Procedure and House Affairs

This meeting of the Procedure and House Affairs Committee focused on reviewing and making changes to a proposed law called the "strong and free elections act." The committee members went through the proposed law section by section, discussing and voting on various changes, also known as amendments. Key speakers included Liberal committee members Anita Vandenbeld, Élisabeth Brière, Arielle Kayabaga, Jessica Fancy, Tim Louis, and Sherry Romanado, as well as Conservative member Michael Cooper and Bloc Québécois member Claude DeBellefeuille. Rachel Pereira, an official from the Privy Council Office, also provided important explanations. Many of the amendments discussed were technical changes to clarify wording or correct small errors in the proposed law. One significant discussion involved a proposed change by Michael Cooper to remove a section that would make it an offense to spread false information about election results. He argued this could limit free speech and create a "chilling effect" for legitimate questions about election outcomes. However, Arielle Kayabaga and Rachel Pereira explained that the proposed law only targets fraudulent statements made with the intent to disrupt elections, not genuine debate or honest mistakes. This amendment was voted down. Another important debate centered on an amendment proposed by Jessica Fancy that would keep the exact locations of fundraising events private, only publishing the municipality and province. Claude DeBellefeuille raised concerns that this would reduce transparency, but Rachel Pereira clarified that the general fundraising reports would still be public online, just without the precise address to address safety concerns. This amendment was approved. The committee also spent time on proposed changes to the names of several electoral districts, with members like Michael Cooper, Arielle Kayabaga, and Sherry Romanado discussing requests from local Members of Parliament to adjust or keep their riding names. After reviewing all sections and amendments, the committee agreed to report the proposed law, with all the approved changes, to the House of Commons.

This meeting of the Procedure and House Affairs committee was about reviewing a proposed law to change Canada's election rules. The committee members went through the proposed law section by section, discussing and voting on changes suggested by different political parties. They also heard from experts from Elections Canada and the Privy Council Office. The meeting ended without finishing the review of the proposed law. One of the main topics was how many signatures a candidate needs to get on the ballot. Ms. May from the Green Party suggested lowering the requirement from 100 to 75 signatures, especially for independent candidates or those in remote areas. She explained that it's harder to collect signatures now due to people's reluctance to share personal information. However, Mr. Cooper from the Conservative Party and Ms. Kayabaga from the Liberal Party disagreed, saying 100 signatures is not a barrier, and the law already makes exceptions for remote areas. The committee voted against lowering the signature requirement. Another key discussion focused on preventing foreign money from influencing Canadian elections. Mr. Cooper proposed changes to ensure that third-party groups can only use money from individual Canadians for election activities, closing a loophole that currently allows them to use other funds if they make up a small percentage of their revenue. He argued that foreign money should not be allowed in Canadian elections. However, Ms. Fancy and Mr. Jeneroux from the Liberal Party opposed this, citing concerns about free speech and the practical challenges for some organizations, as well as the Chief Electoral Officer's recommendations. The committee voted against this change. Other topics included how ballot boxes are secured, with Ms. Kayabaga proposing an amendment to put existing security instructions into the law, which was accepted. There was also a debate about ending the practice of one voter vouching for another's identity at polling stations, proposed by Ms. Normandin from the Bloc Québécois, but this was rejected. The committee also discussed protecting voters' personal information and the transparency of political fundraising events, but most proposed changes in these areas were not adopted. The meeting adjourned before all parts of the proposed law could be reviewed.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss proposed changes to the Canada Elections Act, focusing on Bill C-25. The proposed law aims to strengthen the security and integrity of elections, especially against foreign interference and the spread of false information. Key topics included third-party funding, the use of artificial intelligence in campaigns, and data protection for voters. The Chief Electoral Officer, Stéphane Perrault, supported the proposed law but suggested improvements, such as stricter rules against spreading false information intended to undermine trust in elections and requiring transparency markers for AI-generated content in political ads. Caroline Simard, the Commissioner of Canada Elections, also supported the proposed law, highlighting new investigative tools and powers it would provide. She suggested a single set of privacy rules for all political parties and raised concerns about allowing the destruction of cryptocurrency contributions, as it could hinder investigations. Committee members questioned witnesses on various aspects of the proposed law. Discussions covered loopholes that might allow foreign money to influence elections, the balance between freedom of expression and preventing disinformation, and the need for better data protection for voters' personal information. Some committee members expressed concern that the proposed law doesn't go far enough in preventing foreign interference, while others emphasized the importance of balancing security measures with protecting democratic rights. Experts like Charles Burton, Andrea Lawlor, and Lori Turnbull provided additional insights. Burton raised concerns about China's influence in Canadian elections and the effectiveness of the proposed law in addressing these threats. Lawlor and Turnbull emphasized the need for stronger data protection measures and raised questions about the 10% "own funds" provision for third-party financing. The committee agreed to further consider the issues raised during the meeting as they continue their study of the proposed law.