Tories signal possible changes to elections act

Several senators recommended changing section that would end the practice of vouching for voters

OTTAWA — Cracks are appearing in the federal government’s staunch defence of its contentious elections bill, with suggestions from its own MPs and senators that the legislation could be modified by the end of the month. The minister in charge of the Fair Elections Act, however, had little to say Wednesday.

“The bill is terrific the way it is,” Democratic Reform Minister Pierre Poilievre said.

“The Fair Elections Act is common sense, it is reasonable, and I think everyday Canadians would say it’s fair to expect that someone bring their ID when they show up to vote.”

On Tuesday, Poilievre told a private meeting of Conservative senators that he was open to amending the bill, Senate sources said. Several senators recommended changing a section of the bill that would, if passed, end the current practice of vouching for voters who don’t have proper identification.

Some experts have argued the provision could disenfranchise thousands of voters.

“He (Poilievre) came in there with an open mind,” said Sen. Marjory LeBreton.

“He was very open to all of the discussions.”

On Wednesday, Transport Minister Lisa Raitt said the government would have “discussions about amendments and possible amend- ments as the process goes forward.”

“There’s a willingness to listen and, on certain things, there might be a willingness to have amendments if they’re good for the system,” said MP Erin O’Toole, the parliamentary secretary for international trade.

Opposition parties argued that the mere fact Poilievre appears open to changing his bill is a sign the government believes some provisions are untenable.

“Minister Poilievre, I think, has finally been told he pushed things too far.

“That smarmy arrogance that we’ve seen from Pierre Poilievre since the beginning is starting to play tricks on Stephen Harper,” said NDP Leader Tom Mulcair. “They’re going to have to back off on a lot of this stuff, which is a good thing for our democracy.”

In the Senate, however, the Conservatives used their majority to limit debate over a motion to study the bill even before it arrives from the House of Commons. While not unusual, decisions to “pre-study” legislation in the Senate are usually reserved for money bills with timesensitive deadlines.

The Conservatives want the Fair Elections Act passed through both chambers by June.