Charges at democratic reform event a ‘voluntary donation,’ Liberals say

[Conservative MP Andrew Scheer and Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef are seen in the House of Commons in Ottawa / The Canadian Press]

The Liberals are getting heat from the opposition this week after a Conservative MP accused the party of trying to make money off of planned democratic reform town halls.

The issue was first raised by Conservative MP Andrew Scheer on Monday. Scheer drew attention to a Liberal electoral reform event that had been asking for attendees to buy tickets in order to attend.

“I am surprised to be made aware of this development. We will be looking into this matter,” said Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef when asked about the event in question period.

The information on the event was available online, but quickly changed after the issue was brought up, reports The Huffington Post.

The new website states clearly that the town hall is a free event, and that the ‘donation’ is only voluntary.

The pressure over the issue didn’t subside on Tuesday.

“Mr. Speaker, we are very concerned today,” said Tory MP Alain Rayes. “We learned yesterday that the Liberal Party is organizing town hall consultations for which people have to pay… is that what transparency is?

Monsef responded that the fee is a ‘voluntary’ and is meant to cover “some of the costs of the event such as room rental and light refreshments.”

“This isn’t about filling Liberal coffers Mr. Speaker, it’s democracy,” said Conservative MP Blake Richards. “Every Canadian deserves a say without having to pay to get in the door.”

The Conservatives have been calling for the government to commit to a referendum on what voting system, if any, should the replace first-past-the-post system currently in place. The Liberals have set up a committee to study the issue, and a report is due by Dec. 1.