The implications of introducing proportional representation to Canada
Canadians want greater congruence between votes and legislative seats. And we want better representation of women, minority groups and ideas in the houses of government. Those powerful incentives make proportional representation attractive. The main draw of proportional representation (PR) is that the seats that parties receive in elections correlate roughly with their share of the popular vote. The…
The alternative vote system is definitely on the federal electoral reform table. But would it be a good choice for Canada? Alternative vote (AV) is used in lower house elections in Australia and Nauru, a former Australian territory. But it was rejected in a 2011 British referendum as a replacement for the first-past-the-post electoral system. AV (or preferential vote)…
There is no perfect electoral system. We need to keep that in mind as we embark on a search for a new one. The Liberals have promised a new electoral system before the next election, and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau seems to favour a preferential ballot. Critics have pounced, arguing that such a change would…
He also provided a clear reminder that the price of democracy is eternal vigilance
The predictable post-election criticism of Stephen Harper — even from within his Conservative caucus — fails to acknowledge that we have much to thank the soon-to-be former prime minister for. Yes, losing the Oct. 19 federal election should rest on the shoulders of Harper and a decade of government decisions. But many Canadians are thankful for the outcome,…
Oil industry doesn’t have a leg to stand on when it comes to a royalty review
Is an Alberta royalty review really that outrageous? Some of the commentary on the newly-elected NDP government is cautiously optimistic about Rachel Notley’s relationship with the oil industry. However, many pundits have warned that undertaking a review of royalties in the present economic climate would be a major error. No doubt the industry would prefer…
Albertans have developed a taste for an effective opposition
Oh to be a fly on the wall in the Progressive Conservative War Room! Although the 2012 election was a sort of dress rehearsal for this one, things are very different this time around. So what has changed since 2012? Simple: opposition has been legitimized in the province. Not only have Albertans become accustomed to…
Her decision to represent 3 political parties in the next election reflects the sorry state of democracy in Alberta
What Uber has done to the taxi industry, disrupting business-as-usual and causing an uproar, Laurie Blakeman is trying to do in the political marketplace. Her decision to wear three partisan hats in the upcoming Alberta election is just the sort of disruptive initiative in the political market that fits the model. Blakeman’s novel idea is…
Canadians want greater congruence between votes and legislative seats. And we want better representation of women, minority groups and ideas in the houses of government. Those powerful incentives make proportional representation attractive. The main draw of proportional representation (PR) is that the seats that parties receive in elections correlate roughly with their share of the popular vote. The…
