Among the possible consequences are higher deficits, bigger government, a rise in regional tensions and a fractured nation
In the final days of election 2019, talk of minority government and the possibility of a Liberal/NDP coalition has dominated the headlines, with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh declaring that, “People should know that New Democrats aren’t going to work with putting in a Conservative government. We’re not going to do that.” Of course, whether the…
How a government can claim consensus without asking the question is quite a head-scratcher
Quebec Justice Minister Sonia LeBel recently announced that the government is moving forward with electoral reform. Yet unlike other provincial governments, rather than proceed with a referendum, the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government will table a bill to move Quebec to a mixed member proportional (MMP) electoral system before Oct. 1. LeBel claims that the…
B.C.’s electoral reform referendum could lead to more shaky coalitions and less effective government
Some see the upcoming B.C. referendum on electoral reform – whether the province should switch to a proportional representation (PR) voting system – as a blatant attempt by the B.C. Green Party to secure more power. While it’s clear that under any form of PR, the Greens could increase their seat share, there would also…
Referendum may grant more power to B.C. politicians and bureaucrats, at democracy’s expense
This fall, British Columbians will vote on what system they prefer for provincial elections. But far too much uncertainty surrounds all the potential choices. The mail-in referendum ballot will give voters two choices: B.C.’s current first-past-the-post system or proportional representation. A secondary question will ask: If adopted, what type of proportional representation system would you…
One referendum, with little public education, is not enough. Voters need to have full knowledge of the consequences of their choices
In its haste to change the way we vote, British Columbia’s new government has created an unnecessarily short timeline. While advocates for reform think the speedy process will help their cause, it’s more likely to result in another failed attempt at changing the way representatives are selected. The government’s public consultation campaign on the referendum…
NDP election win prompts waves of uncertainty that threaten investment and economic growth in B.C.
A shadow hangs over British Columbia’s political and economic future. Last spring, B.C. went through one of its most tumultuous and uncertain elections in years. No party received the majority of seats in the May 9 election, creating a hung legislature and political uncertainty. And there was the uncertainty regarding who the Green Party would…
Voters of smaller parties are empowered disproportionately in minority governments, at the expense of the majority of voters, who tend to vote for a main party
By Lydia Miljan and Taylor Jackson The Fraser Institute The alliance between Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver and John Horgan, premier-designate and NDP leader, will be central to the new government in British Columbia. Political alliances, however, are not formed on good graces. Weaver has some well-publicized demands, which reportedly include official party status for the Greens…
Because electoral reform was not a major issue in the recent election campaign, the Green Party can't claim a legitimate mandate for change without public input
By Lydia Miljan and Taylor Jackson The Fraser Institute British Columbia’s recent election may be the last under a first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system. Why? Because the New Democrats needed the support of the Green Party to form a majority coalition, and as a condition of their support, the Greens demanded that the province’s electoral system…
Before any changes are made or any referendums held, Canadians must understand that many of the proposed alternatives come with drawbacks
By Lydia Miljan and Taylor Jackson The Fraser Institute WINDSOR, Ont. Feb. 15, 2017 /Troy Media/ – The federal government is walking away from its campaign promise to change the way Canadians vote in federal elections. Given that the task was always going to be complicated and the results messy, the decision is understandable. In his recently-released mandate…
Based on the scant mention electoral reform drew during last year's election, a referendum is the only legitimate preface to change
By Lydia Miljan and Taylor Jackson The Fraser Institute Only after a referendum can the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau legitimately reform Canada's electoral system. As a candidate, Trudeau promised that the 2015 federal election would be the last under our first-past-the-post electoral system. On Dec. 1, a parliamentary committee released a report…
In the final days of election 2019, talk of minority government and the possibility of a Liberal/NDP coalition has dominated the headlines, with NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh declaring that, “People should know that New Democrats aren’t going to work with putting in a Conservative government. We’re not going to do that.” Of course, whether the…
