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“Fair” Elections Act Charter Challenge

In December 2018, the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Federation of Students celebrated the passing of Bill C-76 in the Senate.

Bill C-76 was a big win for democracy. It repeals the main undemocratic elements of the Unfair Elections Act, which we had organized with others to challenge politically and fight in the courts. The changes to the Act include:

– Restoring the Voter Information Card as valid ID for voting;
– Restoring vouching as an accepted process enabling people to confirm their identity and residence so they can vote;
– Restoring the independence of the Commissioner of Canada Elections by moving it back to the office of the Chief Electoral Officer; and
– Ending the restrictions on Elections Canada engaging in public education on voting.

Below are some of our analysis pieces and updates from that campaign.

Upcoming election: Injunction filed against key sections of the "Fair" Elections Act

Upcoming election: Injunction filed against key sections of the “Fair” Elections Act

Ottawa — The Canadian Federation of Students, the Council of Canadians, and three voters have applied for an injunction to ...
Defending the right to vote with charter challenge of "Fair" Elections Act

Defending the right to vote with charter challenge of “Fair” Elections Act

Yesterday was a busy day in the fight to defend democracy. We held a press conference yesterday morning in Ottawa ...
Fair Elections Act Legal Case Could Call Into Question The Validity Of Upcoming Election

Fair Elections Act Legal Case Could Call Into Question The Validity Of Upcoming Election

OTTAWA – Over 2,000 pages of powerful evidence is being filed with the Ontario Superior Court demonstrating the dangerous effects ...
Press Conference: Evidence Filed in Fair Elections Case

Press Conference: Evidence Filed in Fair Elections Case

OTTAWA – Media is invited to a press conference where the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Federation of Students ...
Harper seeking new voter suppression powers

Harper seeking new voter suppression powers

Is voter suppression becoming the new normal in Canada? Unfortunately, it looks like the short answer is yes. The Harper ...
Think the Unfair Elections Act Is a Done Deal? Think again.

Think the Unfair Elections Act Is a Done Deal? Think again.

I recently wrote in Canadian Perspectives about why we're launching a Charter challenge of the "Fair" Elections Act and what's ...
Fair Elections Act: Canadian democracy will have its day in court

Fair Elections Act: Canadian democracy will have its day in court

OTTAWA – The Council of Canadians, the Canadian Federation of Students and three individual electors will file a Charter challenge ...
Fair Elections Act Court Challenge

Fair Elections Act Court Challenge

OTTAWA – The Council of Canadians and the Canadian Federation of Students will file a charter challenge against the Fair ...