12 hours to fix the voting reform committee
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 02 June 2016 14:00
- Written by editor
We may have less than 12 hours to fix the committee that will recommend how to replace our broken first-past-the-post voting system.
Here’s the deal: a few weeks ago the Liberals announced their plan to create a committee to recommend a new voting system. There was one big problem: the government gave themselves six voting seats on the committee, while the opposition only got four voting seats. That meant the government would have total control over the result.
Now there’s a motion being debated TODAY to change the committee so the opposition parties get more seats.[1] If it passes it means parties will have to cooperate to pick the best voting system for Canada.
The government has been widely criticized for their decision to control the committee. If we can show MPs that thousands of Canadians want a fair voting reform committee then we could persuade them to vote yes on this motion, and get the voting reform process back on track.
The government may be open to changing the committee, but they control a majority of seats in the House, so there are no guarantees.[2] That’s why we have to act quickly to show them that we want a fair process for voting reform.
Back in March we surveyed the Leadnow community and found 76% were in favour ofa proposal like the one being debated today. The Leadnow community has clearly stated that they think all parties should weigh in on our new voting system - and that’s just why we have to speak up now.
We have an opportunity to fix this committee and have a more fair and democratic consultation on voting reform - but we have to act today.
http://www.leadnow.ca/fix-the-committee/
With thanks,
Katelynn, on behalf of the Leadnow team
Sources:
[1] NDP introduce electoral reform motion (iPolitics): http://ipolitics.ca/2016/06/01/ndp-introduce-electoral-reform-motion/
[2] Monsef hints at openness to change voting reform committee (The Star): https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2016/05/31/monsef-hints-at-openness-to-change-voting-reform-committee.html
Leadnow.ca is an independent campaigning community that brings Canadians together to hold government accountable, deepen our democracy and take action for the common good. You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.
Leadnow.ca - À l’Action est une communauté indépendante qui souhaite réunir les Canadiens afin de demander des comptes au gouvernement, approfondir notre démocratie et passer à l’action pour le bien commun. Suivre sur Twitter, Facebook, et Google+.
Leadnow.ca, PO Box 2091, Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3T2 — 1‑855‑LEADN0W | 1‑855‑532‑3609