Electoral Reform National Dialogue Report

Table of Contents 

Ministerial Message

Throughout the fall of 2016, the Minister of Democratic Institutions travelled across the country to participate in discussions with Canadians in urban and remote communities, and in special meetings with traditionally underrepresented groups, such as the National Youth Forum where the Minister spoke at a special Youth with Disabilities conference. 

This dialogue brought together Canadians to discuss the values they feel should be reflected in Canada’s electoral system. At every stop on this journey, Canadians spoke passionately about their feelings and ideas about the future of our democracy. 

This report tells the story of this cross-Canada dialogue. It shares what Canadians had to say throughout this important conversation. It highlights what was heard in each region of the country, and points to the ideas and themes that came up during our conversations. 

It is clear that a consensus is building among Canadians about the democratic values we share. This includes a need for greater voter participation and engagement, making the electoral system more inclusive and accessible, maintaining the accountability of local representation, and safeguarding the integrity of our voting system through whatever changes may come. 

Thank you to all those who took part in this dialogue. Your views, comments, and suggestions are invaluable to the ongoing dialogue on electoral reform. 

As you read this report and hear what your fellow Canadians had to say about our shared democratic values, I hope you will be encouraged to continue to be engaged in the ongoing efforts to modernize our voting system. 

 

[Minister’s Signature] 

National Engagement Dialogue By The Numbers 

• 32 days on tour over 10 weeks
• 27 communities visited across all 13 provinces and territories
• 54 in-person events, including town halls, round tables, and meetings
• 3,000 + Canadians took part in-person
• 38,817 kilometres travelled on land, sea, and air

What We Heard – Guiding Principles

The Government of Canada’s public engagement on electoral reform has been informed by five guiding principles. Recognizing that there are no one-size-fits-all electoral systems, selecting an electoral system is about values. These principles were developed based on lessons from other jurisdictions, in Canada and abroad. These five principles provided a framework for discussions throughout the national engagement tour. 

1. Effectiveness & Legitimacy

Restore the effectiveness and legitimacy of voting, such as by reducing distortions and strengthening the link between voter intention and the electoral result.

2. Engagement

Encourage greater engagement and participation in the democratic process including by underrepresented groups.

3. Accessibility & Inclusiveness

Support accessibility and inclusiveness of all eligible voters, and avoiding undue complexity in the voting process.

4. Integrity

Safeguard the integrity of our voting process.

5. Local Representation

Preserve the accountability of local representation;

What We Heard - Themes

Throughout discussions on electoral reform in cities and small towns across provinces and territories, Canadians were asked a series of questions on democratic values and principles. During these discussions three themes were repeatedly at the heart of conversations – How We Vote, Overcoming Barriers, and Voting Systems. Consultation participants also spoke about the kinds of changes they would like to see in the federal electoral system. Included in this report is a summary of the most frequently raised viewpoints or idea from participants. These are presented in aggregate form.

How We Vote – Electronic/Online voting

This theme focuses on what participants had to say about electronic and online voting. This included the perceived benefits and disadvantages of electronic and online voting, feelings about the paper ballot, and the effect this may have on participation levels by youth, persons with disabilities, and Canadians living abroad. Aldo discussed were concerns about the integrity of the voting system, such as potential technical issues with electronic and online voting, cyber-attacks and hacking, and privacy concerns.

On electronic and online voting in the Federal electoral system, responses included:

•  Concerns about security of electronic and online voting, such as hacking and electronic manipulation of vote results.
•  Concerns about lack of computer literacy becoming a barrier to participation.
•  Implement pilot projects to verify the efficacy of online/electronic voting in reducing barriers faced by some individuals participating in the voting process.
• Electronic voting in a booth at polling stations should also have a paper trail in case of computer error.

On paper ballots, responses included:

•  There is a feeling of community and pride when exercising their democratic right in person at the polling station.
•  There is a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality surrounding paper ballots that makes them worth keeping.
•  Voting at polling stations using paper ballots remains the most secure, accurate, and trustworthy method to vote.
•  Not many opportunities exist for fraud or tampering with paper ballots.

On benefits of electronic/online voting, responses included:

• Electronic/online voting may be less expensive than the current paper ballot voting system.
• Electronic/online voting may lead to more participation in the electoral process.
• Electronic/online voting may lead to elections results being calculated faster.
• Electronic/online voting may decrease the number of spoiled ballots.
• Electronic/online voting may provide ease of access to polling stations for individuals with mobility issues.
• Electronic/online voting may make voting easier for individuals living/working abroad, in rural and remote areas.

