[fvc-wat-disc] Justin Trudeau reneges on Electoral Reform

[Bob Jonkman]

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Justin Trudeau says that now that the Liberals are in power, there is
no longer a need for Electoral Reform. That kind of unilateral
powergrabbing is a perfect example of why FPTP and false majorities
are such a pernicious evil. It is probably also one of the reasons so
many ERRE submissions advocated for recall legislation.

- From a translation of an article in Le Devoir, forwarded to me by
Jennifer Ross (Jenn, do you have a link or source for this?):

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 As we celebrate the first anniversary of his election to the
government, Justin Trudeau looks to the future and recognize the many
projects ahead. Energy East, indigenous communities, but also promised
electoral reform last year and on which the Prime Minister no longer
guarantees that it will go ahead.

 "If we are going to change the electoral system requires that people
be open to that," dropped Justin Trudeau, in exclusive interview with
Le Devoir this week to take stock of the past year. "We will look at
how to place the consultations, reactions, results reporting. We will
not prejudge what would be necessary [to change the ballot method].
But when we say substantial support, it means something. "

 Justin Trudeau was adamant during the election campaign last year:
the 2015 election would be "the last federal election organized in a
plurality voting in one round." But since his Minister for Democratic
Institutions Maryam Monsef has qualified that the Liberal government
would act "only if there is broad support from Canadians." Justin
Trudeau, he had never specified the threshold of support he deemed
necessary to implement its election promise.

 If he endorses the warning of his minister, though he says that
"there are levels" possible reform. "Less downforce and a small
change, it might be acceptable. A bigger change, it would take a
bigger support, he suggested. What's a big change? What's a little
change? All these thoughts then, that's why you have to have rigorous
conversations with intelligent Canadians. "

 Less appetite?

 The Prime Minister is satisfied were somehow a victim of its
electoral success. Because if people strongly supported the liberal
idea, after the last election would have mitigated their impatience he
said.

 "Under Mr. [Stephen] Harper, there were so many unhappy people in
government and approach people said" it takes an electoral reform to
avoid having government we do not like. " But under the current
system, they now have a government with which they are more satisfied.
And motivation to want to change the electoral system is less
compelling [or less glaring], "argued Mr. Trudeau.

 The Liberals appointed a parliamentary committee to consult experts
in the field, as well as other political enties who changed their
voting system. The single-seat models a turn, proportional or
preferential were studied, as well as compulsory voting or electronic.
Justin Trudeau he promises to comply with its recommendations, due
December 1? "Is that a government remains committed to automatically
apply any result of the committee? Never, replied the Prime Minister.
But it is an essential tool to frame a possible government decision. "

 The Liberals, however, have to rely also on the views of Canadians,
who were invited to share with the committee, but also at citizens'
assemblies organized by the deputies or the Minister Monsef.
"Unfortunately, want not want a big concern for political parties is
their immediate survival and their ability to finance. So, yes, I will
watch with close attention to their concerns, I will consider it,
absolutely. It is an important work they are doing. But this is not
the only work that is being done in this broader thinking, "argued the
[prime minister].
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Bob Jonkman <bjonkman at sobac.com>          Phone: +1-519-635-9413
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