26
How do we get electoral reform done federally and provincially? (vargar.org)
submitted 3 months ago by to c/canada@lemmy.ca
15 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

We desperately need proportional representation at the federal and provincial levels of government. What can we do to get it passed?

From what I understand, a coalition between the Liberals and the NDP (and more parties if the libs have that poor of a performance), where the Liberals aren't really strong electorally speaking is probably how we would get PR federally (right?).

How do we do it provincially though? Ontario seems to be moving towards that direction, with opinion polls being in favor of PR, and the Liberals and the NDP being wiped out due to a lack of PR.

What about the other provinces? Eby's being a little bitch in BC about this. Same goes with the Alberta NDP. There is no strong third party with enough leverage in either of these provinces to ram this demand through using a coalition. Not so familiar with the politics of other provinces and territories, so no idea what the status there looks like.

What do you think we should do instead? Fairvote's "email a sternly worded letter to your MP/MLA" sounds woefully ineffective.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 3 points 3 months ago (1 child)

I completely agree that democracy only works when most people are well informed. That's the crux of so many of our problems in society and politics. Perhaps the biggest weakness of democracy and one of societies most fundamental problems.

My personal preference is for proportional representation but it won't overcome a misinformed public or pervasive corruption.

I agree that there is an objective truth to many matters, sometimes at odds with popular opinion, but even if proportional representation is truly and significantly superior to the status quo, if it is introduced against the opinion of the majority, is that democracy?

So, as you say, it is necessary to keep bringing it up. Keep explaining. There are some good examples from outside Canada. To get some local hands-on experience, it might be easier to start with more local government.

Democracy must be rooted in a well informed public, so every truly democratic political movement and change must begin there. It's not easy and there are no shortcuts.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
    •
  • [–] 3 points 3 months ago

    To get some local hands-on experience, it might be easier to start with more local government.

    That's not how government works in Canada. Provinces set the rules for the municipal level. Everything. Starts. With provinces.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent