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Submission BELL-0385 (Online)

Submission By Louise Bell
AddressDenman Island, BC,
Organization
Date20040513
CategoryElectoral system change
Abstract
It is critical to the future of this province that our electoral system be reformed so that the number & political persuasion of elected officials more closely mirrors that of BC voters.  The Assembly should study the suitability of MMP. [1 page]

Submission Content
I believe it is critical to the future of this province that our electoral system be reformed so that the number and political persuasion of elected officials more closely mirrors that views expressed by BC voters through the choices they make when casting votes for their MLAs. In my opinion, proportional representation would produce a parliamentary assembly more able to debate the various sides of political issues and thus make better informed decisions.
 
In particular, I would like to see BC study the suitability of the Mixed Member Proportional [MMP] System currently in use in New Zealand. My daughter lives there -- her husband is a Political Science professor at Otago University in Dunedin -- and we have discussed that system at some length.  Our "first past the post" system is a poor comparison, in particular being outdated, undemocratic and basically unfair.
 
Please do not assume that a low level of attendance at your public meetings, if in fact this is the outcome, reflects lack of interest in this matter.  People today are stressed to attend to family and personal needs, and still make a living, and often have little or no time left for public participation.  I am particularly aware of this fact, as I am an elected representative for local government on Denman Island.  The residents of BC are counting on the BC Citizens' Assembly to deal adequately and fairly with a large problem. Please proceed and design changes to correct the current representational problems.

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