2009 has been proposed as the date of the next federal election. Once that election is held, the following election would be set for the third Monday in October, four calendar years in the future. 

Currently, the Prime Minister simply asks the Governor General to dissolve Parliament, and to call an election on a date of his choosing. This allows the governing party to set the timing of a general election to its own advantage. 

Does anyone remember when Prime Minister Jean Chrétien called an election in 2000 just 3 years into his majority government’s mandate? Or when Ontario Premier David Peterson did the same thing in 1990? While Chrétien managed to get re-elected; Peterson lost his government and even his own seat.

Currently, British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador all have fixed election dates. (Each introduced by provincial Liberal governments, I might add). Now, the federal government is joining the club with fixed election dates.

I believe this will help level the playing field and provide greater fairness for all parties. Campaign teams will be able to take advantage of increased preparation time to better implement their strategies. Offices and materials can be rented and ordered in advance, and campaign teams will be ready to hit the pavement once the date arrives. 

Elections Canada will also be able to have their materials ready, offices rented and staff hired for the campaign period. (I also hope they’ll be able to generate a more accurate list of eligible voters with this extra time.)

In fact, the only potential downside I can see is that campaigns are likely to get a little longer.

I note that this bill, if passed, will not change the practice of Parliament being dissolved if the government loses the confidence of the House of Commons.

Given weather conditions in Canada, the best months for an election are from May to October. July and August are not advisable because of the high number of vacationers. May and June are not recommended as many university students have ended their terms by then and are in places where they may be less likely to vote.

That leaves September and October. Weather conditions for election campaigns are normally favourable in the fall in all parts of Canada. Moreover, most snowbirds will not have departed for the south before the late Fall.

The third Monday in October was chosen as a day that is least likely to conflict with provincial fixed election dates, statutory and religious holidays, and municipal elections.

Another factor to consider in choosing a fixed date is the Parliamentary financial procedures. This budgetary process is the historical heart of parliamentary procedure. The Standing Orders require that the Main Estimates be tabled by March 1. Elections held in the spring disrupt this process for Parliamentary review and approval of the spending plans of the government.

Finally, Citizenship Week is celebrated by the Government of Canada in the third week of October each year. It aims to raise awareness of the privileges, rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Participation in a general election is a fundamental right and responsibility of citizenship.

Establishing fixed election dates fulfills one of this government’s key campaign commitments. It’s also an important step in improving and modernizing Canada’s democratic institutions and practices. In short, it’s a good idea and I support it.