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Submission GAUDET-0273 (Online)

Submission By Bernard Gaudet
AddressVictoria, BC,
Organization
Date20040504
CategoryElectoral system change
Abstract
Concerns that multi-party representation under a PR system may only confound attempts to provide good government are not sufficient to withstand the need for having adequate representation for all sectors of the voting public. [2 pages]

Submission Content
A system of proportinal representation in the legislature offers the best chance that all of the voters in BC will have a voice in decision-making processes. Concerns that multi-party representation may only confound attempts at providing good government are not sufficient to withstand the need for having adequate representation for all sectors of the voting public.

The present 'winner-take-all' system does not allow for large segments of the population to have a voice in government and leads only to further voter apathy. Backing away from a system that would promote consensus building in government on the basis that it is too difficult, or unworkable, is taking the easy way out. It is not a simple matter to build consensus within any social organisation, but this is what defines, for me, an exemplary quality in a politician, i.e., one who is able to listen to various sides of an issue, and, based on this information, make the best possible decision. Someone who is in government to represent their constituents should, as a matter of course, be exposed all points of view and not choose a course of action based on simple-minded ideological lines.

The possibility to form committees, commissions, etc., with members elected from a wide variety of political leanings, that truly represent the diversity of opinions and ideas of the people of this province, is made possible by allowing this diversity to be represented in the legislature through a system of proportinal representation. We cannot be detered by a fear of complexity, we must engage it and find our way.

Good government is one that is concerned with the public good, not one that is run like a corporation. The opportunity to elect members that recognise this, to have a voice in government for those people in society who, up until now, have no voice in the traditional political party apparatus, is very important. Those who claim that this will only provide for slowing down, or obfuscating poltical decion-making processes by giving to much time to special intersest groups should examine what minority of the population is best being served by our present system.

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