Proportional Representation

[last_niceguy]

I just finished watching Focus on CPAC and the topic for this episode was Proportional Representation. Last election the NDP talked a lot about it, and the Conservatives have been talking about electorial change for quite some time. The programme focused on the success of the system in New Zealand and talked about its effects on Canada if put into pratice.

Here is just a simple break-down of how the parties feel about it:

Liberal - Not going to happen.

Conservative - A Possibilty.

NDP - A must!

Green Party - A must!

What does everyone think about it?

I am still undecided on the issue. Which is why I want to hear what others have to bring to the table.

[August1991]

I just finished watching Focus on CPAC and the topic for this episode was Proportional Representation. Last election the NDP talked a lot about it, and the Conservatives have been talking about electorial change for quite some time. The programme focused on the success of the system in New Zealand and talked about its effects on Canada if put into pratice.

Here is just a simple break-down of how the parties feel about it:

Liberal - Not going to happen.

Conservative - A Possibilty.

NDP - A must!

Green Party - A must!

What does everyone think about it?

I am still undecided on the issue. Which is why I want to hear what others have to bring to the table.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We have debated this here.

[last_niceguy]

We have debated this here.

I understand that and I read that thread. It is just that inlight of the possiblity of an upcoming election I was wondering if people's opinions have changed, because now its not just a matter of he NDP wanting more votes we have seen how the minority government (a product of this system) has failed. Do that effect our faith in the current system?

Sorry, I should have clarified that more in my first post.

[Argus]

I understand that and I read that thread. It is just that inlight of the possiblity of an upcoming election I was wondering if people's opinions have changed, because now its not just a matter of he NDP wanting more votes we have seen how the minority government (a product of this system) has failed. Do that effect our faith in the current system?

But PR is going to lead but nothing but more minority governments. If you take the position minority government has failed then why would you want more of it?

[last_niceguy]

But PR is going to lead but nothing but more minority governments. If you take the position minority government has failed then why would you want more of it?

If I recall correctly this issue was brought up in the television programme and what was pointed out in what takes place in New Zealand is that the minority governments that are formed with each party (because there would be several new parties) have a less varying platform and thus would be able to form blocs together. Without question the greatest arguement against PR is that the governement would work slower. Its a matter of which is more imporant having an effficient government, or having a more represented government.

[The Terrible Sweal]

I am totally opposed to PR. In my view, one of the chief problems with our parliament is that members are too much creatures of their parties and don't stand up for their own selves enough. They become the 'trained seals' that we so rightly deride. With PR, the individual member is even more a creature of her party than they are now. They don't represent any particular citizens, they represent their party. The citizen cannot hold the person to account at the voting booth, and they cannot call upon a member who is THEIR OWN member.

A reform which would meet most of the needs addressed by PR, but not involve PRs deficiencies is the rank-order ballot (which I believe is being considered in BC).

[August1991]

We can talk about it academically but at the outset, you should know that this proposal is a non-starter. There is no way the BQ would accept PR and frankly, I see no government of Quebec ever accepting it.

The current system provides some protection for a minority that is geographically concentrated. PR would favour minorities that are dispersed.

As TS noted, PR would mean always having minority governments and this would boost the importance of small parties such as the Greens or the NDP.

Lastly, it is hard to imagine what Canada would be like with some form of regional PR. As BD argues, there would be Albertan NDPs in Parliament and Conservative MPs from Quebec. Since these MPs would be based on party lists, would they have the same credibility? I am reasonably certain the country would be different.