I am writing to express my grave concern with the sweeping changes to Ontario’s election laws that are being advanced by your government.
This is the third time in four years that your government has tried to overhaul Ontario’s election laws. These reforms have all sought to weaken our democratic institutions and increase the influence of the wealthy and well-connected. In fact, the Supreme Court struck down your government’s attempt to change election financing laws in 2021 as unconstitutional, even after you tried to use the notwithstanding clause to override our democratic rights.
You and your government are under continued investigation for allegations that you’ve been using your position to enrich your buddies and donors. Now you’re doubling down, raising the donation cap from $3,400 to a staggering $5,000 per person. You’re giving your wealthy friends even more access and power, selling democracy to the highest bidder while sidelining ordinary Ontarians.
This bill also abolishes fixed election dates. After triggering a costly snap election earlier this year, after less than three years in government, you are now ensuring you can delay an election for an extra year, meaning we could have to wait until 2030 for the next vote.
These reforms are a brazen power grab that would concentrate power in your inner circle, reward your friends, and strengthen your party’s grip on power. While you and your government attempt to distract us with gimmicks, you’re quietly dismantling rules meant to keep our elections free, fair and with limits on influence peddling. You are putting your own interests before our democracy.
Ontarians deserve a democracy where every vote and every voice is respected. Strengthening, not weakening, our electoral system must be our priority.