Rules governing civic elections still require major reform

On November 14th the New West Progressives Board of Directors held its first meeting since the recent civic election. On the agenda for discussion was a motion introduced by Daniel Fontaine, former city council candidate and Board Director.

The motion focused on some key reforms needed of the Local Elections Campaign Finance Act which will help provide more transparency and reduce the impact big labour and corporations continue to have on local elections. Last year the NDP government in Victoria introduced Bill 15 which was intended to remove the direct influence unions and businesses could have on local politics. However, it was noted the new legislation contains significant loopholes that should be closed prior to the 2022 civic election.

\”I saw first-hand as a council candidate that the current rules and regulations have in no way leveled the playing field,\” says Fontaine. \”I\’m pleased my motion was passed unanimously and that the Board felt  we should go on record with our concerns and send a letter to both the Chief Electoral Officer and the Minister of Municipal Affairs.\”

The motion contains a series of recommendations including the requirement of independent candidates to form an elector organization if they share in excess of $1000 in goods or services. It also calls for more transparency when it comes to publicly reporting the benefits candidates receive from third parties who run parallel campaigns to help get them elected.

\”I\’m pleased to see City Council asking for a report back on how they can improve voter engagement in time for the 2022 election,\” says Fontaine. \”But this is a case of too little too late. It\’s rather puzzling with such low voter turnout council still feels the need for more studies to determine a voter card should be mailed to every household in New Westminster.\”

In addition to approving the election reform motion, the New West Progressives Board of Directors also approved a post-election online survey which will be made available to the public next week. The survey will be asking members and supporters to provide the New West Progressives with feedback regarding the election platforms and a series of campaign related activities. The Board is scheduled to meet again in mid-January and will be discussing community engagement strategies for the 2019 calendar year as well as begin planning the 1st Annual New West Progressives FunRaiser to be held next fall.

To read the electoral reform motion in its entirety, please click here.  You can also read a blog post on this topic posted by Fontaine by clicking here.

UPDATE: Please note that the motion also has the support of former New Westminster independent mayoral candidate Harm Woldring as well as independent council candidates Mike Ireland and Benny Ogden.