On disadvantages of electronic/online voting, responses included:

• Online voting could reduce the sense of a community activity that is voting at polling stations.
• Some said electronic systems can’t be trusted. Electronic hardware and software fail frequently due to a number of factors.
• Others felt electronic/online voting may be susceptible to high jacking, hacking, and tampering of the voting process.
• Online voting may cause individuals to wait to the last minute to cast their vote and be unable to due to server overload.
• Online voting may cause individuals to cast their vote while driving.

On the technical challenges of electronic/online voting, responses included:

• Issue of the digital divide is a concern. Some individuals are not computer savvy or literate.
• Some individuals do not have access to computers or the Internet.
• Network and connection stability and bandwidth issues in rural and remote areas needs to be addressed.
• Network stability and bandwidth issues in other countries may prevent Canadians abroad from taking part in elections.
• Rural and remote communities have unequal Internet access compared to the rest of Canada.
• Computer system may crash during the voting process.
• The software/application could malfunction while casting your vote.
• Individuals could mistakenly hit the wrong button while voting.
• How would the electronic/online voting system provide a confirmation that an individual voted?

On reliability of electronic/online voting, responses included:

• Voter authentication with online/electronic voting systems.
• A system would be required to ensure accurate voter identity.
• Concerns about the role of the scrutineer in electronic/online voting.
• Ensuring an accurate vote count is an area of concern.
• Electronic/online voting does not permit a hard copy recount of the elections results.
• Electronic/online voting may be susceptible to duplication of votes and affect the integrity of the vote.
• Electrical issues and power outages may affect the voting process for individuals.
•  Internet connectivity may affect the voting process for individuals.

On privacy concerns of electronic/online voting, responses included:

• Individuals are comfortable and trust online banking but not online voting.
• Anonymity may be compromised by voting online.
• People voting online may be susceptible to voting peer pressure or coercion by their friends and families.

How We Vote – Mandatory voting

This theme looks at issues that were discussed around mandatory voting. It includes views on how mandatory voting could impact voter turn-out, engagement in the electoral process (both positive and negative), as well as participants’ views on what mechanisms might be used to implement mandatory voting, should it be pursued.

On mandatory voting in the Federal electoral system, responses included:

• Participating in elections is a rite of passage.
• Voting is the civic duty of Canadians.
• Mandatory voting may not be the best way to encourage individuals to vote.
• It is a democratic right, a choice, to choose to vote or not.  Individuals have the right to abstain from voting.
• Knowing that your vote counts or counted more should be enough incentive for individuals to vote.
• Increased civic education may create a societal convention where individuals understand the value of participation in the electoral process without making voting mandatory.
• If mandatory voting is implemented, election ballots should have a “none of the above” option for individuals who wish to abstain from voting for a candidate (e.g. conscientious objectors).
• Democracy is a privilege that hundreds of thousands of people died for so you should go out of your way to go out and vote.
• Concerns and issues exist on how the federal government would enforce mandatory voting.

On the benefits of mandatory voting, responses included:

• Mandatory voting would increase voter turnout.
• Mandatory voting may increase individuals’ perception of the value of voting.
• Mandatory voting may increase youth engagement in the electoral process.
• Mandatory voting may increase the chance of a person who represents your values being elected.

On the disadvantages of mandatory voting, responses included:

• Forcing individuals to vote without knowledge of candidates or electoral issues is a concern.
• Mandatory voting does not address the barriers individuals face when voting.
• Mandatory voting may not encourage engagement in the electoral process.
• Mandatory voting would not address voter apathy or disenfranchisement.
• Mandatory voting takes away individuals’ right to choose to vote or not.
• Mandatory voting may increase individuals’ mistrust of government institutions.

Incentives for voting mentioned:

• Fixed dollar amount.
• Tax rebate or credit.
• Mailed GST cheque.
• Food and beverages served at polling stations.

Penalties for not voting mentioned:

• Fixed fine amount.
• Fine based on individual’s tax bracket. 

Overcoming Barriers

This theme contains partipants’ views on perceived barriers to participation in the voting process, whether physical, medical, or socio-economic. Also discussed were possible ways to reduce or remove these barriers.

