[fvc-wat-disc] Lobbying avaaz.org

[Alida and George]

Hi Bryn

"Controversial"?

George Burrett
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Bryn Ossington 
  To: FVC Waterloo Region Discussion 
  Sent: Monday, May 30, 2011 9:42 AM
  Subject: Re: [fvc-wat-disc] Lobbying avaaz.org


  Hi Kevin and everyone, 


  I think this is a great idea. Avaaz can be controversial at times but I think getting them to trumpet our cause is a great way to bring some serious exposure. 



  Bryn Ossington


  On 29 May 2011 22:53, Kevin Smith <kevedsmith at gmail.com> wrote:

    Hi folks:

    I recently contacted avaaz.org about the proportional representation issue in Canada.
    This is a powerful online advocacy organization.  If we could get their numbers
    trumpeting our cause, that would be a big boost to us.

    They can be reached at:

    http://www.avaaz.org/en/contact/

    And here is the message I sent them:

    Dear Avaaz:

    Canada has recently elected another "false majority" government -- one that has a majority of seats in the House of Commons, and 100% of the executive and legislative power, with the support of only 40% of those who actually voted, and about 25% of eligible voters.

    Many of us feel this is wrong, and that it is time that Canada joins most modern democracies by switching to a system of proportional representation.  Then, no party could have a majority government without appealing to at least 50% of the voting public.  

    It would also give smaller parties more of a voice.  For instance, the Green party got almost 4% of the vote in the last election, and won its first seat, but it would receive 12 seats under a proportional system.  (There are currently 308 seats in the House of Commons.)

    I imagine that the current government would resist this change, even though their leader has supported it in the past.  They're benefiting too much from the current system.

    However, opposition parties and civil society groups might be convinced to work together and launch a national dialogue around a new system that most parties could get behind, and hopefully implement it in four years' time.

    It's a long process to decide on a new system, but if we had a campaign to kickstart the discussion now, it might be achievable.

    In the days after the election, Fair Vote Canada received 2000 e-mails from people interested in joining, so I think this is definitely the right time to give this issue a big push.

    Thanks,
    Kevin Smith
    Canada

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