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss proposed changes to the Canada Elections Act, known as Bill C-25. The proposed law aims to strengthen and protect Canadian federal elections by addressing issues like foreign interference, disinformation, and the use of untraceable contributions. Witnesses included Cathy Hawara and Rachel Pereira from the Privy Council Office, who answered questions about the details of the proposed law. Later, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, appeared to discuss the proposed law and answer questions from committee members. Committee members raised concerns about specific aspects of the proposed law. One area of concern was the "10% exception" for third-party financing, which some members felt could still allow foreign money to influence elections. They questioned why third parties couldn't be required to have separate bank accounts for Canadian contributions only. Another topic was the protection of voter information, especially after a recent incident in Alberta where a list of electors was shared online. Members discussed ways to balance transparency with the safety of individuals involved in the electoral process. The Minister indicated openness to considering amendments to the proposed law based on the committee's discussions, particularly regarding the third-party financing rules. He emphasized the importance of consensus in making changes to the Canada Elections Act. The committee also discussed measures to address the issue of excessively long ballots and the activities of groups like the "longest ballot committee." Overall, the committee members and the Minister agreed on the importance of protecting the integrity of the Canadian electoral system and ensuring that elections are free, fair, and secure. The committee will continue to study the proposed law and consider potential amendments to address the concerns raised during the meeting. The goal is to create a law that strengthens democracy while respecting individual rights and freedoms. Several committee members thanked the Minister for his collaborative approach to this proposed law. The committee agreed that the goal was to reassure Canadians of the soundness of the electoral system.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss the proposed budget for the House of Commons and the Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) for 2026-2027. Francis Scarpaleggia, the Speaker of the House, presented the budget, highlighting a 1.9% increase for the House of Commons, totaling $669 million. This increase is due to cost pressures and includes funding for a new data center and visitor registration program. The PPS is not requesting additional funding but is making adjustments to its employee benefits plan. During the meeting, committee members questioned the Speaker and other officials on various topics. Michael Cooper raised concerns about MP Lori Idlout expensing gifts from her own company to the House of Commons. He questioned whether she had inappropriately benefited from these expenses and whether the Board of Internal Economy would take further action. Élisabeth Brière inquired about how the budget addresses security risks, including cybersecurity and physical safety for Members of Parliament. Mitch Monette, from the PPS, discussed increased security measures, such as the Walk Safe program and enhanced training. Christine Normandin focused on cybersecurity, particularly regarding data hosted by external parties, and the physical safety of parliamentarians. Benoit Dicaire addressed cybersecurity threats from countries like China, India, and Russia. Tako Van Popta questioned the cost of hybrid parliamentary operations, while Blaine Calkins requested statistics on the usage of hybrid options. The committee also discussed the challenges of providing interpretation services and the need for better resources. The committee agreed to hold three meetings in May to discuss proposed changes to the Canada Elections Act.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss how to make sure Canada's democracy stays strong. The committee looked at things that could weaken our democracy, like online harassment and fake information spread through the internet. They wanted to figure out how to keep Canadians trusting in their government and involved in making decisions. Heidi Tworek, from the University of British Columbia, talked about how online harassment is getting worse and pushing people out of politics. She also mentioned that fake information made by computers, called generative AI, can make these problems even bigger. Taylor Owen, from McGill University, explained that Canadians are getting their news from different places now, like social media influencers, instead of traditional news sources. He also said that fake information is being spread online to divide Canadians. Lindsay Brumwell, from Equal Voice, spoke about how important it is for women to be involved in politics. She said that many women don't get involved because they think politics is difficult, unfriendly, and doesn't fit with their family responsibilities. The speakers suggested that the government should create rules for online platforms and AI companies to share information with researchers. They also said that Canada needs a group that can study these issues and give advice on how to protect our democracy. The committee members discussed the reasons for a decline in women's participation in politics, the impact of online harassment on elected officials, and the role of foreign interference in spreading misinformation. They also explored potential solutions, such as supporting leadership development programs, addressing online harassment, and improving research on representation and participation trends.