Using the Burnaby RCMP detachment as a backdrop, the NDP made another campaign pledge ahead of the federal election.
The party announced Friday that if elected, it would bring in a “voter protection act” to crack down on what the NDP claim is illegal voter suppression tactics by the Conservatives.
The Voter Protection Act will give Elections Canada the ability to investigate and crackdown on electoral fraud and establish stronger penalties for operatives who attempt to deny or deny Canadians their right to vote, according to a press release.
The party said it would also repeal Conservative voting rules “that have put the right to vote at risk for First Nations, students, seniors, those without a fixed address and others.”
New Westminster-Burnaby NDP candidate Peter Julian suggested in each of the last three elections, the Conservatives have brought in unfair changes to the Elections Act designed to supress Canadian’s rights to vote.
He added Prime Minister Stephen Harper isn’t thinking of the country, but of his own “narrow” self-interest.
“The intent is to restore the democracy that Mr. Harper has been taking a part, most notably in trying to make it harder for Canadians to vote,” Julian told the NOW.
