Submission CARR-0366 (Online)

I'm speaking in support of a Mixed Member Proportional system because I believe that the MMP system is the most likely to bring stability and good long-term decision making to British Columbia. [1 page]

Please accept my appreciation, to all members of the Citizens' Assembly for your time and care in this process of electoral review and reform.

I am not an expert on this issue, however I am profoundly interested in the question of how to create a democratic voting system work better, for the public, for political parties and for government.

The first past the post system has created governments that swing from one extreme set of values to another. In going on three decades of work for and with non-profit service providers, I have witnessed feast and famine depending on the political point of view of those in power. I've seen governments waste money by making wholesale changes that reflect a new order, with little regard to prudent, careful, consistent and incremental improvements to a current status quo.

I'm speaking in support of a Mixed Member Proportional system because I believe that the MMP system is the most likely to bring stability and good long-term decision making to British Columbia.

I want to live in a just society, a society in which there is health economically, environmentally, and socially. Where minority voices are respected by inclusion in decision-making. I like the flexibility offered in MMP, so that I can vote for my favourite party, but also for a candidate from another party, to represent me locally, because I prefer her. I'm tired of being encouraged to vote strategically by voting, not for the person or party which best reflects my values, but for someone or something that is most likely to oust those in power. I don't want to get rid of anyone. We need differing opinions, to debate issues, so that the BEST decisions will unfold.
It bothers me that so many who are eligible do not vote. I hope for more women and more minority voices included in government. I believe an MMP system is more likely to ensure wider participation, though I'd recommend a 5% threshold to avoid chaos.

I'm concerned that rural areas like ours is, are fairly represented. Besides being terribly complex (in terms of counting votes) the STV system leaves me concerned that the rural areas will not be fairly represented, and will not guarantee fairness regarding proportionality. Seats in government should be proportional to votes cast for that party.

But most of all, I am hoping that with an MMP system, government will be less adversarial. Cooperation between minority and majority voices should result in better long-term legislation, and less acrimony between differing points of view.

Thanks and good luck with your process.