On barriers or challenges of voting in the Federal electoral system, responses included:

• Making every vote count is a strong indication of a healthy democracy.
• Cynicism, laziness and disengagement are issues to address in a functioning democracy.
• Countries in the world with some type of proportional electoral system get much better voter turnout.
• One of the greatest barriers is voter apathy. Individuals are disinterested in the electoral process or feel they don’t have enough information to make an informed decision.
• Ensuring that individuals feel their vote counts in the electoral process.
• Not voting because of a belief the process makes it difficult for individual voices to be heard.
• The voting process needs to be made more legitimate.
• Candidates and parties don’t represent the diversity of views of Canadians.
• The First-Past-The-Post electoral system is itself a barrier to democratic participation.
• Proportional representation may help remove many barriers.
• Youth participants acknowledged voter apathy in their generation due to their values and views not being represented.

On information and communication as a barriers or challenges faced by individuals when voting in the Federal electoral system, responses included:

• Civic education is missing from Canadian schools and for Canadians in general.
• Lack of understanding of the electoral issues and views of the political parties.
• Computer literacy is a barrier to accessing information about the democratic process.
• Language may be barrier to understanding and obtaining information before and during the democratic process for Canada’s indigenous and ethnic populations.
• Sign language services are not offered at polling stations.

On physical or medical barriers or challenges faced by individuals when voting in the Federal electoral system, responses included:

• Transportation is a challenge for individuals with physical disabilities and mobility issues.
• Lack of services for individuals with disabilities (i.e. sign language interpretation)
• Distance to polling stations can be a barrier to voting for rural or remote communities.
• Lack of polling stations in rural or remote communities such as work camps, is a barrier to casting votes.
• Frequent relocation poses a challenge for individuals to vote.
• Canadians abroad don’t have many options to exercise their right to vote.
• Mental illnesses may dissuade individuals from engaging and participating in the electoral process.

On socio-economic barriers or challenges faced by individuals when voting in the federal electoral system, responses included:

• Lack of time to vote due to work schedule or multiple jobs.
• Lack of funds to pay for transportation to polling stations.
• Cultural, ethnic, and religious background, including barriers related to language or religious basis for not participating in elections.

On measures to reduce barriers or challenges faced by individuals when voting in the Federal electoral system, responses included:

• Clear and concise information about the electoral process could be offered in more languages and formats.
• Implement Online/Electronic voting pilot projects to verify their efficacy in reducing barriers faced by some individuals while participating in the voting process.
• Make federal Election Day a national holiday.
• Compensate individuals for time taken off work to vote.
• Increase voter participation by lowering the voting age – to 16 years old - and offering more civic education.
• Offer free of charge services to encourage voter participation in the electoral process. (e.g transportation, babysitting service)
• Change the identification requirements needed to vote – bring back vouching.
• Repeal, partially or in totally, the Fair Elections Act.
• Make the Commissioner of Canada Elections part of Elections Canada.

Electoral Systems - Features Important to Canadians

This theme focuses on participants’ views on what specific features might be included in a reformed federal electoral process, including ways to make voting easier, how to increase the diversity of views and representation in Parliament, and how to include local representation.

On features important to Canadians in a reformed electoral system, responses included:

• The reform of our electoral system is one of the most important issues of this government’s mandate.
• A healthy democracy is one that is inclusive and where all views are represented in Parliament.
• It is time for Canada to move to a form of proportional representation electoral system.
• A healthy democracy is one where a plurality of political views and opinions are represented in the House of Commons.
• Canada should move toward a more collaborative approach to governing, rather than the bitter partisanship that has characterized much of our past.
• A healthy democracy is when parties collaborate and build consensus on issues of importance to Canadians.
• Members of Parliament should represent the interests of their constituents and local communities before the interests of their political party.
• Members of Parliament should be able to vote their conscience.
• The vote of every Canadian should matter and count in the electoral process.
• People should always be voting for someone or something, not against it.
• Canada’s diversity should be represented in House of Commons.
• Local representation is important.
• Information about electoral issues and Canada’s electoral system should be accessible to all Canadians and easy to understand.
• An electoral system being complicated is not a reason not to adopt it.
• Compensatory seats should be used so that parties get their fair share of the popular vote.
• The electoral system should be simple and proportional.
• Greater focus and understanding of Indigenous governance systems, including historical modes of governance, should be included or represented in Canada’s electoral system
• An educated and well informed electorate will result in higher election participation rates.
• Politicians should be held accountable immediately rather than at the next election.
• Elected parties should respect their electoral promises.

