Home Page

A win for the Communists

Uncategorized Comments (0)

A win for the Communists
Roy Whyte
CDM
June 27, 2003

It is quite a day when the seemingly undemocratic Communist Party of Canada scores a victory for democracy in Canada. More to the point – it was a win for the underdogs

Brought into the light is hope that new ideas, new blood and new methods now have a chance to take off without being handcuffed by crippling elections rules.

Today the Supreme Court of Canada decision to unanimously strike down a controversial law denying certain benefits to political parties that fail to nominate candidates in more than 50 electoral districts means hope to dozens of parties and their supporters.

Constitutional lawyer David Stratas said, “The basic message is that Canadian representative democracy is not just the preserve of the established political parties but is the property of the people.” He went o­n to say, “The court is saying that the electoral system must represent what the people want, not what the established political parties want.” Well Mr. Stratas – we could not be more in agreement.

The Court majority said, “The right to run for office provides each citizen with the opportunity to present certain ideas and opinions to the electorate as a viable policy option. Full political debate ensures that ours is an open society with the benefit of a broad range of ideas and opinions.”

“This in turn, ensures that policy makers are aware of a broad range of options, but also that the determination of social policy is sensitive to the needs and interests of a broad range of citizens.”

The Supreme Court made it clear that all Canadians should have as much access to the political system as possible. Under the current set-up the right to issue tax receipts for donations received outside the election period, as well as the right for candidates to transfer unused funds back to the party instead of the government hampered the small parties. Another major benefit comes in the right for a party's candidate to list their party affiliation o­n ballot papers. No longer are they saddled with ‘independent’.

The Supreme Court has suspended its decision for 12 months to allow the Federal Government through Parliament to amend the law. Not challenged by the Communist Party were the benefits that are restricted under the 50-candidate law, including the right to free broadcast time, and a partial reimbursement of election expenses upon receiving a certain portion of the vote. These benefits will not be affected by the judgment.

For more info see:

Communist Party of Canada
www.communist-party.ca/

Supreme Court of Canada
www.scc-csc.gc.ca/

Elections Canada
www.elections.ca/

Roy Whyte is the Director of WhiteBark Innovations

and edits Canadian Business News

@ June 28, 2003