PROC Committee Report
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LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA SUPPLEMENTARY OPINION:
CONDUCT OF A FEDERAL ELECTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The Liberal Party of Canada believes that the health and safety of Canadians remains the top priority in the event of an election during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that Elections Canada must take into consideration the regional and local nature of COVID-19 outbreaks.
We highlight that COVID-19 has had a tragic impact on long-term care (LTC) residents and has exposed long-standing vulnerabilities within the system of LTC.
The Liberal Party of Canada believes that all efforts must be taken to protect the health and safety of those living in LTC, while protecting their right to vote.
In order to avoid the potential spread of COVID-19 into LTC, we recommend that Elections Canada limit the number of Elections Canada staff (including employees and volunteers) from entering LTC homes.
As a result, we strongly recommend that Elections Canada promotes alternative and remote voting methods for LTC and other congregate settings.
In addition, we strongly recommend that facilitating the vote in LTC homes should not become the responsibility of the already over-burdened LTC staff.