I always feel appreciative of Canada on Canada Day, and this year was no different. There are so many positive aspects to our country. However, it can be better! We voters in B.C. have the opportunity to change our voting system to reflect more of the voters’ choices. This is through the referendum this fall asking voters if we want to move to a more proportional voting system.
A proportional system means my vote, your vote, and our neighbours’ votes make up the result, so it becomes worth voting. One of the benefits to voters is that issues and policies become more important than strategies to winning the next election. I don’t know about you, but I would love to see our politicians discuss, debate and cooperate when forming policy. That is why I am campaigning for proportional representation.
I urge everyone to educate yourself on the yes and no platforms during the campaign. This would include knowing who is supporting the pro and con sides. Some of the pro advocates are: The Broadbent Institute, BC Teachers’ Federation, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, YWCA of Canada, National Council of Women of Canada and others.
The recent newspaper ad using scare tactics is from one of the opponents to proportional representation, the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA). Their website shows support for the Trans-mountain Pipeline, Site C Dam, Woodfibre LNG and the George Massey Bridge.
They also advertised that “you will lose your local voice.” There are no grounds for this statement. All three systems on the ballot retain local representation. Actually, you’ll have stronger local and regional representation with Proportional Representation.
Who aligns with your values?
Lisa Bramson
Nelson