CONVERSATIONS THAT MATTER

For the third time in 15 years, British Columbians are voting in a referendum to change the way the people of the province elect a government.

In 2005, the single transferable vote (or STV) was put to the people in a referendum.

It required a super-majority that included approval of 60 per cent of the voters overall and simple majorities in 60 per cent of the 79 districts in order to pass.

It fell short by an extremely slim margin.

Four years later, STV was soundly defeated. The current government says it’s time to revisit proportional representation.

It is providing voters with four options, with a 50 per cent plus 1 threshold to pass.

The first option is to keep the current system. Voters are also asked to rank three pro-rep options.

Bill Tieleman of the No B.C. Proportional Representation Society is adamant that the referendum proposal is a bad idea. He campaigned against it in 2005, in 2009, and he’s again warning voters against proportional representation.

We invited Tieleman to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the case for No when it comes to proportional representation.

You can see the video at vancouversun.com/tag/conversations-that-matter. Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Dialogue presents Conversations That Matter. Join veteran Broadcaster Stuart McNish each week for an important and engaging Conversation about the issues shaping our future. Please become a Patreon subscriber and support the production of this program, with a $1 pledge at goo.gl/ypXyDs.