THUNDER BAY – “Last year, the Conservatives ran roughshod over Canadians’ democratic rights by passing amendments to the Fair Election Act,” charges Don Rusnak the Liberal candidate in the Thunder Bay Rainy River riding. “There were many changes that limited Canadians’ voting rights. Among the most egregious were the changes that affected how voters prove their residency and identification. In particular, the Harper Conservatives no longer allow voter cards as an acceptable form of identification. They also made changes that put an end to the vouching system – a system used by many Canadian voters – where a friend or relative could vouch for a voter’s identity”.
The Rusnak Campaign team states in a media release, “These changes have a particularly harsh impact on people who have difficulty proving residency or have relied on the vouching system in the past”.
“This Act is bad news for all voters in Thunder Bay-Rainy River, especially for seniors, young people, students and Aboriginal people, particularly those living on reserve” stated Rusnak. “It isn’t difficult to imagine why the Conservatives made these changes. They truly are an attack on voters’ rights and are especially harmful to voters in this riding.”
Rusnak, states, “I Believes the Liberal Party of Canada has a solution. If elected, the Liberals have promised to repeal the anti-democratic parts of the Fair Elections Act and will reinstate voter identification cards as an acceptable form of identification. I’m proud to be part of a team that champions and promotes Canadians’ right to vote. I will fight to see the changes to the Fair Election Act repealed so we make it easier, not harder, for people in Thunder Bay-Rainy River to vote.”
