This Conservative government has steadily eroded democratic processes in the Ontario legislature, undermined our Freedom of Information laws, city and provincial elections, school boards, municipalities, the legal system, planning rules, and more - it's a long list.
A Commissioner for Democratic Rights is just one of many steps Ontario must take to strengthen democracy, not weaken it. Ontario needs electoral reform designed to increase voter education and voting rates and replace the first past the post (FPTP) voting system with an Ontario version of proportional representation, along with a restoration of municipal and school board authority, and a more independent judiciary.
TO THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ONTARIO:
WHEREAS Ontario has seen increasing government interference in elections, local councils, school boards, and judicial appointments by Ford’s Conservatives; and
WHEREAS the notwithstanding clause has been repeatedly used by Ford’s Conservatives to override Ontarians’ Charter rights; and
WHEREAS barriers to voting and declining civic participation are weakening democratic engagement; and
WHEREAS Ontario lacks an independent officer dedicated to monitoring and protecting democratic rights.
THEREFORE we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:
Establish a Commissioner for Democratic Rights as an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to oversee democratic processes, review government actions, protect voting rights, and strengthen democratic participation in Ontario.