Nanaimo-Ladysmith’s MP tried earlier this year to lead the creation of a national citizens’ assembly on electoral reform, and now democratic reform is officially part of her job duties.
The federal New Democratic Party announced Friday, April 5, a slate of new critic roles, and Lisa Marie Barron has been named the party’s critic for democratic reform.
“Canada’s democracy is one of the best in the world, and we should be working to keep it healthy and strong,” said Barron in a press release.
She said the existing system creates barriers to participation for women, visible minorities, people with disabilities, and those in lower wage brackets, and she wants Parliament to better reflect Canada’s diversity.
Barron’s motion for a national citizens’ assembly on electoral reform failed in the House of Commons in February, and she criticized the federal Liberal and Conservative parties for protecting big companies and wealthy donors instead of everyday Canadians.
“I’ll be fighting to make sure Canada’s democracy is more fair and equitable so that the voices of Canadians here in Nanaimo-Ladysmith and across the country can be heard,” she said.
In addition to her new critic’s role, she will remain as the critic for fisheries and oceans.
Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre, during a rally in Nanaimo earlier this week, said Nanaimo’s MP is “quiet as a church mouse.”
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