Fraser Institute Proposes Term Limits and Other Reforms
A new study from the Fraser Institute suggests that introducing 12-year cumulative term limits for federal politicians could help reinvigorate Canadian democracy without requiring constitutional amendments. The proposal aims to encourage broader participation in federal politics and restore the idea of civic service rather than lifetime entitlements.
The study, titled Term Limits for Parliamentarians, is authored by Lydia Miljan, a senior fellow at the Fraser Institute. It is one of five essays in a series on democratic reforms that could be implemented without changing the Constitution.
Incumbent Advantage Undermines Public Office
According to Miljan, incumbents at all levels of government hold an advantage over new entrants, which harms civic society. “At all levels of government, incumbents have the advantage over new entrants, and that is to the detriment of civic society since it undermines public office as a responsibility and instead promotes lifetime entitlement,” Miljan said.
Other Reform Proposals in the Series
The series includes several other practical reforms. Former NDP federal MP and BC MLA Nathan Cullen argues that parliamentarians who leave their party should either sit as independents until the next election or resign, triggering a by-election. This would restore voter confidence and democratic legitimacy.
Parliamentary scholar J.W.J. Bowden outlines the benefits of restoring the 2013 democratic reform bill, which would loosen political parties’ disciplinary powers and give MPs more latitude to represent their constituents in the House of Commons.
Professor Patrice Dutil makes the case for a more democratic Senate, arguing it would better mitigate regional polarization, force governments to build cross-party coalitions, and boost minority representation.
Journalist John Robson argues that while Canada’s Constitution clearly delineates federal and provincial powers, successive federal governments have encroached on provincial jurisdiction through direct spending and regulations. Better respecting the division of powers would allow more innovation and provincial policies that reflect citizens’ preferences, while letting the federal government focus on its responsibilities.
Timing and Context
“As Canada Day approaches—a time when people are thinking about our country and how it functions—it’s more important than ever to consider how practical reforms could genuinely improve our democracy,” said Miljan.
The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax, and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians by studying and communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship, and choice on well-being. The Institute does not accept government grants or contracts for research to protect its independence.
