Explaining and debating Michael Chong’s Reform Act

A new hope or a step backwards?

<p>Conservative MP Michael Chong arrives to a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday December 3, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick</p>

Conservative MP Michael Chong arrives to a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday December 3, 2013. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

Michael Chong talks to Preston Manning about the Reform Act.

Peter Loewen says the Reform Act is “the single most important piece of democratic reform legislation to be considered by our Parliament in a generation.” Alex Cullen, a candidate for the Ontario NDP, argues the bill is a step backwards. Radical Centrist looks at a third aspect of the bill. And Colin Horgan suggests what the House of Commons really needs is a sense of shame.

Meanwhile, Susan Delacourt suggests some other reforms, specifically related to advertising, that might be pursued.

See previously: Let the Reform Act debate beginWhat if the Reform Act is a bad idea?Thirty questions to ask before proceeding with the Reform Act, The Reform Act and our parliamentary democracy on trial and What would Michael Chong’s Reform Act mean for riding nominations?