Why then, do we elect an MLA?
Dear Editor: To be PR or first-past-the-post. Is that really the question? The battle over proportional representation is somewhat interesting but does not address real problems.
“Trained seals” a former leader called backbench MPs and that might apply to provincial MLAs as well. In the hallowed name of “party discipline” if an MLA is Liberal, he or she must vote as the Liberals decide. The NDP and Green are no different. So it really does not matter if we have PR or first-past-the-post.
We would do just as well electing only the leader of any party and letting him select the MLAs he or she wants. In fact, that might be even better.
A leader knows his seals and could select those with the most skills or talent that the leader needs. How many? That could be determined by the votes for each leader in a provincewide election.
This solution solves the problem of a party winning but not having a lawyer to be attorney general, a doctor for minister of health, and a person with construction experience for minister of highways. Oh yes, I know the argument about how the parliamentary system needs amateurs and not professionals as ministers. It is valid and needs to be considered. But really, does that matter when many governments stay in power for decades? If a minister does not know the territory when appointed, surely he will after a few years.
The other argument is the old debate about how an MLA should vote on issues. Should he vote as his conscience determines or in accord with the wishes of those he represents? Or as directed by his party whip? Under either PR or first-by, that issue remains.
It would be just the same if the seals were appointed. Under our rigid party system, our local representative has no alternative but to vote as he is told even if he knows that voting the party line is contrary to the wishes of most of his constituents and/or his own opinion.
A party leader would be conscious of the need to have MLAs from all areas of the province, if only to appear mindful of urban and rural, Lower Mainland vs. north, and so on. After all, another election is always coming.
In fact, going one step further, why have parties at all other than to serve as treasuries for contributions? Let the person who gets the most votes pick whoever he wants, the very best person for the job. Now, that might open the door to corruption a bit but once again, an election is coming.
Naturally, regulations must be in place to maintain “peace and good government.” But I wonder how many voters know much about their local candidate and vote instead on who they think will be the best premier? During election season, I hear lots of conversations about who will make the best premier but very little about who will make the best representative for their riding.
Simply, there are alternatives to either PR or first-past-the-post. Perhaps we should take time to look at all alternatives. Willow Arune Prince George
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