Tory MP tweaks bill that would hand more power to Parliament, grassroots

OTTAWA – Michael Chong says his bill to rebalance power between MPs and leaders affects all parties, so he’s intent on getting all-party support.

To that end, Chong is introducing amendments to his high-profile private member’s bill to satisfy some concerns that have been raised about the proposed legislation.

That’s in contrast with the approach taken by the Conservatives on another bill that would touch all parties — the Fair Elections Act.

The opposition and several experts have expressed reservations with the impact on voters, but their concerns have been dismissed or the motives of critics questioned.

Chong’s bill would give caucus members the power to eject leaders, if a certain percentage of MPs triggered a review vote, and hand more power to local riding associations over electoral nominations.

One of the compromises Chong is making is to allow the leader to maintain the power of deregistering an association should it go rogue.