PR will create just, effective system

Re: “B.C. voters should reject proportional representation,” editorial, Nov. 16.

I take exception to the editorial’s claim that reform propositions do not consider the needs and realities of lightly populated areas. Having lived in southern and northern B.C. and a current resident in the central Interior, I have studied the rural/urban model, which I am satisfied will respond to our varied geography well.

The editorial is correct to note that our present system has its faults. The problem is that such faults are often identified before any electoral-process conversation or amid elections themselves. Afterward, sadly, enthusiasm for reform disappears. If a house is burning, it’s rather late to hunt for the fire extinguisher. We need a new way of electing representatives, so they can represent us in a new and effective way.

B.C. is rightly touted as one of the best places to live, work and recreate. However, the benefits of our physical, social, economic and environmental bounty have not been well distributed. Some have benefited tremendously, and when surplus resources or wealth are available, these are shared with those less fortunate, though inconsistently and unevenly. Proportional representation will provide a different electoral process that will create conditions for a more just and effective ordering of our political life.

Those who oppose PR either cannot imagine a different way of ordering our public policy-making or are simply unwilling to release their present grasp on power and wealth. I encourage everyone to vote Yes on question one and choose any of the three systems that will add proportionality to our electoral process.

Ken Gray Kamloops