Norm Sterling Statement to Legislature On Fixed Election Dates Bills

April 7, 2004

Mr. Speaker:

Today I will be introducing 2 bills that would fix the dates of future provincial elections in Ontario.

Government sources have told the media that the Premier is considering legislation that would extend its current mandate beyond a promised four-year term by an extra 7 months.

The 2 bills I will introduce are identical except for one thing -- They offer different dates for the next provincial election. Those dates are October 4th, 2007 and June 7th, 2007. The October 4th date is the true four-year mark from the last provincial election. The June 7th, 2007 date is earlier, addressing any concern regarding conflicts with elections at other levels of government. In either case, subsequent elections would follow every 4 years.

Mr. Speaker, I’m giving the members of the legislature the choice. I can support either bill.

What I cannot support is any effort by this government to break yet another election pledge by stretching out their time in office well beyond their promised four-year term. I don’t think the people of Ontario can afford this government for that long.

Mr. Speaker, the legislation I will introduce would also allow for earlier elections as a result of votes of non-confidence. However, I have incorporated one essential safeguard against any government that might be tempted to engineer a vote on a confidence matter.

My legislation would require that BOTH a majority of the legislature and a majority of the opposition would have to support the non-confidence vote in order for an election to be triggered.

Mr. Speaker, my biggest concern is that the Premier is essentially saying: “Sure we want elections every four years – but just not for us.” I cannot accept this double standard.

If passing one of these bills is the only way to force the Premier to keep his word, then that’s what the Legislative Assembly must do.