Tim Uppal, right, along with Harold Albrecht, left, MP for Kitchener-Conestoga, came to UW to discuss reforms to the democratic system. Photo: Alcina Wong

Tim Uppal, Conservative MP and the Minister of Democratic Reform, came to Waterloo on Monday Jan. 23 for a meet and greet with a number of UW Students.

In an era plagued by sponsorship scandals, Parliamentary opacity, and monetary mismanagement, the issue of democratic reform resonates with all Canadians, regardless of their political affiliation. Canadians have been vocal in their demands for a government that is more democratic, accountable, and representative.

In his casual conversation with students, Minister Uppal demonstrated that the Harper government is fully committed to this initiative. Under Uppal’s tenure, the Harper government has been successful in abolishing the unjust practice of publicly financing political parties trough the $1.25 per vote subsidy introduced and supported by previous liberal administrations.

Uppal’s Ministry was also successful in addressing the issue of under representation in the House of Commons (HOC) by passing Bill C-20, which effectively increases the number of HOC seats in Ontario, BC, and Alberta, by a ratio that is proportionate to each provinces population size.

Currently, Uppal’s Ministry is engaged in a campaign to bring about significant reforms to the structure of the Canadian Senate. This reform seeks to establish an era of legitimacy and accountability within the Senate by introducing Senate elections, and significantly shortening a senator’s term of service from 45 years to 8.

If Uppal’s Ministry is successful, the Harper government can add another accomplishment to its list of Democratic reform.