Reading Time: 3 minutes How a government can claim consensus without asking the question is quite a head-scratcher
Author: Lydia Miljan
Dr. Miljan teaches in the areas of Canadian public policy, research methodology, and politics and the media. Her main research interests include how journalist’s personal views are reflected in news content and public opinion formation.
Proportional representation breeds unstable governments
Reading Time: 3 minutes B.C.’s electoral reform referendum could lead to more shaky coalitions and less effective government
B.C. democratic reform neither simple nor straightforward
Reading Time: 5 minutes Referendum may grant more power to B.C. politicians and bureaucrats, at democracy’s expense
A two-step approach to electoral reform
Reading Time: 3 minutes One referendum, with little public education, is not enough for electoral reform in B.C. Voters need to have full knowledge of the consequences of their choices
B.C.’s new business as usual: political and economic uncertainty
Reading Time: 3 minutes NDP election win prompts waves of uncertainty that threaten investment and economic growth in B.C.
Small Green Party may wield big power in B.C
Reading Time: 3 minutes Voters of smaller parties are empowered disproportionately in minority governments, at the expense of the majority of voters, who tend to vote for a main party
Changing B.C.’s electoral system requires a referendum
Reading Time: 3 minutes Because electoral reform was not a major issue in the recent election campaign, the Green Party can’t claim a legitimate mandate for change without public input
Hasty change to Canada’s electoral system never made sense
Reading Time: 3 minutes Before any changes are made or any referendums held, Canadians must understand that many of the proposed alternatives come with drawbacks
Liberals own no mandate to change electoral system
Reading Time: 3 minutes Based on the scant mention electoral reform drew during last year’s election, a referendum is the only legitimate preface to change
The alternative vote not a great option for Canadians or democracy
Reading Time: 3 minutes Does little to address the guiding principles of the electoral reform committee and could result in less-competitive elections