(TORONTO) - Randy Hillier, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington, introduced a Bill that would hold politicians accountable to the citizens that elected them. The Election Amendment Act (MPP Recall), 2013 would give Ontario voters the opportunity to recall their MPPs and replace them. Recall elections are used in British Columbia, Wisconsin, California and several other jurisdictions as a way of making politicians accountable to the voters.
“We all know that if you don’t do your job, you can be replaced; that’s true for virtually every job and voters shouldn't have to wait four years to hold their politicians accountable.” said MPP Hillier. “Politicians are elected to represent their constituents, not to collect pay cheques. By giving the voting public the opportunity to replace unaccountable elected officials midterm, politicians will need to listen to the people that elect them.”
MPP Hillier’s proposed recall legislation would allow voters to recall their MPP if, within a 60 day period, they collect signatures from 25% of the number of people who voted in the last election. It would be illegal to launch a campaign a year before or after a scheduled election. If voters received the requisite number of signatures, a recall election would be held. A "recalled" MPP could run to reclaim his or her seat in that election.
"After the gas plants, E-Health, Ornge and every other scandal, people call me and ask whether we can replace any of these politicians instead of waiting four years to do so. With recall legislation, Ontario voters will be able to recall under-performing or unaccountable MPPs," said MPP Hillier. "Sometimes, we need to remind people of just what democracy means."