News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper to deliver on democratic reform

May 26, 2006
Victoria, B.C.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today promised Canadians that he intends to move forward on democratic reform and will propose fixed election dates for the House of Commons. The Government has also served notice it intends to propose some reforms to the Senate.

“We will do more than just talk about the need for democratic reform,” stated the Prime Minister. “Steps are needed that are practical and that can be achieved without full scale constitutional negotiations.”

The Prime Minister announced that the government will introduce a bill calling for fixed election dates every four years. Fixed election dates will put an end to governing parties manipulating the timing of elections for partisan advantage. The Government’s bill will propose the next election take place in the fall of 2009.

The Prime Minister also reiterated a campaign pledge to make the Senate a more modern and democratic institution to better reflect the voice of Canada’s regions. “A 21st century legislature cannot remain dominated by appointees who may sit for decades, without a democratic mandate and with the ability to thwart the elected government.”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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