PR would improve MLAs’ performance

Re: “Student distressed over MLAs’ behaviour,” letter, Nov.20 How sad that a high-school student is shocked by the immature behaviour of elected members in the B.C. legislature. The reason they behave in this ineffective, disrespectful way is mostly because of our present voting system. First-past-the-post usually results in two dominant parties sitting in opposition to each other.

The government controls its MLAs by whipping the vote to ensure they vote as a bloc. Instead of representing the interests of their constituents, elected officials follow the direction of their party, advised by bureaucrats, party insiders, strategists, lobbyists and large donors.

The opposition is similarly controlled, their members compelled to stand united in their condemnation of pretty much any government initiative. This leaves the two parties screaming across the aisle at each other.

It would be different if we had proportional representation, which would allow other voices in the legislature. An example of the value of smaller parties is shown by the confidence-and-supply agreement between the B.C. Green caucus and the NDP government. Although often not in agreement, they are respectful and sometimes reach better solutions by communicating with each other.

Government works best when all MLAs are able to present ideas that are considered in good faith for the public good.

We need to replace our archaic election system and adopt a system of proportional representation that will be more effective in dealing with present-day problems. Politicians need to set aside partisanship and work for the common good. Shelagh Levey Cordova Bay