1. I am strongly in favour of mixed member
proportional representation (MMP) with a reasonable minimum
percentage lower threshold to get a seat.
Reasons: The many countries around the world where this system
is now used have a much better record of fairer representation
while preserving some local representation. They also elect more
women and minorities. As a woman, this is important to me, along
with the idea that each of our votes counts. The minimum threshold
is to eliminate the problems encountered in Israel where they don't
have a minimum and the system doesn't work. On the other hand, I am
in favour of minority governments that work together to meet the
needs of all the people, not just a slim majority.
2. I am strongly opposed to keeping the system we
have.
Reasons: It is unfair. The number of seats won should closely
reflect the percentage of votes cast for that party. Clearly that
is not the case now. With 58% of the vote, the BC Liberal Party got
98% of the seats in the last election. The system we choose should
not allow this to happen. It should guarantee that the 42% of the
people who did not vote Liberal are politically represented in the
legislature. Clearly this system does not consistently do that.
3. I am very strongly opposed to the single
transferable vote (STV) system.
Reasons: I am not in favour of choosing a system that sounds
excellent in theory but in practice doesn't work consistently. In
particular, Malta and Ireland have very few women reps and at one
point, didn't Malta fail to elect the government with a majority of
the vote?
4. I am even more opposed to the "preferential plus"
system proposed by Nick Loenen.
Reasons: It seems to be a blatant attempt to ensure a one-sided,
un-representative government in perpetuity, incorporating nearly
all the disadvantages I have outlined above.
I trust you will listen to the majority of the people of this
province who have taken the trouble to respond to your request for
input and recommend a fair system that represents minorities as
well as majorities, and in practice elects a more favourable
percentage of women. Thank you for all your hard work.
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