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Submission MCDONNELL-0011 (Online)

Submission ByMs Leslie McDonnell
AddressNanaimo, BC, Canada
Organization
Date20031126
CategoryElectoral system change
Abstract
The mixed member plurality system used in Germany should be adopted for Canadian elections, and there should be more information on the electoral process given to students. [1 page]

Submission Content
I think that the Citizens Assembly is an excellent idea. Canada does need an elections reform. The single member plurality system in place at the moment is unfair to many candidates, and the country voters. I recommend looking at the Mixed member plurality system used in Germany. In addition, I strongly believe that much of the low voter turnout lies in the lack of education in secondary schools. Young students need to understand how our political system works. Many people won't vote when they know that the candidate they are choosing won't win.

A prime example is the upcoming election. It is quite evident that Paul Martin and the liberals will win. However, voting for the NDP or Alliance will strengthen the opposition in the House of Commons, taking some power away from the leading party. Many people don't understand that concept and decide not to vote because they don't see the point. And finally, if the Senate were a Triple E Senate, voters may feel that their votes are more effective, as opposed to a pool for the Prime Minister to pick from, if he even chooses House of Commons constituents. Alberta put the Prime Minister to the test a couple of years ago, electing their Senate member and it worked. The second time was a failure, but if the province continued to elect their Senate members, and other provinces joined the band wagon, I am sure that someone would have to take notice.


Thank you.


Leslie McDonnell
2nd year Political Science student
at Malaspina University College

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