On reform of the electoral system in Canada, responses included:

• More open and transparent discussions on electoral reform between all levels of governments and First Nations are required.
• The Federal Government should examine other jurisdictions and countries’ electoral systems.
• The Federal Government should examine what lessons it can learn from consensus government in Canada’s North.
• Canadians want a fair voting system where every vote counts and they don’t feel the pressure to vote strategically.
• A referendum may or may not be the appropriate way to present electoral reform to Canadians.
• The Government of Canada should follow the recommendations of the House of Commons Special Committee on Electoral Reform.
• Electoral reforms should inspire the next generation of leaders to see themselves in the legislature while fostering more collaboration and cooperation between political parties.
• Make it easier for individuals to cast their vote in Canada.
• A hybrid electoral system could be employed where Mixed Member Proportional would be used in rural constituencies and Single Transferable Vote would be used in urban constituencies.
• Single Transferable Vote may work in larger urban settings but would not work as well in rural settings.
• Instant-runoff voting (IRV) could generate a false consensus which would be better for swing ridings, but not fully reflective.

Conclusion

As the Government of Canada moves forward with its efforts to reform Canada’s electoral system, it has been important to ensure that the voices of Canadians inform this process. In addition to the events held during this electoral reform national engagement dialogue, Members of Parliament and engaged citizens have hosted more than 250 town halls in their local constituencies. Throughout the country, advocates of electoral reform have been passionately engaged in educating and informing their fellow citizens of the options available to them and of the importance of a strong, representative electoral process to maintaining a healthy democracy.

Thank you to all those who joined in the conversation throughout this national engagement dialogue.

Annex A – Minister of Democratic Institution Townhalls

August 2016

Iqaluit, Nunavut - August 29, 2016

• Participants: 22

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - August 30, 2016

• Participants: 29

Whitehorse, Yukon - August 31, 2016

• Participants: 156

September 2016

Vancouver, British Columbia - September 9, 2016

• Participants: 198

Edmonton, Alberta - September 10, 2016

• Participants: 138

Regina, Saskatchewan - September 11, 2016

• Participants: 128

Winnipeg, Manitoba - September 12, 2016

• Participants: 109

Thunder Bay, Ontario - September 13, 2016

• Participants: 88

Gatineau, Québec - September 15, 2016

• Participants: 110

Shawinigan, Québec - September 17, 2016

• Participants: 9

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - September 22, 2016

• Participants: 51

Halifax, Nova Scotia - September 23, 2016

• Participants: 86

Moncton, New Brunswick - September 24, 2016

• Participants: 75

Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador - September 29, 2016

• Participants: 24

October 2016

Happy-Valley Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador - October 1, 2016

• Participants: 9

Victoria, British Columbia - October 27, 2016

• Participants: 131 

Calgary, Alberta - October 29, 2016

• Participants: 81

November 2016

National Youth Forum - Youth with Disabilities, Ottawa, Ontario - November 1, 2016

• Participants: 20 

Annex B - Member of Parliament Town Halls  

July 2016

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - July 12, 2016 

• The Honourable Wayne Easter, Member of Parliament, Malpeque
• Sean Casey, Member of Parliament, Charlottetown

Stewiacke, Nova Scotia - July 13, 2016

• Bill Casey, Member of Parliament, Cumberland-Colchester

Maple Ridge, British Columbia - July 17, 2016

• Dan Ruimy, Member of Parliament, Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge

Kelowna, British Columbia - July 18, 2016

• Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament, Kelowna-Lake Country

Antigonish, Nova Scotia - July 19, 2016 

• Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament, Central Nova

Ajax, Ontario - July 20, 2016

• Mark Holland, Member of Parliament, Ajax

Fredericton, New Brunswick - July 25, 2016

• T.J. Harvey, Member of Parliament, Tobique-Mactaquac

Eastern Shore, Nova Scotia - July 26, 2016

• Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament, Central Nova

Moncton, New Brunswick - July 28, 2016

• Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Member of Parliament, Moncton-Riverview-Dippe

Lachine, Québec - July 30, 2016 

• Anju Dhillon, Member of Parliament, Dorval-Lachine-LaSalle 

August 2016

Surrey, British Columbia - August 2, 2016  

• John Aldag, Member of Parliament, Cloverdale-Langley City

Pictou County, Nova Scotia - August 2, 2016

• Sean Fraser, Member of Parliament, Central Nova

Liverpool, Nova Scotia - August 3, 2016

• Bernadette Jordan, Member of Parliament, South Shore-St. Margarets

Surrey, British Columbia - August 3, 2016

• Sukh Dhaliwal, Member of Parliament, Surrey-Newton

Sherbrooke, Québec - August 3, 2016

• The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Member of Parliament, Compton-Stanstead

