Feds appeal court ruling that lifted restrictions on expat voters

OTTAWA – The federal government says it will appeal a court ruling that struck down a ban on voting by Canadian citizens who’ve lived abroad for more than five years.

Pierre Poilievre, the minister responsible for democratic reform, says voters should have “a direct and meaningful connection to Canada” to be eligible to cast ballots in federal elections.

He says it’s “fair and reasonable” to prohibit non-residents from voting if they’ve lived outside Canada for more than five years.

And he says that’s been the law for more than two decades.

Poilievre says the government will seek a stay of the Ontario Superior Court ruling while it awaits the appeal.

A spokesperson for the minister says that’s intended to ensure the five-year rule applies to non-residents who want to vote in four federal byelections scheduled for June 30.