To the editor:
In Andy Thomsen’s letter “Proportional Representation up for Vote” he misrepresents what our MPs will begin debating and possibly voting on May 31. The Electoral Reform Committee did not “overwhelmingly recommend[ed] proportional representation.” The committee with representatives from all parties on one hand recommended the government hold a referendum that “pits the current system against a system of proportional representation, without specifying a particular alternative” (according to a December 1, 2016 article in CBC News).
On the other hand, the Liberal members of that committee did not agree that a referendum be conducted at the time. Further, in a joint supplementary report the NDP and Green members questioned the need for a referendum. In the past the Conservatives were against it too. I certainly find this very confusing.
So what should we expect during the debate? A great deal of political posturing and finger pointing. What it will all come down to is “Should we have a referendum on political reform or not?” Should the vote pass, a complicated and controversial process will unfold over the wording of the referendum, and what system of proportional representation will be recommended. Apparently there is more than one. The whole process will be very time consuming, divisive and costly. Will that also be considered?
According to polls I have seen, most Canadians are okay with the system we have, warts and all.
David Gunderson, Kelowna
