Smith appointed to reform committee

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith has been appointed to a select committee on electoral reform.

Further information is included in the following news release issued today by Smith:

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith was recently appointed by Premier Dalton McGunity to the Select Committee on Electoral Reform, which will review Ontario’s electoral system as part of an aggressive agenda to strengthen democracy in the province.

The Committee, composed of six government members, two members of the Official Opposition and one member of the Third Party, will review the current electoral system and alternative electoral systems. It may make recommendations on the viability of each alternative electoral system reviewed, taking into consideration the impact such alternatives may have on gender equality, full representation of Ontario's populace and the number and method of election of MPPs.

“I am excited to have the opportunity review our democratic process and to identify ways of improving it, to help strengthen democracy in the province,” Smith said. “It is important to re-engage voters and ensure that as many people as possible participate in the electoral process.”

The Committee shall consider the procedure for the referendum to be held following a review of electoral reform by a citizen assembly as constituted pursuant to the Election Amendment Act, 2005 and may make recommendations on the requirements for a winning referendum.

The Committee shall present its final report to the Legislative Assembly no later than November 3, 2005.

The review of Ontario's electoral system is part of an aggressive agenda to strengthen democracy in the province, which has included:
• Fixed election dates every four years instead of leaving it to the Premier of the day to choose a date based on political considerations.
• Require that the provincial auditor review and report on the province's finances before an election.
• Ban government spending on self-serving, partisan political advertising.
• Extend the provincial auditor's powers to conduct value-for-money audits of institutions in the broader public sector, such as school boards, universities, colleges and hospitals.