I made a submission earlier [
STEAD-0095] but
since then I have read the background papers and done some more
thinking. If possible, I would like to add two paragraphs to my
original submission, as follows:
3. The use of the AV system in BC. in 1952 and
1953 seems to have worked well. A party that otherwise might never
have been able to form a government was able to govern for many
years. The fact that the AV system was discontinuted by the new
government shows that the new MLAs were no better than the old
ones.
In order to prevent such a unilateral change in the electoral
system, I suggest that, once the new system is adopted - AV, I hope
- at least 2/3 of the members must vote for any change.
4. While I do not think that severing the
connection between MLAs and their ridings, a feature of
proportional representation, is desirable, exceptions might be made
in certain cases.
If a party obtained at least 5% of the provincial vote but elected
no members through the AV, the party would be entitled to appoint a
member to the Legislature with the same powers as those elected.
Such members - and parties with very small representation in the
legislature - should have some resources for research and be
entitled to recognition by the Speaker. In the case that a party
had at least 10% of the vote but elected no members, it would be
entitled to nominate two members.
levelCMS