Liberal approach to electoral reform under fire

This week onThe House, we tackle the Liberal government's controversial approach to reforming the electoral system.

The committee tasked with studying the issue and presenting recommendationsis set to include10voting members:six Liberals, three Conservatives and one New Democrat. One Bloc Qubcois MP and Green MP Elizabeth May would also be members of the committee, but not allowed to vote.

The House6:18Interview - Mark Holland

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Democratic Institutions Mark Holland defends the governments' plans on electoral reform.

A number of critics have come out swinging against the make up of the committee.

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The parliamentary secretary to Democratic Institutions Minister, Mark Holland, defended the fact that his party has a majority of voting members on the committee.

"Eventually, everything that we introduce will have to go back to the house," he said. "It will be the current construction of the house that will decide this issue, so it makes sense to have a committee that reflects that."

The House11:44Interview - Scott Reid and Nathan Cullen

Opposition critics Nathan Cullen and Scott Reid discuss what voting system they want to see in place in 2019.

But it boils down to a question of legitimacy, NDP Critic for Democratic Reform Nathan Cullen told The House.

"This is the heart of our democracy, how we elect governments, and it hasn't started well in that the hint of partisanship and control is there."

"We all know that the Prime Minister favours one system, said Conservative Critic for Democratic Institutions Scott Reid, referring to a ranked ballot system.

"It is quite literally the only system that is guaranteed to favour the Liberals in the 2019 election more than the current system does, and that is a significant issue."

What's the Liberals' election reform plan?

8 years ago

Duration 2:39

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised 2015 was the last election to be fought on first-past-the-post. What shape could electoral reform take?

Securityoversight committee coming by summer, says Ralph Goodale

The Liberals' promised oversight committee on national security issues is in the works for a summer debut,says Public Safety Minister RalphGoodale.

"We've come up with a Canadian model. We're drafting the legislation now, and we hope to have it in the public domain before the House adjourns in June," Goodale toldThe House.

The House15:06C-51 oversight committee coming by summer, says Ralph Goodale

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale talk about this week's international anti-corruption summit and upcoming changes to C-51.

Goodale also talks about the international anti-corruption summit he attended in London, England, this week, and the changes to the no-fly list that his department is working on.

"Bill Morneau's budget was dead-on" says Paul Martin

After his official portrait was unveiled on Parliament Hill, former Prime MinisterPaul Martin satdown withThe Houseto talk about his legacy, whether he and JeanChrtien still talk and the new government's fiscal approach.

"Ithink BillMorneau'sbudget was dead-on. I think it's exactly what had to happen," Paul Martin said of the finance minister'sbudget that will include a $29.5 billion hole this fiscal year.

The House10:27Paul Martin says "Bill Morneau's budget was dead-on"

Former Prime Minister Paul Martin joins us to discuss his portrait unveiling on Parliament Hill and the current government's fiscal approach.

"The hit to the economy has been much worse than even people anticipated [during the election]. But that's all the more reason for them to do what they're doing. You've got to stimulate the economy," Canada's 21st prime minister said in an interview withThe House. "They're doing exactly what they have to do."

In House panel

In House panelists Susan Delacourt andJol-Denis Bellavancediscuss the Prime Minister's visit to Fort McMurray and whether the government will have to reconsider its approach to electoral reform.

The House6:44In House - May 14

In House panelists Susan Delacourt and Joel-Denis Bellavance talk about the Prime Minister's visit to Fort McMurray and the government's controversial approach to electoral reform.