Nunavut model missing on ballot

“Many Islanders don’t understand how the preferential ballot worked in the 2016 plebiscite.” So says the premier.

Well, Mr. Premier, why did you choose to present such a confusing plebiscite, if in fact it was confusing?

And for heaven’s sake, to say that we’re too dumb to figure it out is doubly insulting.

To say that you won’t be bound by the results of the plebiscite is a really good way to get a 36 per cent turnout. A non-binding plebiscite is no different than those telephone surveys we are plagued with.

So, the next ‘plebiscite,’ also non-binding on our government, is going to be one question — yes or no. Does that mean the Nunavut model is not an option? If it isn’t an option, it should be.

And just for fun, Mr. Premier, here’s a “yes or no” question for you. If, hypothetically, the Nunavut model was in place right now, do you think you would be premier?

If any government chooses to spend all that money on a plebiscite, a Royal Commission and the auditor-general’s report, all those results and recommendations should be binding on government. Only then will we the people, who pay the bills, be getting our money’s worth.

We are smarter than you give us credit for, Mr. Premier.

Shawn Landon,

Murray Harbour