Letter to the Editor

Do you know that we will soon have the opportunity to state our opinions in a referendum that presents options for electoral reform in British Columbia?

Do you have questions about proportional representation or what form it should take?

Glen Ewan Q.C. (pictured) will be giving a free presentation at College of the Rockies, Invermere campus, Monday, October 22, 7-9 p.m. He will present on the referendum, proportional representation and why it matters. He will explain the three different types of proportional representation that will be on the referendum ballot. There will be a short presentation followed by lots of time for questions. Everyone is welcome.

Proportional representation provides a vehicle for every person’s vote to be equal and effective, regardless of where you live or for whom you vote. This means that we would no longer have to accept false majorities where Parties that acquire less than 50% of the vote can obtain 100% of the power. In that way, it also reduces the need for strategic voting. Instead, you vote for those you truly believe will do the best job in government.

Because the election results with proportional representation require parties to co-operate once elected, this system of voting could help us get past partisan politics and our present system of deeply polarized and combative government. It also holds the possibility for more stability. Who isn’t tired of the bickering and adversarial environment that exists in Canadian politics today?

In response to priorities previously stated by B.C. residents, all three options for Pro Rep on the ballot still have local MLAs and no region would lose MLAs. The most important question, however, is the first one – “yes” or “no” to proportional representation.

This referendum is an important time to cast your vote. We have the opportunity to configure our elections to truly reflect the majority of voters.

Luana Gillies,

Windermere

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