e-1593 (Electoral system)
Original language of petition: English
Petition to the House of Commons
- S. 67(4)(c) of the Canada Elections Act empowers individuals authorized by a political party to endorse (or withhold endorsement) of a prospective candidate without providing a reason;
- The UN Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states: “Every citizen shall have the right and the opportunity, without any of the distinctions ... without unreasonable restrictions: (a) To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives, (b) … to be elected...”;
- The UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly” and “No one shall be subjected…to attacks upon his honour and reputation.”;
- S. 4 of the Quebec Charter states: “Every person has a right to the safeguard of his dignity, honour and reputation;
- S. 91 of the Canada Elections Act states: “No person shall … knowingly make or publish any false statement of fact in relation to the personal character or conduct of a …prospective candidate.”; and
- A duty to give reasons for endorsing or not endorsing a prospective candidate does not remove a party’s power to not endorse a prospective candidate, as per s. 67(4)(c) of the Canada Elections Act.
- Open for signature
- March 26, 2018, at 9:51 a.m. (EDT)
- Closed for signature
- July 24, 2018, at 9:51 a.m. (EDT)