Fernie, British Columbia - August 9, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Sparwood, British Columbia - August 9, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Kedgwick, New Brunswick - August 10, 2016

• René Arseneault, Member of Parliament, Madawaska-Restigouche

Springhill, Nova Scotia - August 11, 2016

• Bill Casey, Member of Parliament, Cumberland-Colchester

Wolfville, Nova Scotia - August 15, 2016

• The Honourable Scott Brison, Member of Parliament, Kings-Hants

Vancouver, British Columbia - August 15, 2016

• The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Member of Parliament, Vancouver Granville

Kimberley British Columbia - August 15, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Cranbrook, British Columbia - August 15, 2016

Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Scarborough, Ontario - August 16, 2016

• The Honourable John McKay, Member of Parliament, Scarborough-Guildwood
• Bill Blair, Member of Parliament, Scarborough Southwest
• Arnold Chan, Member of Parliament, Scarborough-Agincourt
• Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament, Scarborough North
• Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament, Scarborough Centre

Creston, British Columbia - August 16, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Salmo, British Columbia - August 16, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Ymir, British Columbia - August 16, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Toronto, Ontario - August 17, 2016

• Yasmin Ratansi, Member of Parliament, Don Valley East
• Mark Holland, Member of Parliament, Ajax

Orillia, Ontario - August 17, 2016

• Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament, Simcoe North

Orléans, Ontario - August 17, 2016

• The Honourable Andrew Leslie, Member of Parliament, Orléans

Etobicoke, Ontario - August 17, 2016

• Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Member of Parliament, Etobicoke Centre

Mission, British Columbia - August 17, 2016

• Jati Sidhu, Member of Parliament, Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon

Nelson, British Columbia - August 17, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Kaslo, British Columbia - August 17, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Meadow Creek, British Columbia - August 18, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Revelstoke, British Columbia - August 18, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Edmonton, Alberta - August 18, 2016

• Randy Boissonnault, Member of Parliament, Edmonton Centre

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - August 18, 2016

• Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament, Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

Bancroft, Ontario - August 18, 2016

• Mike Bossio, Member of Parliament, Hastings-Lennox and Addington

Nepean Ontario - August 19, 2016

• Chandra Arya, Member of Parliament, Nepean

Golden, British Columbia - August 19, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Spillimacheen, British Columbia - August 19, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Invermere, British Columbia - August 19, 2016

• Wayne Stetski, Member of Parliament, Kootenay-Columbia

Bath, Ontario - August 20, 2016

• Mike Bossio, Member of Parliament, Hastings-Lennox and Addington

Brampton, Ontario - August 21, 2016

• Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament, Brampton North
• Raj Grewal, Member of Parliament, Brampton East
• Ramesh Sangha, Member of Parliament, Brampton Centre
• Kamal Khera, Member of Parliament, Brampton West
• Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament, Brampton South
• Mark Holland, Member of Parliament, Ajax

Vancouver, British Columbia - August 22, 2016

• Joyce Murray, Member of Parliament, Vancouver Quandra

Hamilton, Ontario - August 23, 2016

• Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament, Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas

Tweed, Ontario - August 23, 2016

• Mike Bossio, Member of Parliament, Hastings-Lennox and Addington

Trois-Rivières, Québec - August 24, 2016

• Robert Aubin, Member of Parliament, Trois-Rivières

Terrebonne, Québec - August 24, 2016

• Alexandre Boulerice, Member of Parliament, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie

Surrey, British Columbia - August 29, 2016

• Ken Hardie, Member of Parliament, Fleetwood-Port Kells

Wyoming, Ontario - August 30, 2016

• Marilyn Gladu, Member of Parliament, Sarnia-Lambton

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories - August 30, 2016

• Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament, Northwest Territories

West Vancouver, British Columbia - August 30, 2016

• Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country  

September 2016

Castlegar, British Columbia - September 1, 2016

• Richard Cannings, Member of Parliament, South Okanagan-West Kootenay

Mooretown, Ontario - September 1, 2016

• Marilyn Gladu, Member of Parliament, Sarnia-Lambton

Sechelt, British Columbia - September 1, 2016

• Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country

Peterborough, Ontario - September 6, 2016

• The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Member of Parliament, Peterborough-Kawartha