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss civic resilience in Canada. Witnesses shared their expertise on topics ranging from freedom of expression to foreign interference and the role of digital spaces. The committee heard from representatives from organizations like the Canadian Constitution Foundation, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, and Digital Public Square, as well as independent researchers and youth advocates. Committee members explored potential solutions for strengthening civic engagement and addressing polarization. Josh Dehaas from the Canadian Constitution Foundation argued that the erosion of freedom of expression harms civic resilience. He suggested repealing laws like the Online News Act and amending others to protect free speech. David Salvo from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue highlighted the increasing complexity of threats to democracy, including foreign interference and domestic extremism. He advocated for a non-partisan Canadian democracy fund to support civic resilience work at the local level. Ai-Men Lau, an independent research assistant, shared insights from Taiwan's experience in countering foreign information manipulation, emphasizing the importance of decentralized action and sustainable funding for civil society. Shlomit Broder, CEO of Digital Public Square, discussed the state of polarization in Canada and how digital spaces can play a role in strengthening civic resilience. She proposed making civic resilience a national priority and fostering greater social cohesion. Shelly Ghai Bajaj, a professor at the Canadian Forces College, focused on threats in the digital information environment and their impact on ethnocultural diaspora communities. She emphasized the need to resource civil society organizations as trusted intermediaries. Sasha Banka, a volunteer with Vote16 Canada, advocated for lowering the voting age to 16, arguing that it would increase youth engagement and build a lifelong habit of participation. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of civic resilience, including the role of government regulation, the impact of social media, and the importance of international cooperation. Discussions also touched on the challenges of combating disinformation and the need to balance freedom of expression with the protection of vulnerable communities. The committee did not make any decisions during the meeting, but the information shared will likely inform future recommendations and actions related to strengthening civic resilience in Canada.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss civic resilience in Canada. The first panel of witnesses discussed ways to build civic engagement and trust in institutions. Taylor Gunn suggested focusing on attachment to each other and to Canadian values. Aengus Bridgman highlighted the need for regulation of the information environment and investment in civic resilience infrastructure. Chris Blask emphasized that civic resilience is an infrastructure problem, not just a messaging problem, and suggested focusing on local communities and trusted individuals. The second panel focused on different aspects of civic resilience. Sylvain Charlebois discussed the importance of transparency, accountability, and engagement in maintaining public confidence in institutions, particularly in the context of food systems and economic pressures. Niamh Leonard proposed the creation of a Canadian democracy fund to support organizations working to strengthen democratic participation. John Carpay argued that equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives can undermine social trust and advocated for equal rights and the abolition of race-based laws and policies. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including voter turnout, regulation of social media platforms, the role of government funding, and the impact of equity, diversity, and inclusion policies. The committee explored different approaches to strengthening civic resilience, ranging from grassroots community initiatives to national-level policies and funding mechanisms. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the discussion provided valuable insights for the committee's ongoing study on the current state of civic resilience in Canada.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss the main estimates for the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer in 2026-27 and the current state of civic resilience in Canada. Stéphane Perrault, the Chief Electoral Officer, explained the office's budget and priorities, including preparing for potential elections, improving special ballot procedures, and working with Indigenous communities to improve voting access. He also discussed modernizing Elections Canada's technology. Committee members questioned Perrault about a complaint process and the "longest ballot committee." Michael Cooper, a committee member, raised concerns about the "longest ballot committee" and its impact on elections, particularly in the Terrebonne by-election. Perrault explained the measures being taken to mitigate the committee's disruptive effects, such as using a write-in ballot. Cooper also questioned Perrault about complaints that were not properly forwarded to the Commissioner of Canada Elections due to a security filter. Arielle Kayabaga asked about balancing election readiness with responsible spending, while Christine Normandin inquired about recommendations for counting special ballots and improving staff training. Tim Louis focused on modernization efforts, particularly the social media monitoring unit. The committee also heard from witnesses on civic resilience, including Odette McCarthy from Equitas, Amanda Munday from New Majority, and Sabreena Delhon from the Samara Centre for Democracy, who discussed ways to strengthen democracy and civic engagement in Canada. Witnesses from civic organizations emphasized the importance of civic education, reducing barriers to participation, and investing in civil society organizations. They proposed establishing a non-partisan Canadian democracy fund to support civic engagement year-round. They also discussed the impact of disinformation and the need for digital literacy among Canadians. The committee agreed to adopt the budget for the study on the current state of civic resilience in Canada. Perrault undertook to look into the complaints caught by the security filter and provide additional information to the committee.

