I support a MMP system of PR. We would have to increase the size
of ridings somewhat to accomodate this but the benefits would
outweigh the deficits. The legislature currently consists of MLAs
elected by riding but policies implemented are not implemented by
riding, they are province wide. As such, the "riding represenation"
factor is probably a much smaller issue than party representation
overall. List party candidates should be democratically chosen in
advance.
Another democratic issue that I have not seen presented is how
cabinet ministers are chosen. The current system where a premier
can choose all the cabinet positions even though s/he is only
elected by the voters in one riding seems to be very undemocratic.
Perhaps cabinet posts should be organized by a vote in the
legislature. Qualified MLAs could be nominated for the various
positions and the members of the legislature could then vote for
who they feel is the most appropriate candidate for the position.
This would mean that all parties would then have a say in cabinet
positions as well. There would be less chance of having a cabinet
that is obedient to one person and could promote more discussion
and allow for a wider range of views. It would take democracy one
step further.
A major issue hindering political reform is campaign finance. I
realize that the Citizens' Assembly is probably not authorized to
deal with this issue but I feel it is important that people speak
of it so that it is on the record. We currently have a system where
special interest groups can contribute large amounts of money to
candidates and parties campaigns with too few restrictions. This
leaves the elected politicians more inclined to try implement
policies to curry favour with large donors instead of implementing
policies to improve the common good of the electorate. I strongly
feel that political contributions to campaigns or parties should
only be able to be made by registered voters and these
contributions should have caps on them and be open to public
scrutiny. Contributions should include in kind ones as well.
Thank you all for the time and energy you are putting into this
very important endeavour.
|
levelCMS