John Rustad has expressed hope that the BC NDP will put politics aside and help his party in their effort to safeguard elections in British Columbia.The BC Conservative leader announced earlier Thursday that two new pieces of legislation would be introduced when the government convenes for its spring session..BC Conservatives call for independent investigation into 2024 election, citing 'irregularities'."I doubt it," Rustad told the Western Standard when asked whether he believed the legislation would receive the support of the NDP, "but I'm hopeful they will see the positive light in which we're bringing this forward, and hopefully support our ability to do this."He went on to note that, "given the partisan nature and the fact that it's been pretty clear they've been involved in some of these irregularities, from my perspective, I would be surprised if they were eager to proceed with something like this.""Hopefully," he added, "we can force them to."One of the changes that will be proposed by the Conservatives involves adding a "C" to government-issued identification, signifying that the person is a Canadian citizen. Rustad argued that this would prevent non-citizens from potentially voting in elections.The other legislation would suspend the penalty component of the Elections Act and "give a 90-day grace period" where people can come forward and divulge potentially incriminating information about voting irregularities "without there being legal ramifications."Rustad said "There's been too much politicking and interference," he lamented, drawing attention to the upcoming Liberal leadership race in which almost anyone can register to be a member and vote. "You could very easily see the next prime minister in Canada be elected by people who are not even Canadian citizens."He argued that while it was perhaps understandable why so many people have lost faith in the democratic process, it was imperative that we restore trust in the institutions and bring participation back up."People need to know that their vote matters, that their vote counts," he concluded, "and that our electoral system is producing fair results."
John Rustad has expressed hope that the BC NDP will put politics aside and help his party in their effort to safeguard elections in British Columbia.The BC Conservative leader announced earlier Thursday that two new pieces of legislation would be introduced when the government convenes for its spring session..BC Conservatives call for independent investigation into 2024 election, citing 'irregularities'."I doubt it," Rustad told the Western Standard when asked whether he believed the legislation would receive the support of the NDP, "but I'm hopeful they will see the positive light in which we're bringing this forward, and hopefully support our ability to do this."He went on to note that, "given the partisan nature and the fact that it's been pretty clear they've been involved in some of these irregularities, from my perspective, I would be surprised if they were eager to proceed with something like this.""Hopefully," he added, "we can force them to."One of the changes that will be proposed by the Conservatives involves adding a "C" to government-issued identification, signifying that the person is a Canadian citizen. Rustad argued that this would prevent non-citizens from potentially voting in elections.The other legislation would suspend the penalty component of the Elections Act and "give a 90-day grace period" where people can come forward and divulge potentially incriminating information about voting irregularities "without there being legal ramifications."Rustad said "There's been too much politicking and interference," he lamented, drawing attention to the upcoming Liberal leadership race in which almost anyone can register to be a member and vote. "You could very easily see the next prime minister in Canada be elected by people who are not even Canadian citizens."He argued that while it was perhaps understandable why so many people have lost faith in the democratic process, it was imperative that we restore trust in the institutions and bring participation back up."People need to know that their vote matters, that their vote counts," he concluded, "and that our electoral system is producing fair results."
