[LabComm] James introduces campaign finance reform bill

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

James introduces campaign finance reform bill

New Act puts individual British Columbians at the centre of political process

VICTORIA - NDP Leader Carole James today tabled a campaign finance reform bill that puts individual British Columbians at the centre of the political process by fundamentally changing the way political parties in BC are financed.

"The principle of this bill is simple: every British Columbian should have equal access to legislators and input on the decisions that affect their lives," said James.  

"By limiting campaign contributions to individuals, this bill will take big money out of BC politics, improve our democracy, and contribute to public confidence in British Columbia's democratic institutions."

James said the perception that political parties are beholden to big campaign contributors is undermining trust in the political process and political institutions.

"British Columbians believe passionately in our democracy and they expect more accountability from their elected representatives," said James.  "They expect that every decision made results from no other consideration than the broad public interest.  This bill helps improve our democracy by ensuring that individual citizens don't get pushed aside by big institutions in the political process."

James said that in addition to these far-reaching reforms, the NDP bill also calls for a comprehensive review of the way the political process is financed in BC.  Led by the Chief Electoral Officer, the review will provide a detailed examination of the entire campaign finance system and make recommendation on issues like third party-advertising and the public finance system established in the Canadian Parliament.

"I hope that the BC Liberal government will put aside partisan politics and take up this opportunity to introduce these important reforms - reforms that represent a fundamental shift in our democracy back to individual citizens."

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