The Procedure and House Affairs Committee met to discuss the budget for the Leaders' Debates Commission and the state of civic resilience in Canada. Michel Cormier, Executive Director of the Leaders' Debates Commission, explained the commission's $3 million budget request for 2026-27, noting that most of the money is only needed if there is an election. He also discussed cost-saving measures the commission has taken, such as holding debates in existing production facilities and using remote interpreters. Committee members questioned Cormier about the commission's spending, staffing levels, and the decision to no longer organize post-debate media scrums. Some members expressed concern that cancelling the scrums would limit media access to leaders. Cormier explained that the commission wants to focus on the debates themselves and that political parties can organize their own scrums if they choose. He also noted challenges in accrediting journalists due to the changing media landscape. The committee also heard from Samantha Reusch of Apathy is Boring, Michael Geist of the University of Ottawa, and Philippe Marcoux of the Quebec Press Council about civic resilience. Reusch proposed a Canadian democracy fund to support civil society organizations that engage Canadians in democracy. Geist discussed the risks faced by those who speak out in the public square, the underfunding of civil society, and the importance of public engagement in policy-making. Marcoux highlighted the dangers of disinformation and the need for quality journalism and public awareness.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss how to improve civic engagement and resilience in Canada. The committee heard from John Beebe from the Democratic Engagement Exchange, Maiwand Rahyab from Resilient Societies, and Peter MacLeod from MASS LBP. They talked about the importance of building trust in communities, especially among young people, and making sure people feel like their voices matter. They also discussed how to combat misinformation and foreign interference, which can weaken democracy. John Beebe suggested creating a "public health system" for democracy by investing in community organizations that can help people connect and participate. He also highlighted the need to create safe spaces for people to talk about important issues. Maiwand Rahyab recommended developing a national strategy to strengthen civic participation and celebrating civic engagement through events like a Canada civic action week. He also emphasized Canada's role as a safe place for activists and journalists who have been forced to leave their home countries. Peter MacLeod argued that democracy needs to evolve to include the public more actively. He suggested that governments should trust people more and give them more opportunities to participate in decision-making. He also pointed to examples from other countries, like Norway's media trusts and Ireland's citizens' assemblies, as ways to build civic resilience. Committee members asked questions about declining voter turnout, the role of social media, and how to engage young people. The witnesses offered concrete suggestions for the government, such as investing in community organizations, supporting local journalism, and creating programs that allow young people to connect with different parts of the country. They also emphasized the importance of media literacy and regulating social media platforms to combat misinformation. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the committee will continue its study of civic resilience.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss the nomination of Anton Boegman for the position of Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner. Boegman spoke about the importance of transparency in countering foreign interference in Canada's democratic processes. He highlighted his experience as the Chief Electoral Officer of British Columbia, where he worked on combating misinformation and building partnerships between different agencies to protect democracy. Boegman emphasized that if appointed, his priorities would be to launch the office, create clear rules, engage with targeted communities, and build public awareness. Committee members questioned Boegman on various aspects of the proposed law and his readiness for the role. Michael Cooper raised concerns about delays in setting up the registry and the lack of Boegman's involvement in drafting regulations. Arielle Kayabaga focused on how the registry would contribute to fighting foreign interference and building community trust. Christine Normandin questioned how Boegman would handle conflicting information from different sources and ensure the registry's effectiveness. Tako Van Popta questioned Boegman about a close election in British Columbia and whether irregularities may have influenced the outcome. Tim Louis inquired about lessons learned from Boegman's work in British Columbia and how he would work with international partners. Grant Jackson raised concerns about engaging with Canadian citizens abroad and detecting financial interactions related to foreign interference. Will Greaves discussed addressing online disinformation and misinformation. Overall, committee members explored Boegman's qualifications, his plans for the office, and the challenges he might face in ensuring the registry's effectiveness and independence. The committee then moved to a private session to further discuss the nomination.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss foreign election interference during the 45th general election. Witnesses from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) shared their experiences and answered questions from committee members. The discussion focused on the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) task force's role in monitoring and countering foreign interference, as well as the communication of potential threats to political parties and the public. Vanessa Lloyd from CSIS, speaking on behalf of the SITE task force, highlighted the task force's efforts to provide briefings to political parties and the public, as well as to share information on tactics used by threat actors. She emphasized that while the SITE task force observed instances of foreign interference, none were determined to have impacted Canada's ability to have a free and fair election. Committee members questioned the witnesses about specific instances of foreign interference, including the targeting of a Conservative