I've been assigned a policy advocacy project at university, and I'm looking for some help. We have to choose a specific issue and report on our efforts throughout the school term. The topic I've selected is federal electoral reform. I've decided to advocate for the type of electoral system recommended by the Law Commission of Canada - a mixed member proportional (MMP) electoral system. A full list of recommendations can be found here:
Law Commission of Canada recommendations
Essentially, the Commission recommends "adding an element of proportionality to Canada's electoral system". It recommends MMP, which gives voters two ballots: one for a constituency representative elected by first-past-the-post; and one for a party list divided provincially and territorially elected proportionally.
I've selected MMP as it retains the positive aspects of both the first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems. Also, given MMP's less polarized nature, one would expect that it would be possible to garner a higher degree of broad support for MMP than outright proportional representation.
I have several questions that I would like some help answering. Please note that I've done research into this issue, however, I am requesting your input in case there may be something I've missed.
Questions:
1. What are the problems with Canada's current electoral system - the first-past-the-post system? Are there any unique problems with this system in the Canadian context? Have there been any instances in Canadian history when this system has resulted in a skewed, or downright weird election outcome?
2. What are the benefits of the MMP electoral system recommended by the Law Commission of Canada?
Note, I am trying to put together a case for MMP that shows that it "has something for everyone": including left-wingers, centrists, right-wingers, separatists. Since politicians will be the primary target of the project, I need to make a case for politicians of different 'stripes'. So...
3. How is MMP beneficial for: the NDP, the Greens, the Liberals, the Conservatives, the Bloc Quebecois?
Thank you in advance for your help.
- David
