Robert Laird Borden (Leader of the Official Opposition)
Conservative (1867-1942)
Mr. R. L. BORDEN.
I am informed that in the provincial elections the voting in Nipissing is held on the same day as in the other ridings. I am sure the Minister of Justice will regard that as a very cogout reason for carrying out the same policy in this Bill. I am not familiar with the riding of Algoma, but my hon. friend from East Sim-coe (Mr. Bennett) will speak about that. He tells me that there are equally strong reasons why the election there should not be postponed. So far as the ridings in the province of Quebec are concerned. I would not presume to speak of them, not having a knowledge of the facts. The Minister of Justice, I am sure, will be good enough to
make an explanation to the House with regard to these. I am not objecting to this proposal in any case where it is necessary. But I say that there should be very strong, in fact imperative, necessity before any election is postponed. The principle we have followed in this country for more than a quarter of a century is to have all the elections throughout the country held on the same day ; and only for the gravest reasons should that rule be departed from.