It is a bogus claim that 'proportional representation' is
'fair'.
This claim is based upon the tendency that under proportional
representation (or PR) systems the division among PARTIES in the
parliament reflects the division among partisan opinion in the
country. That's not bad, but it's not enough to be 'fair.'
Unfortunately, PR systems are typically so complex that
virtually no one understands the details. Thus, in Europe where
several countries use this system (eg, France, Germany,
Switzerland, Belgium, Italy), many people refuse to vote because
they are alienated by the process. Sound familiar?
Second, PR systems increase the CONTROL OF THE MPs by the
PARTIES even more than under the current system. Under PR, you will
NOT HAVE AN MP. You will just be a STATISTIC.
Many Europeans are turned off by this and many refuse to
vote.
The only winners under PR systems are the party hacks who work
for the political parties. Good people, I'm sure, and they probably
do know more about politics than the average voter. But that's not
any more democratic than the current system. I thought we the PR
systems were being promoted as 'more democratic' not less than the
current 'first past the post' system?
Finally, the problems with PR get worse not better as countries
get more diverse and geographically dispersed. PR may work for more
homogeneous countries like Israel or Denmark, but it is
incompatible with the huge geographic and cultural diversity of
Canada.
I think if would promote Quebec or Western Separatism if Canada
moved to a system of proportional representation. The logic of PR
is to increased centralization and our present system is already
too centralized. We need to find a better balance between
centralization and decentralization
The primary problem with Canada currently isn't the voting
system; it's the ignorance and laziness of far too many voters. Too
many citizens prefer to sit on their hands and let a few groups of
organized groups [eg, unions or ethnic groups].
Even though I disagree with the supporters of PR, I applaud
their activity, and interest in our country. Thank you for
considering my remarks,