Skip to content

MP sounds off over lack of electoral reform

NDP's Murray Rankin slams Liberal for failing to support motion on mixed-member proportional representation system

Victoria MP Murray Rankin is saying there’s no difference between the federal Liberals and the Conservative government when it comes to democratic reform.

“Our motion was a simple, clear ask of all parties to commit to replacing the unfair electoral system in Canada with a mixed-member proportional representation system. It’s disappointing to see Justin Trudeau join with the Conservatives to vote against the initiative,” said the NDP’s Rankin.

The NDP was unsuccessful in its motion asking all parties to commit to replacing Canada’s electoral system with a system of mixed-proportional representation.

That system – like the ones used in Scotland, New Zealand and Germany – would allow Canadians to continue to elect local MPs but also ensure that the number of seats that each party wins in the House of Commons reflects the percentage of the popular vote that they received. In countries where proportional representation has been introduced, it has reduced partisanship, while increasing voter turnout and the representation of women and other marginalized groups in parliament.

“The current system, in which parties can govern without the support of a majority of Canadians is unfair, and has gone on too long. A system of proportional representation would better reflect the political preferences of all citizens,” said Rankin.

 

editor@oakbaynews.com