WHEREAS Ontario has seen increasing government interference in elections, local councils, school boards, and judicial appointments by Ford’s Conservatives; and
WHEREAS the nonwithstanding clause has been repeatedly used by Ford’s conservatives to override Ontarians’ Charter rights; and
WHEREAS barriers to voting and declining civic participation are weakening democratic engagement; and
WHEREAS Ontario lacks an independent officer dedicated to monitoring and protecting democratic rights.
THEREFORE we, the undersigned, petition the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to:
Establish a Commissioner for Democratic Rights as an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to oversee democratic processes, review government actions, protect voting rights, and strengthen democratic participation in Ontario.