I would like to see an overhaul of the electoral system in British
Columbia. The first past the post system has caused a lot of
uncertainty, as we in BC seem to swing between the left and the
right frequently, electing majority governments first one way and
then the other. There is little stability in the present system.
There is also little hope in the party system for consultation
among our elected representatives in the governance of our
province.
I see the party system as problematic. I think, in a simple
society, the answer would be a government by consensus like in
Nunavut. However, BC society may be too complex for that. In that
case, perhaps we could use participatory democracy. You might say
BC would not get a lot of legislative work done if individual MLA's
had more say in the runnning of the government, by the people for
the people. However, even if it slowed government down,
participatory democracy is much more desirable than the present
party-line system.
Barring the above two ideas, at least we could have an elected
Senate in BC, with different regions voting for Senators, so that
all regions of BC would be represented fairly in Government. An
equal number of senators would come from both the north and the
south. This would be an asset which would allow the vestiges of the
party system. Finally, if none of these seem particularly
practical, we could have a change in the way we cast our ballots,
perhaps voting 1-2-3 in choice for MLA's. I think this would help
make sure the best overall candidate gets elected.
There are other changes that will likely be proposed by
different people who submit their ideas to you. I think all of us
want a fairer representation for the regions, and more effective
government. We also need to stop the swinging between left and
right which does so much harm to the reasonableness and common
sense in government. As I mentioned, I think we need more
representative government.
If we could do away with the party system and have government
like in Nunavut, that would be the best system I could think of
overall. However radically you may feel like moving, any change
which increases regional representation and true democracy would be
well received by many British Columbians, and especially by me.
I look forwasrd to your recommendations. I hope they are as
daring and radical as they can be.
levelCMS