Free opinion – ’78 law’ put an end to the violence

Public confidence has been shaken by all investigations, allegations and rumors pertaining to the method of financing of our political parties, both on the Quebec scene that municipal. A minority of dishonest people managed to impose the perception that everything is rotten in Quebec, while tens of thousands of honest citizens contribute their money because they believe the action taken by political parties and the men and women who animate them.

Two principles should guide us: the reduction of the ceiling on contributions to the shelter of any suspicion and respect for the fundamental right of the citizens to contribute and support the Party of their choice, including the emerging political parties. Up front, I think increased public funding of parties, a proposal that I agree and which seems to me to make consensus. The elimination of the tax credit, applicable to political contributions, is also part of my proposal.

We need to adapt our system but not abrupt, insensitive and incomplete manner found in the pending bill 2 week last by Minister Bernard Drainville. I propose a reduction to $200 of the annual limit of contribution, rather than$ 100 as provides it the departmental Bill. This would maintain a real participation of interested citizens, while now the objective of a limit beyond reproach. In my proposal, the Director general of elections will contribute towards the parties $1 for each dollar raised, up to a maximum of $200.

I would add that if I were in power, the same reform would apply to the municipal framework for will nip in the bud the many temptations of collusion and corruption. I compléterais all by increasing the percentage of reimbursement of election expenses to facilitate the emergence of new parties and independent candidates at the municipal level.

Students: for a secret electronic vote

Another commitment that keeps me in heart, it is the protection of individual rights, one of the fundamental liberal values. I think here in the protection of those and those which, last spring, could not attend their course, subjected to threats and intimidation. I know that the Bill 78 (now the Bill 12) has been the subject of controversy. But tell me, who else the State can stand up and protect the innocent against bullies? The question is to answer. There was intimidation and violence on our College and university campuses, and Act 12 stopped the violence.

As leader of the liberal party, if 100 people want to attack five, I will lift me up to defend these five people. It is my duty, it is our duty to act in the event of threats, even at the cost of losing votes.

A few weeks of a Summit on education, threats of boycotts and demonstrations resumed their most beautiful despite the will of two thirds of Quebecers and the vast majority of students. That is why I propose that no boycott movement is possible, unless they have been approved by a secret Internet voting members of the relevant student association. The students, like everyone else, are free of their choice, but still need to express it.

The secrecy provision exists in our Labour Code. It is time that it exists also within student associations so that the genuine will of the students can express themselves, without threats or harassment.