Petrolia, Ontario - September 6, 2016

• Marilyn Gladu, Member of Parliament, Sarnia-Lambton

Etobicoke, Ontario - September 6, 2016

• The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Member of Parliament, Etobicoke North
• James Maloney, Member of Parliament, Etobicoke-Lakeshore

North York, Ontario - September 6, 2016

• Ali Ehsassi, Member of Parliament, Willodale

Prince Rupert, British Columbia - September 6, 2016

• Nathan Cullen, Member of Parliament, Skeena-Bulkley Valley

Sidney, British Columbia - September 6, 2016

• Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament, Saanich-Gulf Islands

Saint John, New Brunswick - September 6, 2016

• Wayne Long, Member of Parliament, Saint John-Rothesay

Port Alberni, British Columbia - September 6, 2016

• Gord Johns, Member of Parliament, Courtenay-Alberni

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia - September 6, 2016

• Colin Fraser, Member of Palriament, West Nova

Longueuil, Québec - September 6, 2016

• Mark Holland, Member of Parliament, Ajax
• Sherry Romanado, Member of Parliament, Longueil-Charles-LeMoyne
• MP Michel Picard, Member of Parliament, Montarville
• Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament, Châteauguay-Lacolle
• Jean R. Rioux, Member of Parliament, Saint-Jean
• Jean-Claude Poissant, Member of Parliament, La Prairrie
• Alexandra Mendès, Member of Palriament, Brossard-Saint-Lambert

Saturna Island, British Columbia - September 7, 2016

• Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament, Saanich-Gulf Islands

Duncan, British Columbia - September 7, 2016

• Alistair MacGregor, Member of Parliament, Cowichan-Malahat-Langford

Scarborough, Ontario - September 7, 2016

• Salma Zahid, Member of Parliament, Scarborough Centre

Midland, Ontario - September 7, 2016

• Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament, Simcoe-North

Longueuil, Québec - September 7, 2016

• Pierre Nantel, Member of Parliament, Longueil—Saint-Hurbert

Terrace, British Columbia - September 7, 2016

• Nathan Cullen, Member of Parliament, Skeena-Bulkley Valley

Jonquière, Québec - September 7, 2016

• Karine Trudel, Member of Parliament, Jonquière

Montréal, Québec - September 7, 2016

• The Honourable Thomas J. Mulcair, Member of Parliament, Outremont
• Alexandre Boulerice, Member of Parliament, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie
• Hélène Laverdière, Member of Parliament, Laurier—Sainte-Marie
• Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet, Member of Parliament, Hochelaga

Camlachie, Ontario - September 7, 2016

• Marilyn Gladu, Member of Palriament, Sarnia-Lambton

Parksville, British Columbia - September 7, 2016

• Gord Johns, Member of Parliament, Courtenay-Alberni

St. Catharines, Ontario - September 7, 2016

• Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament, St. Catherines

Regina, Saskatchewan - September 7, 2016

• Erin Weir, Member of Palriament, Regina-Lewvan

Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec - September 8, 2016

• Alexandre Boulerice, Member of Parliament, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie

Edmonton, Alberta - September 8, 2016

• Linda Duncan, Member of Parliament, Edmonton Strathcona

Kitimat, British Columbia - September 8, 2016

• Nathan Cullen, Member of Parliament, Skeena-Bulkley Valley

Sarnia, Ontario - September 8, 2016

• Marilyn Gladu, Member of Parliament, Sarnia-Lambton

Courtenay, British Columbia - September 8, 2016

• Gord Johns, Member of Parliament, Courtenay-Alberni

Toronto, Ontario - September 8, 2016

• Bill Blair, Member of Parliament, Scarborough Southwest

Calgary, Alberta - September 8, 2016

• The Honourable Kent Hehr, Member of Parliament, Calgary Centre

Richmond Hill, Ontario - September 8, 2016

• Mark Holland, Member of Parliament, Ajax
• Majid Jowhari, Member of Parliament, Richmond Hill

Smithers, British Columbia - September 9, 2016

• Nathan Cullen, Member of Parliament, Skeena-Bulkley Valley

Sherwood Park, Alberta - September 9, 2016

• Garnett Genuis, Member of Parliament, Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan

Comox, British Columbia - September 10, 2016

• Rachel Blaney , Member of Parliament, North Island—Powell River

Burlington, Ontario - September 10, 2016

• Karina Gould, Member of Parliament, Burlington

Québec, Québec - September 10, 2016

• Alexandre Boulerice, Member of Parliament, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia - September 10, 2016

