I am convinced we live in a false democracy today. Our current
system creates too much uncertainty as the new government
dismantles the policies and programs of the previous government.
Businesses suffer, citizens suffer and sometimes Canada's
reputation suffers.
The First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system is dysfunctional. Politicians
think they get elected on their platform, but I believe voters are
motivated less by the party platform and more against the current
government when they vote on election day. Then , when the
time four years is up for the new government, voters are
once again angry with the current government and, at election time,
vote against the current government. It's a vicious cycle created
by the FPTP and it needs to be fixed.
Government needs a better method to balance the social needs of the
province against the financial needs of the province. To do this we
need better representation in the legislature; the Mixed-Member
Proportional (MMP) system used in New Zealand is one system that
will give us better representation in the BC legislature.
The MMP used in New Zealand would suit BC because the two places
share a common history. Both places were colonies of Britain. Both
places inherited the FPTP from Britain. Both places have a strong
aboriginal voice. And both places have voters who recognize the old
FPTP is dysfunctional and not suited for a multiparty system.
New Zealand changed their system years ago. Today they have: better
representation for women, better aboriginal rights and cooperation;
a more stable political environment for business to operate; and, a
more content population.
BC should learn from the New Zealand example, adopt the system, and
make any adjustments after the FPTP system is abandoned. The MMP
system may not be perfect for BC the first time, but it will be a
tremendous step forward.
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