It’s ‘clear’ that B.C. politics is now ‘broken’
Dear editor: Last week — just before the finance rules for the proportional representation referendum were implemented — big money was in full force in B.C. newspapers.
One was from the lobby group ICBA, which has donated $441,000 to the BC Liberals since 2005; $79,400 was last year before the big money ban kicked in.
That group is also using its money to seek an injunction against the referendum.
Meanwhile, local BC Liberal MLAs are in full force seeding misinformation and confusion (Elections BC has commented that both ballot questions are clear and simple to understand). What is confusing is whether BC Liberals care so deeply about democracy that they genuinely don’t think the process is fair, or if they simply don’t like proportional representation.
Hypocrisy is shameless in claims that a 50 per cent majority to decide the referendum is insufficient while advocating for the current system where fewer share of the votes has produced governments with 100 per cent of the power in 15 of the last 16 elections.
The current system prevents this region from having any influence on government as BC Liberal MLAs hold a monopoly and are not a part of government. Furthermore, the current system motivates constant electioneering for the party and bashing opponents rather than advocating for constructive solutions for constituents.
A local example is the BC Liberal-hosted forum on the speculation tax that was more of a mean-spirited partisan rally instead of a community event seeking ways to fix the housing crisis.
In absence of influential local MLAs, Kelowna and West Kelowna mayors went directly to the Leader of the Green Party and NDP to plead their case. Unfortunately for the region, the premier didn’t budge.
Proportional representation is not experimental or partisan, 85 per cent of OECD countries use it. It’s having a system that gives a majority of voters a voice in decision-making and more accountability. Importantly, it avoids the growing number of instances of corruption being uncovered.
Last year, The New York Times called B.C. the “wild west” when it comes to cash donations. This year, the Globe and Mail asks if B.C. is the corruption capital of Canada (in reference to money laundering at casinos — editor).
It is now clearer than ever: The current system is broken.
To bring integrity to our democracy we must seize this moment by advocating and voting for proportional representation.
Fair Vote Kelowna is hosting Dennis Pilon of York University, Canada’s leading authority on electoral reform, Thursday, 7 p.m. at First United Church, 721 Bernard Ave.
Pilon will be speaking on what electoral reform will offer British Columbia while challenging some of the most popular myths about both our current system and the proposed proportional systems.
Robert Stupka, Kelowna