Letter to the editor

Now that the election dust has settled, many of us are reflecting—not just on the results but on the health of our democracy itself. 

One growing concern is Canada’s slide toward an American-style, two-party system. If we want to preserve a diversity of political voices, it’s time to join most modern democracies and adopt proportional representation (PR).

The global evidence is clear: PR increases voter participation and satisfaction, elects more women, reduces partisan hostility, and produces coalition governments with more stable, less volatile policies. Countries using PR also outperform first-past-the-post (FPTP) on 17 key measures of good governance.

In BC’s recent federal election, many ridings saw the progressive vote split, letting Conservatives win seats despite being outnumbered by the combined vote for Liberals, NDP, and Greens. Strategic voting forced many Canadians to vote not for what they wanted, but against what they feared. In Alberta, Conservatives won 34 seats. Under PR, they would have earned 24—with Liberals 11 and the NDP two seats – much fairer representation. First-past-the-post also robbed NDP and Green voters in Ontario of any seats they rightfully would have earned.

There are several PR models to consider. That’s why politicians and advocacy groups like Fair Vote Canada recommend forming a Citizen’s Assembly—a non-partisan, expert-informed body to find the right fit for Canada. Even Prime Minister Mark Carney has said politicians should stay arm’s length from this discussion. I couldn’t agree more.

Locally, our MP Rob Morrison has stated he opposes electoral reform, despite 68 per cent of Canadians supporting it. I urge everyone to learn about PR at fairvote.ca and decide for yourself what’s best for Canada’s democratic future.

If Mark Carney truly wants to strengthen Canadian democracy and end the polarizing politics that threaten it, he must champion proportional representation. I encourage voters to write him and demand that every vote finally counts.

Karen Barkley, Wilmer