• The Honourable Mark Eyking, Member of Parliament, Sydney-Victoria
• Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament, Cape Breton-Canso

Sherwood Park, Alberta - September 10, 2016

• Garnett Genuis, Member of Parliament, Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan

Toronto, Ontario - September 11, 2016

• The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Member of Parliament, Toronto-St. Paul’s

Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador - September 11, 2016

• Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament, Avalon

Nanaimo, British Columbia - September 11, 2016

• Sheila Malcolmson, Member of Parliament, Nanaimo-Ladysmith
• Nathan Cullen, Member of Parliament, Skeena-Bulkley Valley

Sherwood Park, Alberta - September 11, 2016

• Garnett Genuis, Member of Parliament, Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan

Penticton, British Columbia - September 12, 2016

• Richard Cannings, Member of Parliament, Okanagan-West Kootenay

North Vancouver, British Columbia - September 12, 2016

• Jonathan Wilkinson, Member of Parliament, North Vancouver

Mayne Island, British Columbia - September 12, 2016

• Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament, Saanich-Gulf Islands

Winnipeg, Manitoba - September 12, 2016

• Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament,  Winnipeg South

Oakville, Ontario - September 12, 2016

• John Oliver, Member of Parliament, Oakville

Mississauga, Ontario - September 12, 2016

• Gagan Sikand, Member of Palriament, Mississauga-Streetville

Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador - September 13, 2016

• Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament, Long range Mountains

Guelph, Ontario - September 13, 2016

• Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament, Guelph

Aurora Ontario - September 13, 2016

• Kyle Peterson, Member of Parliament, Newmarket-Aurora

Pender Island, British Columbia - September 13, 2016

• Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament, Saanich-Gulf Islands

Toronto, Ontario - September 13, 2016

• Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament, Davenport

Scarborough, Ontario - September 13, 2016

• John McKay, Member of Parliament, Scarborough-Guildwood

Markham, Ontario - September 14, 2016

• The Honourable Jane Philpott, Member of Parliament, Markham-Stouffville
• The Honourable John McCallum, Member of Parliament, Markham-Thornhill

Varennes, Québec - September 14, 2016

• Xavier Barsalou-Duval, Member of Parliament, Pierre-Boucher—Les Patriotes--Verchères

Headingley, Manitoba - September 14, 2016

• Doug Eyolfson, Member of Parliament, Charleswood — St. James — Assiniboia — Headingley

Minnow Lake, Ontario - September 14, 2016

• Paul Lefebvre, Member of Parliament, Sudbury

Burlington, Ontario - September 14, 2016

• Pam Damoff, Member of Parliament, Oakville North-Burlington
• Mark Holland, Member of Parliament, Ajax

Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador - September 14, 2016

• Scott Simms, Member of Parliament, Coast of Bays – Central – Notre Dame

Hampstead, Québec - September 15, 2016

• Anthony Housefather, Member of Parliament, Mount Royal

Salt Spring Island, British Columbia - September 16, 2016

• Elizabeth May, Member of Parliament, Saanich-Gulf Islands

Laval, Québec - September 16, 2016

• Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament, Vimy

Powell River, British Columbia - September 17, 2016

• Rachel Blaney, Member of Parliament, North Island—Powell River

Ottawa, Ontario - September 17, 2016

• Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament, Ottawa West-Nepean

Hamilton, Ontario - September 17, 2016

• David Christopherson, Member of Parliament, Hamilton Centre
• Scott Duvall, Member of Parliament, Hamilton Mountain

Toronto, Ontario - September 18, 2016

• Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament, Don Valley West

Barrie, Ontario - September 18, 2016

• Alex Nuttall, Member of Parliament, Barrie--Springwater--Oro-Medonte

Beauharnois, Québec - September 22, 2016

• Anne Minh-Thu Quach, Member of Parliament, Salaberry-Suroît

Port McNeill, British Columbia - September 24, 2016

• Rachel Blaney, Member of Parliament, North Island-Powell River

Langford, British Columbia - September 24, 2016

• Alistair MacGregor, Member of Parliament, Cowichan-Malahat-Langford
• Randall Garrison, Member of Parliament, Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke

LaSalle, Ontario - September 24, 2016

• Tracey Ramsey, Member of Parliament, Essex

Vancouver, British Columbia - September 24, 2016

• Jenny Kwan, Member of Parliament, Vancouver East

Woodbridge, Ontario - September 25, 2016

• Francesco Sorbara, Member of Parliament, Vaughan-Woodbridge

Toronto, Ontario - September 25, 2016

• Adam Vaughan, Member of Parliament, Spadina-Fort York

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Ontario - September 27, 2016

