Electoral Reform (February 18)
Mr. Hehr: Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Albertans know their electoral system is badly broken, yet the government keeps applying tiny bits of Scotch tape to the Election Act instead of enacting real reform.
To the Minister of Justice. You were quoted today as follows: we believe the system that we have now serves Albertans well. How can you justify that statement given the well-documented problems in the last election?
The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
Ms Redford: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand by that statement. I believe that the most important thing that Elections Alberta needs to do is to ensure that there is a system that Albertans can have confidence in to elect a government, and I believe that that is what happened. That doesn’t mean to say that there isn’t room for improvement. We have of course received recommendations from the former Chief Electoral Officer with suggested changes that related to the last two elections, and we’ll be responding in due time. Mr. Hehr: Well, I thank the political minister for that answer, and I’d encourage her to implement some of those 182 changes she mentioned of the last gentleman who actually held the position before.
Of those 182 recommendations one was fixed election dates. Can we look forward to seeing those? Many of my constituents really have expressed an interest in seeing that coming forward.
The Speaker: The hon. minister.
Ms Redford: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that there are a number of opinions with respect to fixed election dates. The opinion of this government is that they are not necessary for us. We believe that it is possible and quite reasonable for elections in Alberta to be run according to when it is appropriate to call an election. We’ve seen in other provinces criticism that once you have fixed election dates, the government agenda tends to drive toward that date, and I think it impacts good government.
Mr. Hehr: Now, I guess my follow-up question to the answer would be that if you deem that fixed election dates are not necessary, is that you answering as the political minister or as the Justice minister when you answer that question?
The Speaker: The hon. minister.
Ms Redford: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My job with respect to the Election Act is to be the Justice minister. My job is to ensure that we respond to the recommendations of the Chief Electoral Officer, and that is the job that I will do.
Alberta Hansard, February 18, 2010