OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 11/03/11 -- The Hon. Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), today made the following statement on the passage at second reading and referral to committee of the Fair Representation Act:
"Canadians living in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have become significantly underrepresented as their populations have grown.
The Fair Representation Act addresses the representation gap experienced by Canadians living in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta by moving every single province closer to representation by population.
I encourage the Opposition to continue to work with us in passing this principled and reasonable legislation as quickly as possible.
Canadians deserve fair and equitable representation in their democratic institutions."
"It's clear that there is strong support in the House for this initiative."
For more information on the legislative process:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/About/House/compendium/web-content/c_g_legislativeprocess-e.htm
Contacts:
Kate Davis
Office of the Minister of State for Democratic Reform
(613) 943-1835
kate.davis@mosdr-mderd.gc.ca