News release - Radium pubic hearing

More important than election, Assembly told

Members of the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform were reminded of the importance of their work Tuesday evening at a public hearing in Radium.  The need for more proportional representation was also stressed as well as the Assembly’s responsibility to communicate their recommendation to British Columbians.

Speaker Roger Granville-Martin, a Cranbrook teacher, told Assembly members, “You have no idea how much I wanted to be on this Assembly… The work this Assembly is doing is, in my opinion, far more important than any one election, either federal or provincial.  This Assembly has the opportunity to recommend fundamental change in the way we elect our representatives.  This is without doubt the most exciting and promising political event in my life.”

Granville-Martin went on to say that “some form of proportional representation would be an enormous improvement over the current system…” His reasoned that increased proportionality would help people feel better represented in government, it would moderate policy swings, encourage cooperation in the legislature, and reengage voters.

In discussing their hopes for electoral reform, participants at the hearing added a number of goals to those voiced by Granville-Martin, included:
- Electing a more balanced legislature
- Reestablishing politicians’ credibility with the public
- Attracting the best people to political life
- Relaxing party discipline

Participants also underlined the importance of effectively communicating the Assembly’s recommendation to the people of BC so voters are well equipped to make an informed decision should there be a recommendation for change and a resulting referendum.

The Assembly wraps up two months of public hearings this week with meetings in Sparwood and Penticton on Wednesday, and Kelowna on Thursday.  A full schedule of all 50 public hearings is available on the Assembly's website at