[fvc-wat-disc] Video of Final NDP Leadership Debate in Vancouver

[Dave Arthur]

I found an e-mail from Charlie Angus about his stance on electoral reform,.
It’s pretty sound. You won’t likely have seen it if you are not on the NDP mailing list.
Here it is.
Dave A

Dear Friends,

Like you, I am concerned that our current electoral system fails so many Canadians. For too long our democratic system rewards one party with 100% of the power in parliament when they usually only get 39% of the votes. That math never seemed to add up for me. 

The problem with First Past the Post is that it alienates many voters and makes them feel disenfranchised by our electoral system. We need a system that values your votes, that will respect Canada’s regions and regional diversity; that brings more people into the House of Commons than keeping them out.



This winter we saw just how cynical the Trudeau government can be when he walked away from their promise of electoral reform. But what we did see that Canadians were not impressed. We still hear the call for change, and if Trudeau won’t do it, then I will.

It’s an issue New Democrats are still passionate about. Here’s my plan:

  a.. Reform Canada’s electoral system by bringing in a mixed-member proportional system.
  I’ll ensure that Canada’s unfair, first-past- the-post electoral system is finally replaced with a mixed-member proportional system, with a commitment to put forward legislation in the first six months of an NDP government. 
  b.. Ensure that the new electoral system respects Canada’s regions and regional diversity.
  Canada is a large country with distinct regional identities, needs and aspirations. Our diversity is worth protecting in its electoral system, and will ensure that the new electoral system respects the diversity and character of Canada’s regions. 
  c.. Ensure that the new electoral system respects Canada’s First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples.
  In recognition of the nation-to- nation and treaty relationships that exist between Canada and Indigenous Peoples, I will ensure that they are appropriately represented through treaty region seats or other instruments, to be determined in nation-to- nation dialogue. 
  d.. Create a Candidates with Disabilities Fund through Elections Canada.This fund would offer grants to political candidates who have a disability and face cost barriers to participating in election campaigns. For instance, funding could be available for wheelchair transportation or sign language interpretation. 
  e.. Tighten rules around lobbying and ethics. 
  Liberal and Conservative governments have had cozy relations with lobbyists and consultants for generations. I will change that by tightening the rules around lobbying and ethics to assure Canadians that Canada’s first NDP government will also be its cleanest. 
  f.. Make election day a federal holiday. 
  Too many Canadians are prevented from voting by having to juggle jobs, childcare, and other priorities – this is the reality for the new working class. I will give them a break and make election day a federal holiday, to give everyone a chance to make their voice heard.
With these changes, we can start making our democracy start working for people again, not just the only time parties. However, these changes won’t just happen overnight and we cannot just wait the work to get it done until the next election. You need someone in the House this fall to fight for these changes and usher in the right conditions to get electoral reform done as soon as possible.

I have the experience and track record of getting things done. As leader, I will push electoral reform with passion and strength this fall. But to do so I will need your help. 


From: Donald Fraser 
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2017 7:02 PM
To: FVC Waterloo Region Discussion 
Subject: [fvc-wat-disc] Video of Final NDP Leadership Debate in Vancouver

Be sure to watch, so we can pick the best leader for PR 

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-leadership-debate-vancouver-1.4282537


If you want to get right to the PR question, move the slider to approximately the middle

Guy Caron reiterated his commitment and asked Jagmeet Singh what he planned to do ... Singh admitted that Caron's plan was good and that he himself had yet to place his electoral reform plan on his website. Singh gave excellent reasons for MMPR but it seems insincere if he hasn't placed it on his site. Neither Charlie nor Niki commented, but the Vancouver debate rules didn't allow that.

But from all sources, Caron, in my opinion, is the most committed to PR.

cheers,
Don




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