B.C. referendum results support true representative democracy

The Province of British Columbia has just announced the results of its mail-in referendum on moving to a Mixed Member Proportional voting system for provincial elections.

For the third time, residents of B.C. have strongly supported the democratic system that has served that province and this country so well for 150 years.

Voter turnout was not great, at 43 per cent, even with the efforts by the government to make voting as convenient as possible with a six-week mail-in voting period. Greater than 60 per cent of those who voted said “no to change”, and one can presume that a significant number who chose not to participate in the referendum are satisfied with the current democratic process. Proponents of change are offering many reasons for their failure; however, the fact remains that, after thoughtful consideration, a strong majority of B.C. voters support true representative democracy where every MLA answers to the voters in his/her riding and not to a political party.

We in the West Prince region of P.E.I. are encouraged by the decision that voters in B.C. have expressed. It is our intent to demonstrate in a factual, unbiased, and non-political manner why we support the current truly democratic system in P.E.I. Our resolve is strengthened by the results of the B.C. referendum vote. Does the current system have shortcomings? Can the current system be improved? Certainly. One thing that MMP cannot provide is better democracy for our citizens. Every vote does count in each of the 27 district elections during a provincial election.

Taking power from voters and giving it to political interests does not make for better democracy. Change for the better is a privilege. Change for change’s sake is reckless. We encourage all residents of P.E.I. to study the proposed MMP model. We believe that Islanders will come to the same conclusions as our fellow Canadians on the West Coast.

The Cradle of Confederation will continue to be the cradle of true representative democracy.

Allan Parker, Mill River East; Cletus Dunn, Brooklyn; Gary Morgan, Fortune Cove; Andrew Stewart, Campbellton; and Jason Ramsay, Fortune Cove.