Electoral reform has become an election issue in Ontario with the provincial Greens, Liberals and NDP united on the need to move away from First Past the Post. That’s where the unity ends, however, as the parties are divided on the best process for choosing the next electoral system, and what systems should even be considered. Such a lack of consensus among our politicians is unfortunate as the general public seems to have already made up their minds on the issue: they want an independent, non-partisan Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform.
We know this as a poll conducted by Leger in October of last year asked Ontarians to choose between the prospect of a single party which forms a government deciding on a voting system, or taking advice from a citizens’ assembly. The results showed a clear preference for a citizens’ assembly, with 67% choosing that option. In comparison, only 10% supported the party forming government to implement the electoral system that suits them best.
The results also showed a consensus between Ontarians of different political affiliations, with a Citizens’ Assembly supported by 67% of Ontario Liberal voters, 77% of NDP, 69% of PC and 74% of Greens.
Citizens’ assemblies (CA) are gaining traction around the world as a trusted and effective way to deal with challenging questions, especially when politicans are in a conflict of interest. Made up of randomly selected citizens who deliberate on important policy issues, CAs are a way to give everyday people the power to propose political solutions. They would also give selected Ontarians the opportunity to learn from world experts, avoid political self-interest, restore trust in the process, and help us build a better democracy together.
With our politicians continuing to be divided on the issue of electoral reform, it’s worth reminding them that we, the people of Ontario, are not. The immense support for a citizens assembly makes it clear that Ontarians want the power to propose their new electoral system. After all, if democracy truly belongs to the people, then it’s our right to exercise ownership over the process of changing it.
Help deliver door hangers for the Ontario election!
Our volunteer door hanger campaign last September was a huge success – so we’re doing it again! We need to get the message out that an independent Citizens’ Assembly is the only viable path to electoral reform in this province.
If you have some time over the next few weeks and would like to help out, please sign up by clicking here.
We’re Hiring: Volunteer Coordinator
Summer is on its way and with it comes outdoor events and rallies to attend! We’re looking for one or two dependable people to act as Volunteer Coordinators to help organize Fair Vote Toronto’s presence at these events.
This includes maintaining a list of rallies, farmers markets, and other events occurring this summer as well as organizing any volunteers who wish to attend.If you’re up to the challenge, please reach out to us at fv***********@gm***.com or click here for details.
Democratic Reform in the News
Electoral reform continues to make the news across Canada and around the world. Here is a sample of what is being said:
- Proportional Ranked Voting in the USA
- QS, PQ predict “democratic crisis” without electoral reform
- Fair Vote Yukon calls for citizens’ assembly on electoral reform
There are at least a dozen political parties in Canada that most people have never heard of. They include the Marijuana Party, the Communist Party of Canada, the Animal Protection Party of Canada, and the Rhinoceros Party.
The Rhinoceros Party is a satirical party founded nearly 60 years ago to poke fun at the mainstream political parties. It has never won a seat in a Canadian election, but its candidates have actually come second or third in a number of ridings in past elections.
