Shortly after the ERRE Committee submitted its report, the Honourable Maryam Monsef was relieved of her position as Minister of Democratic Institutions in a cabinet shuffle. An even younger rookie MP was elevated to the Minister of Democratic Institutions position.
Our electoral system is foundational to our democracy. At its core, is a question of how we, as Canadians, govern ourselves.Our government believes that time was needed to consult Canadians about this complex issue. Our view has always been clear. Major reforms to the electoral system, changes of this magnitude, should not be made if they lack the broad support of Canadians.
Public consultations came in many forms. Members of Parliament were encouraged to hold Town Halls, to hear the views of their constituents. My predecessor travelled throughout the country visiting every province and territory, to host similar Town Halls on behalf of the government.
An All Party Special Committee of the House of Commons worked long hours and in December produced a thorough report that documents the many complexities of electoral reform.
In recent weeks, more than 360,000 Canadians participated in mydemocracy.ca to provide their insight into our democratic values.
Now, following all of these consultations, it has become clear that Canadians have a range of views about whether to continue using the current First Past The Post system to elect MPs to the House of Commons.
We respect and thank all those who have come forward to participate in these discussions. It has informed our decision. And it has become evident that the broad support needed among
Canadians for a change of this magnitude does not exist.[en francais]
Therefore, my mandate letter states a clear preference for a new electoral system, let alone a consensus, has not emerged.
Furthermore, without a clear preference or a clear question a referendum would not be in Canada’s Interest.
Changing the electoral system is not in my mandate.
We have listened to all Canadians in this debate.
To Canadians who cherish their democracy and who value the direct connection they have with their Member of Parliament.
Canadians want their Parliamentarians to work with each other and to cooperate on policy.
They want their government to be accountable.
They want their MPs to act in the interest of their constituents.
We agree.
My job is to strengthen and protect our democratic institutions and ensure they represent the values of Canadians. We are moving to accomplish that mandate.
— CPAC: Karina Gould, the new Minister of Democratic Institutions, announcing government decision to break its campaign pledge to change Canada’s voting system. [begins at about 4 minute mark]
Can we afford not to implement electoral reform? Long term planning doesn’t often happen in winner-take-all systems. That’s part of why Canada is so far behind the curve in green tech, public transit, climate change, eliminating poverty etc.
Even when we do get good policy chances are good it won’t last through policy lurch.
What Can We Do?
Use the Green Party of Canada tool to send a message:
A Broken Promise to Canada
EVENTS
Guelph City Hall 1PM
Rally organised by Fair Vote Guelph
https://www.facebook.com/events/1852627561618419/
MP Longfield acknowledges that recent poll results in Guelph in support of
Proportional Representation are valid.
We need visible support at the rally to show our government that we want PR.
Please come to the Rally for PR on Sunday at Guelph City Hall at to support a fair open and transparent Democratic process .
.
Wednesday February 8th, 2017
Call-Blitz and Tweet-Storm
* All Day *
Contact:
- your local MP,
- the Prime Minister’s Office and
- Karina Gould
Respectfully express your opinion, tell them we’ll #seeyousaturday
Saturday February 11, 2017
NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION
Canada Wide Protest
Be LOUD ~ Be HEARD.
Cross Canada Protest Times
Atlantic 15:00
Eastern 14:00
Central 13:00
Mountain/SK 12:00
Pacific 11:00
@JustinTrudeau and the #LPC promised that 2015 would be our last #FPTP election. #PerformOnReform
https://www.facebook.com/events/885031191552272/
We can also call or write our Waterloo Region Liberal MPs
Bryan May
Bryan.May.P9@parl.gc.ca
+1-613-996-1307 – Ottawa Office
+1-519-624-7440 – Cambridge Office
Bardish Chagger
Bardish.Chagger.P9@parl.gc.ca
+1-613-996-5928 – Ottawa Office
+1-519-746-1573 – Waterloo Office
Raj Saini
Raj.Saini.P9@parl.gc.ca
+1-613-995-8913 – Ottawa Office
+1-519-741-2001 – Kitchener Office
Marwan Tabbara
Marwan.Tabbara.P9@parl.gc.ca
+1-613-992-1063 – Ottawa Office
+1-519-571-5509 – Kitchener Office
Justin Trudeau
Justin.Trudeau.P9@parl.gc.ca
+1-613-995-0253 – Ottawa Office
+1-514-277-6020 – Montreal Office
The Waterloo Region Record
letters@therecord.com
