Submission SOWTON-0699 (Online)

I propose using an Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system to increase proportionality, provide a healthier opposition, and increase the opportunities for more dialogue and negotiation between parties. [2 pages]

THE NEED FOR CHANGE

I wish to express my dissatisfaction with our current electoral system, which I believe is outmoded and undemocratic. Its two-party system does not represent the diversity present in B.C. society. The first-past-the-post, or single member plurality system (SMP) often creates a skewed picture of the electorate. If you don't vote for the winning candidate, your vote is wasted; it simply doesn't count or lead to any representation in the legislature. This distortion leads to the silencing of many citizens' voices, and is, I believe, one of the causes of voter decline.

False majorities are created as well as a weak, underrepresented opposition. The winning party emerges with excessive power, and can ram legislation through without adequate discussion or forethought. There are often no checks and balances to discourage such abuses of power. This system can also create big swings from election to election, causing legislation to be short-lived, policy planning transient, and governing unnecessarily unstable. In false majority governments, MLA's are often required to put party interests above the wishes of their constituents. An example of this is how Salt Spring Island was recently forced to have a salmon farm on their shoreline, completely against the wishes of the local community. This has also been true with logging interests.

MY PROPOSAL

I want a legislative assembly that accurately reflects the social/political composition and wishes of the electorate. I propose a Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system combining single member electoral districts with a party vote list system to enhance proportional representation. Each voter would have two votes, one for their local district representative, and for the political party of their choice. I would recommend a ratio of two-thirds constituency seats, to one-third party list seats to ensure rural ridings do not become unduly underrepresented. I would also suggest a 5% threshold of total votes for parties to qualify for legislative representation.

I believe this system combines the advantages of our current one, with the benefits of proportionality. MMP would go a long way toward remedying the flaws of SMP, increasing the representation of other voices, and honouring diversity. It also has a better reputation for having higher proportions of women and minorities. I believe ending one-party, majority government deadlocks would make politics less adversarial. Although honouring different opinions and beliefs can be challenging, it is genuinely worthwhile, and ultimately the cornerstone of democratic process. A more proportional government could lead to a richer dialogue where MLA's are forced to debate issues more thoroughly and negotiate with each other in good faith. It would also restore strong opposition parties to the legislature, which I believe is vital to democracy.

Some people seem worried that a more proportional system will produce coalition governments, which they feel are somehow unstable. I think the reverse is true. Coalitions/ minority governments are often more stable and can produce long-term, visionary legislation. For example, both universal health care and the Canada Pension Plan came out of minority governments. Their policies are also more likely to have a broader base of support, creating both stability and authenticity.

I would also like to support the following ideas put forward by others to the Assembly:

Lastly, may I say that the Citizens' Assembly is a wonderful breath of fresh air, true people-power in action. I'm thrilled and encouraged by your historic mandate and potential. A heartfelt thank you to all Assembly members, staff, and Chair Jack Blaney. You are renewing the democratic process. Thank you for your time, commitment and vision. Your work is profoundly honorable.

SUMMARY

I believe our current plurality system does not reflect the diversity present in B.C. society. Many people's votes do not lead to representation in the legislature. Often, false majorities are created with a weak, underrepresented opposition. This system can create large swings from election to election, causing legislation to be short-lived, and governing as a whole, unstable. I propose using an Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system to increase proportionality, provide a healthier opposition, and increase the opportunities for more dialogue and negotiation between parties. I'm recommending a ratio of 2/3 constituency seats to 1/3 party list seats, with a 5% threshold for parties to qualify.