For immediate release
4 May, 2021
Jim Dinn, NDP Opposition House Leader, and Barry Petten, PC Opposition House Leader, are hopeful that Justice Minister John Hogan will thoughtfully review and accept the proposed Terms of Reference for the All-Party Committee to Modernize the Elections Act, 1991.
On Tuesday, Opposition members of the All-Party Committee, joined by the three Independent MHAs, presented their proposal for a new Terms of Reference and makeup of the committee which will grant more transparency, more independence, and more results for Newfoundland and Labrador.
“We want to thank Minister Hogan for a productive meeting this afternoon and we’re hopeful he will take our advice into consideration. We want this committee to work for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Petten.
“The Terms of Reference presented today are reasonable, transparent, and will produce the results the people of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve after the difficulties with the 2021 general election.”
Dinn says he believes the issues with the election are not about party, but about the health of Newfoundland and Labrador’s democracy.
“These issues rise above partisanship. It’s about the fundamental right to vote, which was taken away from thousands of people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador during the 2021 general election,” said Dinn.
“There is no Liberal, PC, or NDP solution to the issues with the Elections Act. We agree wholeheartedly with Minister Hogan and Premier Furey when they say now is the time for bold action to solve our province’s major issues. The presented Terms of Reference represent that bold action.”
Independent MHA for Mount Pearl-Southlands Paul Lane says his constituents are demanding accountability and strengthened democracy in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The Terms of Reference proposed is the non-partisan balance this committee needs. Anything less than independence and transparency will make it that much harder for real solutions to be found,” said Lane.
Opposition members of the committee will hold a media availability at 3:15 p.m. before the scrum area of the House of Assembly to discuss the proposal.
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For further information, contact Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), or eddystcoeur@gov.nl.ca