The Conservative government is facing a battle from the NDP Thursday over its efforts to end the first round of debate on legislation that would dramatically rewrite federal election law. Government House Leader Peter Van Loan has signalled he will table a motion to force an end to initial debate over C-23, the Fair Elections Act. The next stage of deliberation would see the legislation head to a committee for scrutiny. Thomas Mulcair’s New Democrats are trying to delay this, saying MPs deserve more time to speak on the legislation.
Starting Thursday morning, the NDP began introducing motions designed to impede the Conservatives. The first NDP effort, a motion to adjourn the Commons, was voted down by the Conservative majority just after 11 a.m. ET Thursday.
“The Conservatives’ use of closure and time allocation is without precedent. It’s an affront to democracy, and we will fight them every step of the way. The sad irony is that they’re shutting down democratic debate on a bill that further erodes the democratic rights of Canadians, especially for the most vulnerable,” Mr. Mulcair said in a statement.
Full Article: MPs need more time to study major overhaul to elections laws, NDP says – The Globe and Mail.