Elizabeth May challenges the system

The Green MP seeks to amend the Elections Act

<p>Musician Sarah Harmer and independant MP Bruce Hyer look on as Green Party leader Elizabeth May speaks during a news conference Tuesday Nov.27, 2012 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld</p>

CP/Adrian Wyld

Elizabeth May has just now tabled a bill that would remove the Elections Act’s requirement of a party leader’s endorsement for an individual to run in an election under a party banner, at least in ridings where a riding association exists to endorse the candidate.

Here is the full text of the bill. Bruce Hyer is apparently seconding it.

I wrote about Michael Chong’s suggestion of doing so two years ago. It would be, potentially, a very real and very significant change to the system.

Ms. May has scheduled a news conference for tomorrow morning to discuss her bill.

Update 6:30pm. One caveat: As has been noted, this is not the only bill Ms. May has on offer. She tells me she’s not sure yet if the above bill will be the one she brings forward when her turn arrives.