Electoral Reform project

[d.a.macdonald]

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

[August1991]

1. In a country such as Canada, fptp means that political parties are in effect regional. Often, Liberals win no seats in Alberta (yet receive many votes) and Tories win no seats in Quebec (yet have received many votes).

In 1979, the Tories formed a (minority) government with fewer votes than the Liberals. Only in 1984 has a government ever won a majority of votes. Usually, governments win only a plurality.

2. It would give parties MPs from all regions of the country.

It is not too radical as to be politically impossible. It could be introduced incrementally.

Party lists give power to central party committees.

3. The Liberals will probably be against. The current system favours them because they can form a majority government with about 40% of the popular vote. They might like the idea because it might give them more seats in Quebec.

The BQ would be against. (I think they have already said as much.) The Greens/NDP would be in favour. The Tories would probably be in favour unless they ever gained power.

[Bakunin]

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?

there are many problem with our electoral system, like august1991 say, the conservative doesnt get seats in quebec, the liberal doesnt get many seat in the west, and the bloc is only in quebec.

It is partly because of quebec if the current system doesnt work, its because a liberal for quebecers doesnt only mean a liberal, it also means a centrist federalist party. But since many dont vote for them and are not conservative or ndp fan, they vote for the bloc. The 2nd problem is that the west value and the east value are different just like we can see in usa.

2. What are the benefits of the MMP electoral system recommended by the Law Commission of Canada?

Its not sufficient, the liberal will continue to be elected all the time even if the west and half of quebec vote against.

They best way to solve the problem is to become a true confederation.