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| You are here: Home > Features > Electoral Reform Movement in Canada |
Electoral Reform Movement in Canada
From First Past the Post to Proportional
Representation:
by Rhonda Lauret Parkinson
In December, 2004, the British Columbia Citizens’ Assembly
wrapped up a year-long examination of the province’s electoral
system. The final report of the Citizens’ Assembly proposed
a new electoral system for the province, based on a version of
proportional representation known as the single transferable
vote. In May 2005, British Columbians will have a chance to vote
on the proposed new electoral system in a province-wide referendum.
While the BC example is the most significant development in electoral
reform in Canada, recent initiatives by other provincial governments
and the federal government indicate that the electoral reform
movement is gathering momentum. In October 2004, the federal
government included a commitment to examine the issue of electoral
reform in the Speech from the Throne. In November, the Ontario
government announced that it will follow the example of BC, and
appoint a Citizens’ Assembly to examine possible changes
to the province’s electoral system. Meanwhile, the Quebec
government is expected to introduce electoral reform legislation
in early 2005. However, it remains to be seen whether these and
other initiatives by provincial governments will ultimately lead
to substantial reform of electoral systems across Canada.
The following feature explores the current status of the electoral
reform movement in Canada:
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- The single member plurality (SMP) system, also known as
the ‘first
past the post’ system: how it functions, its
benefits and drawbacks, explained.
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- This section explores a host of factors ranging from low
voter turnout to controversial election results that have
pushed the issue of electoral reform to the fore of the
political landscape.
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- The choices for the federal and provincial governments range
from maintaining the status quo to implementing pure proportional
representation.
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- The BC Citizens’ Assembly recommends a new provincial
electoral system.
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- Highlights of electoral reform initiatives, outside of British
Columbia
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