Government Proposes Easing Of Requirements For Political Party Registration
Changes Would Mean Better Representation, More Choice For Ontarians
TORONTO, Feb. 16 /CNW/ - Amendments to make it easier to register new parties in Ontario would create new opportunities for Ontarians to participate in the electoral process and strengthen democracy in the province, the
Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal, Marie Bountrogianni, announced today.
"Political parties are one of many vehicles for citizens to participate in the democratic system," said Bountrogianni. "Ensuring that citizens can
choose among a dynamic range of voices to represent them is fundamental to a strong, vibrant democracy."
Registration in Ontario entitles political parties to receive a number of benefits. These include having the ability to solicit contributions, issue tax receipts to contributors, request and receive a copy of the Permanent Register of Electors, and being eligible for campaign expense reimbursements.
Under the Election Statute Law Amendment Act, 2006 a party could register:
- during an election, if it has at least two candidates in a general election or in two or more concurrent by-elections; or
- outside an election period, if it provides the Chief Election Officer with the signatures, names and addresses of at least 1,000 electors.
The proposed legislation also includes provisions to ensure that the
integrity of the party registration and political finance regime are maintained.
Ontario's current legislation requires a party to run candidates in at least 50 per cent of the province's ridings during a general election. To be successfully registered during a non-election period a party has to submit a petition to the Chief Election Officer signed by 10,000 voters.
"This legislation is a key part of our agenda to make Ontario's democracy stronger," said Bountrogianni.
