Students, seniors latest groups to weigh in on elections reform as time runs out

OTTAWA – Groups representing both seniors and students are the latest to weigh in on controversial Conservative changes to federal elections law that have been almost universally panned.

MPs looking at Bill C-23 are holding evening hearings as the Harper government pushes to have the massive elections overhaul through the committee process — where potential changes could be made — and back before Parliament by the beginning of May.

But with the Commons beginning a two-week break at the end of the week, time for examining and fixing the bill is running out.

The Canadian Association of Retired Persons, or CARP, has already released survey results from its membership that suggest overwhelming opposition to Bill C-23, dubbed the Fair Elections Act.

CARP is one of three seniors groups, along with groups representing students and teachers, appearing before the committee this evening as MPs hold back-to-back evening hearings this week.

Former auditor general Sheila Fraser and former Reform party leader Preston Manning headline a group of witnesses who will testify on Tuesday night.