Elections Canada report disputes claim date had to be changed to accommodate Hindu observances

A newly released Elections Canada report challenges cabinet’s assertion that the 2025 fixed election date needed to be moved to avoid clashing with Hindu observances. The review found any autumn voting period would overlap with religious or cultural events, and that such conflicts could be managed through measures like advance polls.“No combination of election day and advance poll days can avoid all conflicts,” the report said, per Blacklock's Reporter. It added that overlaps with provincial, territorial and municipal elections were harder to address since they often use the same polling staff and locations.The report, Impacts Of An October 2025 Fixed Date General Election On Religious And Cultural Grounds, was commissioned after a January 2024 closed-door meeting between Liberal and New Democrat organizers. Their proposal to amend the Elections Act was withdrawn on December 3 following protests.Under current law, federal elections are suggested every four years on the third Monday in October, though fixed dates are not mandatory in a minority Parliament. The next fixed date, October 20, 2025, was to be delayed by one week to October 27 under Bill C-65. Cabinet argued the original date conflicted with Diwali, the Festival of Lights..However, the report said the later date would still coincide with other events, including the Nunavut general election and possible advance polls for Québec municipal elections. It also noted that advance voting for the October 27 date would still overlap with Diwali for Sikh communities.Opposition MPs accused the Liberals and New Democrats of disguising a pension boost for 28 MPs as cultural accommodation. The change ensured they would meet eligibility for annual benefits averaging $81,140, according to the Treasury Board.“This was a cynical, dishonest attempt … to pad their pockets,” Conservative MP Michael Cooper told the House affairs committee. Conservative MP Eric Duncan said the shift was “purely political” and unrelated to cultural events.Cabinet officials denied any hidden motives, saying cultural and religious observances in the fall made scheduling difficult. Elections Canada said it consulted 121 religious and cultural groups — including Anglican, Buddhist, Jewish, Sikh, Muslim, and Christian organizations — before concluding that some overlap was inevitable.

Elections Canada report disputes claim date had to be changed to accommodate Hindu observances

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