Several commentators, however, have viewed it differently, calling it a “backward step” and comparing it to the rules governing admission to a private club. Clubs, they argue, have a right to choose who gets to join, and those who aspire to membership better be prepared to shape up or ship out.
But Canada is not a private club and its democracy is not like an annual meeting with its rules committee and membership committee. Private clubs are exclusive. Clubs have limits to their membership, focus on attracting the like-minded, and exclude others. They have a history of exclusive practices, like posting lists of prospective members so existing members can “blackball” those they don’t want.
Democracy, on the other hand, is inclusive and wants to expand participation. It thrives on diversity and provides a lively marketplace for different values, beliefs, practices and backgrounds. The more people who vote in an election, the better the choice. The more views presented in public discourse, the more likely the best one will emerge.
Over the years, Canada has changed voting criteria numerous times. At first, before Canadian citizenship existed, only British men who owned property could vote after one year of residency. In Ontario, British subjects could vote until 1988. Meanwhile, women were denied voting rights until 1918, Asian Canadians until 1948, and aboriginals until 1960. Canadian citizenship didn’t even exist until 1947.
Voting is a fundamental pillar of democracy. The ability of the governed to choose their governors matters greatly. To deny the vote to those we expect to fulfil obligations like paying tax, obeying laws and participating in society would require an extraordinarily good reason. The holding of a credential such as citizenship, no matter how esteemed, is not a good enough reason.
The Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees citizens the right to vote in federal and provincial elections. It’s important to understand that the Charter is a floor, not a ceiling. It sets out a minimum standard for a democracy to function — one that we regularly exceed. For example, the Charter states that “No House of Commons and no legislative assembly shall continue for longer than five years,” but elections are often called after four years. Similarly, the Charter does not speak to the right of all children to go to school, and yet we all accept that this should be so.
As important, the Charter guarantees equality before the law without discrimination. Unfair distinctions on the basis of citizenship are not appropriate. We should limit the rights of individuals only in the clearest of cases and in order to prevent harm to others. Allowing permanent residents to vote does not harm the rights of others.
Some suggest that allowing permanent residents to vote in municipal elections would devalue Canadian citizenship. They argue that since it takes only a few years to become a Canadian citizen, permanent residents should just wait.
Formalization of citizenship through legal status is a significant step for new Canadians. Traditionally, Canada has given immigrants a path to Canadian citizenship. This path, however, is easily prolonged or blocked by procedure, long waiting times and other circumstances that are out of the individual’s control.
For example, citizenship laws in some countries may prevent people who come to Canada from choosing to become Canadian citizens.
Further, more and more people live here on temporary permits as international students or temporary foreign workers for years before becoming permanent residents. By the time they get that citizenship certificate, they may have already lived in the city for seven to 10 years. As our immigration rules continue to push people toward this two-step process — temporary before permanent — the number of people in this situation will increase.
Citizenship status is simply not the right tool to measure commitment or interest in local governance. The commitment to Canada and Toronto starts long before the certificate arrives. A minimum residency requirement is sufficient to demonstrate knowledge of local issues.
Democracy is enhanced when people participate. It is not a game to be played only by those who wield the power to make the rules. Voting is a right. Extending the vote to permanent residents is the right thing to do.
Original Article
Source: thestar.com
Author: Alan Broadbent Nathalie Des Rosiers
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