CCLA Slams the Rush to Erode Privacy and Evade Democratic Debate

The motion adopted by the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs to rush Bill C 25, the so-called Strong and Free Elections Act, through committee—allowing civil society less than 48 hours to prepare submissions—undercuts meaningful public participation in the development of election law. A process that governs how Canadians vote must meet the highest standards of transparency, deliberation, and democratic legitimacy. Compressing timelines to this extent all but guarantees that many expert voices, including those working to protect civil liberties and democratic rights, will be muted.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is deeply concerned that this approach signals a willingness to move forward without the benefit of broad public input or careful scrutiny. Election law is foundational to our democracy. It should never be amended in a way that limits public engagement or prevents civil society from providing evidence based analysis. Canadians deserve a process that strengthens trust in our democratic institutions—not one that diminishes it.