Thank you all for hard work on behalf of us all. We certainly
need some form of representation that works better than the
first-past-the-post of present. Whatever will work to get more of
the young people involved in at least voting would be an initial
good start. And, over time, when a significant number of people
feel unrepresented and unheard once a member is elected, something
needs changing.
I, and my partner, were signature gatherers with the pro-rep
process of several years ago. I talked with hundreds of individuals
of all ages and political strips, and was surprised to find
petitioners, like myself, were also from a broad spectrum of
political groupings. These facts alone convinced me that a change
was overdue in our representation in the legislature. And, working
for Elections BC during the last election when people could
register at the polling station, I was pleased to see more young
people arriving to register and vote because, I felt, there were
some smaller parties running candidates that perhaps reflected the
beliefs of these new voters.
Far too many people have told me they don't bother to vote
because it makes no difference. I certainly disagree, even when my
personal choice does not get elected, but I do believe this often
heard statement belies something deeper about our current system of
representation (or lack of). Not all these issues can be resolved
by a change in how we elect our MLA's as the adversarial system of
present also does not reflect voter's attitudes. But, additional
MLAs chosen by other methods would more likely contain elements
which could lead to more coalitions, rather than a what often
appears to be a two-party system (and the inevitable for/against
simplicity of present). The occasional independent or single member
of 3rd party has, I submit, brought new vitality and ideas to the
whole for the betterment of all of us.
It is for these reasons that I would propose we utilize some
form of Mixed Member Proportionality (MMP). Taking into mind the
history of various MMP and STV ssystems internationally,
the Law Commission of Canada's recommendations, and the Pro-Rep
Society's evaluation of 2002 Initiative for Pro-Rep, I would agree
that we need to keep our constiuencies a reasonable size, require
parties to run candidates in at least 50% of constituencies, and
ensure democratic election of "list candidates" by parties. Or, we
could find ourselves less well represented.
Two thirds of our MLAs would be elected in our current fashion,
and one third by "party lists" in a democratic fashion. MMP appears
more understandable to voters, and it appears most likely to
provide BC with a more stable government over time, rather than our
current swings from one government group to another which is so
wasteful and seems to give us extremes in policy and corruption
(too much power leads quickly to corruption).
Since we need change, the voter needs to understand how it works
before being ready to make a change. Lets not get too complicated
in making that change nor allow MLAs to be further alienated from
their constituents. A moderate change which will be more inclusive
-- of women, the minority views of smaller parties often with good
ideas, and of the young who may have very different ideas than the
present voters.
Thank you again for your time and efforts on our behalf.