In the wake of Nova Scotia’s snap election, rumors of a similar move in Ontario continue to circulate. Increased election-prep activity within the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party and the distribution of $200 cheques strongly suggest Premier Doug Ford’s intent to call an early election. This situation underscores the urgent need to address Ontario’s democratic deficits. A proportional representation system could ensure that governance reflects the will of the majority, rather than allowing a minority of voters to wield disproportionate influence over the province’s direction.
The financial implications of elections are significant. For instance, the 2022 Ontario election was estimated to cost $145 million. Adding to this, the government’s decision to distribute $200 cheques to all residents—regardless of income level, including the ultra-wealthy—raises questions about fiscal priorities. This initiative alone, costing approximately $3 billion, represents nearly half of Ontario’s projected $6.4 billion deficit for 2024. Instead of addressing the needs of millions of struggling Ontarians, these funds are being used to gain political favor. This glaring example of fiscal irresponsibility highlights the urgent need for a more accountable and representative electoral system—one that genuinely prioritizes the well-being of the electorate.
The 2022 election results highlight the flaws of the current electoral system: the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) secured a second “false majority” government with just 41% of the vote, despite the Ontario Liberal Party (OLP), Ontario New Democratic Party (ONDP), and Green Party of Ontario (GPO) collectively receiving 54%. This outcome denied the democratic majority its rightful voice in governance, a problem exacerbated by a historically low voter turnout of just 43%. As a result, Premier Ford’s majority was effectively decided by only 18% of eligible voters. This crisis of legitimacy fundamentally undermines the foundation of our democracy. Any future elections under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system will continue to deny Ontarians a government that truly represents and serves the public interest—and this snap election is no exception.
The consequences of undemocratic representation are evident in the numerous pieces of controversial legislation passed or proposed by the Ford government. Examples include Bill 124, which capped salary increases for public sector workers and was later struck down as unconstitutional; Bill 60, which expanded the role of private clinics in conducting OHIP-covered surgeries, raising concerns about the emergence of a two-tiered healthcare system; the removal of bike lanes in Toronto; and the exemption of the Highway 413 project from the provincial Environmental Assessment Act. These actions raise significant concerns about prioritizing political interests over environmental sustainability and community well-being. They also illustrate how our current single-party electoral system often enables policies that fail to reflect the values and needs of the broader population.
This highlights the deep accountability issues within our current electoral system. When our votes fail to deliver the representation we need, we lose the power to hold politicians accountable for their actions. Can we truly call it a democracy when one leader can wield unchecked power with only 41% of the vote? Ontarians deserve a fair voting system that amplifies the voices of all voters, ensuring that legislation reflects the will of the majority rather than serving the interests of a select few.
Until Ontario adopts a Proportional Representation system, its citizens will remain vulnerable to governments that prioritize partisan interests over the democratic will of the people. With the prospect of an early election looming, it is crucial to advocate for electoral reform—one that ensures every voice is heard and every vote truly counts. Only through such reform can we build a more representative and accountable democracy that serves all Ontarians.
Tackling Polarization and Strengthening Democracy
Fair Vote Canada recently hosted a webinar on political polarization in our democracy. Featuring leading experts from the UK, US, and Canada, the webinar discussed how polarization is higher under majoritarian systems, and how strengthening our institutions and proportional representation would help.
Watch the webinar recording here.
Democratic Reform in the News
Check out the latest news on democracy and electoral reform from around the world:
- Letter to the BC Coast Reporter: We wouldn’t be in this mess with proportional representation
- How proportional representation would have changed B.C.’s election results
- California’s representative democracy isn’t very representative of democracy
- UK: New parliamentary group brings us a step closer to PR
The constitutional challenge to the electoral system has started in the Ontario Court of Appeals.
The case was first heard in the Ontario Superior Court from Sep 26-28, 2023. Justice Ed Morgan handed down his ruling on Nov 30, 2023.
On November 5th this year, the Charter Challenge for Fair Voting was heard in the Court of Appeal for Ontario in Toronto, in which Fair Vote Canada was one of six interveners. You can read Antony Hodgson’s, from Fair Voting BC, account from the day in this blog post. The court is expected to issue its ruling within 2 – 4 months.