candidate in Don Valley North, and the number of ridings affected. However, witnesses were hesitant to provide specific numbers or details, citing privacy and national security concerns. Bridget Walshe from CSE discussed the importance of cybersecurity and the measures in place to protect against cyber-threats to democratic processes. Saliou Babou from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development spoke about the relationship with social media platforms and the challenges of countering disinformation. Greg O'Hayon from the RCMP discussed the RCMP's role in investigating foreign interference activities. Committee members raised concerns about the effectiveness of communication efforts and the need for greater transparency in sharing information with the public. Committee members expressed concerns about foreign interference, particularly from China and Russia, and the potential impact on public confidence in the electoral system. They questioned the witnesses about the measures in place to counter disinformation and protect against cyber-threats. Witnesses emphasized the importance of informing the public and providing tools to help them critically evaluate information. The committee discussed the need for ongoing vigilance and collaboration among government agencies, social media platforms, and civil society to counter foreign interference. No specific decisions were made during the meeting. The committee will continue its study of foreign election interference, and witnesses committed to providing additional information to the committee where possible. The committee also discussed the need for a new national security strategy and the importance of addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss foreign election interference. The first panel included the Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, along with officials from CSIS, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the RCMP. Minister Anandasangaree emphasized the government's commitment to protecting Canadian democracy and ensuring fair elections. He highlighted the importance of the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act and the establishment of a foreign influence transparency registry. He said the integrity of the most recent federal election was not compromised by foreign interference. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of foreign interference, including the countries most actively involved and measures to counter cyber threats. Michael Cooper, a Conservative member, pressed the Minister on whether China is a rule-of-law state and raised concerns about cooperation with China on law enforcement matters. Daniel Rogers, director of CSIS, stated that China, Russia, and India are countries of concern. Christine Normandin, a Bloc Québécois member, inquired about data storage and the use of artificial intelligence in detecting foreign interference. The second panel featured the Chief Electoral Officer, Stéphane Perrault, and other officials from Elections Canada. Perrault discussed preparations for the 45th general election, efforts to address inaccurate information, and recommendations to protect elections against foreign interference. He emphasized the importance of combating information manipulation, particularly through social media platforms. He recommended prohibiting false information about the electoral process spread to interfere with voting or undermine trust in elections. He also said that Elections Canada did not experience any breaches to its IT infrastructure or interference with its electoral operations during the election. Committee members questioned the Elections Canada officials on topics such as ensuring public confidence in election security, preventing non-Canadians from getting on the voters list, and addressing vulnerabilities in third-party financing. There was discussion about the use of artificial intelligence and deepfakes in elections. The committee explored ways to improve the integrity of the electoral process and maintain public trust in democratic outcomes. No specific decisions were made, but the committee continues to study the issue of foreign interference and consider potential legislative and policy responses.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss foreign election interference during the 45th general election. Nathalie Drouin, David Morrison, and Tricia Geddes, members of the critical election incident public protocol panel, testified that Canada's elections were secure and that foreign interference did not compromise the election's integrity. They highlighted the implementation of an enhanced protocol, increased transparency through public briefings, and collaboration with security and intelligence agencies to mitigate threats. They also noted that nearly 70% of the recommendations from the public inquiry into foreign interference have been or are being implemented. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of foreign interference, including the role of social media, the threshold for informing the public about threats, and the effectiveness of countermeasures. Michael Cooper raised concerns about a foreign information operation targeting a candidate, while Christine Normandin inquired about the decision-making process for informing the public and political parties about threats. Blaine Calkins questioned the effectiveness of countermeasures beyond communication, and Jonathan Wilkinson explored international best practices for addressing foreign interference. Witnesses clarified that incidents are assessed case-by-case, considering factors like the spread of information on social media and the ability of other entities to address the situation. They emphasized the importance of transparency and public awareness to build resilience against foreign interference. The committee also discussed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes, as well as the need for ongoing efforts to protect the electoral process. The committee discussed the importance of maintaining a non-partisan approach to addressing foreign interference to ensure public trust and confidence in democratic institutions. The committee discussed the importance of ongoing efforts to protect the electoral process and maintain public trust in democratic institutions. The committee discussed the need to implement recommendations from the public inquiry, enhance the rapid response mechanism, and engage with Canadians to raise awareness about foreign interference.