• Larry Miller, Member of Parliament, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia - September 29, 2016

• Darrell Samson, Member of Parliament, Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook

Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, Québec

• September 29, 2016 Simon Marcil, Member of Parliament, Mirabel

Welland, Ontario - September 30, 2016

• Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament, Niagara Centre

October 2016

Campbell River, British Columbia - October 1, 2016

• Rachel Blaney, Member of Parliament, North Island-Powell River

Scarborough, Ontario - October 1, 2016

• Shaun Chen’ Member of Parliament, Scarborough North 

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - October 3, 2016

• Sheri Benson, Member of Parliament, Saskatoon West

Saint-Eustache, Québec - October 4, 2016

• Ramez Ayoub, Member of Parliament, Thérèse-De Blainville
• Linda Lapointe, Member of Parliament, Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Saint-Laurent, Québec - October 7, 2016

• The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Member of Parliament, Saint-Laurent

Québec, Québec - October 11, 2016

• Joël Lightbound, Member of Parliament, Louis-Hébert

Brampton, Ontario - October 11, 2016

• Ruby Sahota, Member of Parliament, Brampton North

St. George, New Brunswick - October 11, 2016

• Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament, New Brunswick Southwest

Toronto, Ontario - October 11, 2016

• Arif Virani, Member of Parliament, Parkdale-High Park
• Mark Holland, Member of Parliament, Ajax

Toronto, Ontario - October 12, 2016

• Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Member of Parliament, Beaches-East York

Toronto, Ontario - October 12, 2016

• Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament, Don Valley West

Toronto, Ontario - October 12, 2016

• Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Member of Parliament, Beaches-East York

Upper Kingsclear, New Brunswick - October 12, 2016

• Karen Ludwig, Member of Parliament, New Brunswick Southwest

Richmond Hill, Ontario - October 12, 2016

• Deb Schulte, Member of Parliament, King-Vaughan

Toronto, Ontario - October 13, 2016

• Rob Oliphant, Member of Parliament, Don Valley West

Montreal, Québec - October 13, 2016

• The Honourable Marc Garneau, Member of Parliament, Notre-Dame-de-Grace--Westmount
• David Lametti, Member of Parliament, LaSalle-Émard-Verdun

Burnaby, British Columbia - October 13, 2016

• Terry Beech, Member of Parliament, Burnaby North-Seymour

Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Québec - October 13, 2016

• Frank Baylis, Member of Parliament, Pierrefonds-Dollard

Wakefield, Québec - October 24, 2016

• William Amos, Member of Parliament, Pontiac

Gatineau, Québec - October 25, 2016

• William Amos, Member of Parliament, Pontiac  

Annex C – Supporting Documents

Event Survey Questionnaire

The following questionnaire was provided to all participants at events hosted by the Minister of Democratic Institutions. Participants were encouraged to complete the questionnaire during the event. Completing the questionnaire, in whole or in part, was optional.

The 5 guiding principles

Listed below are the five guiding principles which make up the foundation of our Canadian electoral reform process. When evaluating potential changes to our electoral system, how would you rank each principle? Where one (1) is most important and five (5) is least important.

1. Effectiveness and legitimacy

Restore the effectiveness and legitimacy of voting, such as by reducing distortions and strengthening the link between voter intention and the electoral result;

2. Engagement

Encourage greater engagement and participation in the democratic process including by underrepresented groups;

3. Accessibility and inclusiveness

Support accessibility and inclusiveness of all eligible voters, and avoiding undue complexity in the voting process;

4. Integrity

Safeguard the integrity of our voting process;

5. Local representation

Preserve the accountability of local representation;

Evaluation

1. Why was it important for you to join us today?
2. What idea did you hear today that you think could inspire more Canadians to participate in our democracy?
3. What does healthy democracy mean to you?
4. How would you rate today’s gathering? On a scale of one to ten, where one (1) is very unhelpful and ten (10) is very helpful.
5. Do you have any additional thoughts you would like to share with us?

Discussion Questions

The following discussion questions were asked of participants at town hall event hosted by the Minister of Democratic Institutions. Based on participant feedback, a change was made to Question #1 following the first two events in Iqaluit and Yellowknife. This revised set of questions was used for all other events.

Questions asked in Iqaluit and Yellowknife: 

Questions asked at all other town hall events: