Letter to the Editor

Do you feel that Canada needs a federal electoral system in which every vote counts towards representation?

If your eyes are glazing over at the words “federal electoral system,” consider this: Voter participation is declining. There is disillusionment with politicians and apathy towards our political electoral process. The young are particularly disconnected and cynical but all citizens want to feel that their votes matter and that the system better reflects their varied viewpoints.

In order for every vote to be effective, Canada requires a properly functioning representative democracy based on a fair and proportional voting structure.

Electoral reform is supported by three of the four of the major political parties involved in the 2015 election campaign.

The Green Party would end the current single member plurality arrangement (a.k.a. first past the post) and introduce a proportional representation system after public consultation.

The Liberal Party promises to review the entire electoral system, and within 18 months adopt some form of proportional representation.

The New Democratic Party intends to implement a mixed member proportional system, which is a semi-proportional representation system combining elements of proportional representation and single member plurality.

The Conservative Party has no intention of altering the current system that has enabled it to form government for 9.75 years while receiving between 36.3% and 39.6% of the votes in three elections.

Approximately 90 countries in the world are using some form of proportional representation. It has become evident that proportional representation would produce a more co-operative and less partisan arrangement in Parliament as well as greater citizen involvement in the political process.

Various forms of proportional representation, and proportional representation combined with single member plurality, have been proposed.  Concerned citizens can review proposals at Fairvote.ca or search Proportional Representation.

Some voters are considering voting strategically in the coming election because the support for opposition parties is largely divided among the Green Party, the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party. This is not how democracy should function.

With a proportional representation system in place, voters would not have to consider this option, as no vote could be considered “wasted.” In this election however, voters may wish to consider casting their ballots strategically in order to elect a government that will implement proportional representation for the benefit of all Canadians.

“We are all responsible for the state of our politics.” (Keith Boag)

Bruce Robinson,

Electoral Area G

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