May seeks emergency debate on Robocalls

Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, has contacted the Speaker to request an emergency debate on the growing scandal around misleading robocalls during the 2011 federal election.

Mr. Speaker,

As you are by now no doubt aware, on Thursday, February 23rd, the Ottawa Citizen reported the existence of substantial evidence that multiple people were engaged in the commission of a “systemic voter suppression campaign” during the 2011 federal election.

It is my opinion that this disturbing report, and the related investigations being conducted by Elections Canada and the RCMP, are “immediately relevant and of attention and concern throughout the nation”, as noted by Speaker Anglin in 1978.

As such, this immensely troubling discovery constitutes a genuine emergency with regard to the essential integrity of our democratic institutions, and is of sufficient urgency and importance as to constitute an Emergency Debate, under Standing Order 52(1). I hereby request leave to make a motion for the adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing this specific and important matter requiring urgent consideration.

It is the fundamental interest of every Member of the House of Commons to fiercely guard our Canadian democratic institutions, and I expect that you will find complete consensus amongst all 308 Members of this Chamber for an Emergency Debate on this crucial matter.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth May O.C., M.P. 
Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands 
Leader of the Green Party of Canada