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FVC has been paying close attention to the electoral reform timetable because most PR reform options would require some degree of redistricting.
The Liberal platform promised to enact electoral reform legislation doing away with FPTP within 18 months. Taking this as a base, we have discussed the timetable with Elections Canada staff to assess the feasibility of having a new PR electoral system in place for the 2019 election.
Please note these key dates to ensure that the process is completed in time:
- The current government took office on Nov. 4, 2015.
- We could expect the government to table legislation by May 4, 2017.
- Ideally, and with an expedited process, it would be possible for this legislation to pass through the House and Senate and get Royal Assent, and then appoint Boundaries Commissions, by Sept. 14, 2017.
- However, considering the statement by Marc Mayrand that, “the bare minimum for a standard redistribution is 10 months,” the Boundaries process could start as late as April 14, 2018. This permits a certain amount of slippage. Alternatively, the Boundaries process could run in parallel.
- The final reports of Boundaries Commissions would be complete by Feb 14, 2019, seven months before the election is called, as required to fulfill Elections Canada requirements.
- All this assumes that the next election will be called on Sept. 14, 2019.