DOCSLIB.ORG

LESSON 3: Territorial Elections

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
LESSON 3: Territorial Elections LESSON 3: Territorial Elections In a democracy, we hold elections to choose government votes, or at least one more vote than any of the other representatives.Elections are contests of leadership, ideas, candidates (plurality), in order to be elected in their area. politics and power, where interested parties and candidates campaign for our support and, ultimately, our vote. The territory is divided into small geographic areas called electoral districts. Electoral districts are determined by A political party is a group of like-minded individuals with population size as well as geographic factors such as roads a shared vision and political ideals who want to win an and rivers and cities and towns, which means that the election, form the government and achieve their political size and shape of ridings can be very different. The people goals. living within an electoral district are called constituents. There are many different systems used around the world During the election, several people in each riding will to determine who is selected and who forms government. compete for the job of representative. These individuals An electoral system is the way citizens’ choices, expressed are known as candidates. Usually they are affiliated with a as votes, are translated into seats in the legislative political party, but sometimes they are not, in which case body. Electoral systems differ based on the way choices they are called independents. are presented and the method for determining which candidate wins. Under Single-Member Plurality, one person, or candidate, is elected per district to represent the constituents. Voters Single-Member Plurality or First-Past-The-Post is the can only choose one candidate on their ballot. And the electoral system currently used across Canada, including candidate who has the most number of votes within each in Yukon. A successful candidate must receive the most district wins. They are still elected if they don’t have the support of the majority of voters – they just need more votes than any other candidate. 24 STUDENT VOTE ACTIVITY RESOURCE LESSON 3: Territorial Elections In the 2016 election, Yukoners will elect 19 MLAs to sit OUTCOMES in the legislative assembly, meaning there will be 19 mini-election races across the territory. And the political Students will gain an understanding of territorial elections, party that wins the most races will most likely form the current Yukon political parties and the candidates government and their leader will become the premier. running in their electoral district. Political parties are made up of interested members of the general public. Anyone above the required age can be INDICATORS a member of a political party. For most parties, the age is Upon completion of the lesson, students will be able to: 14. Party members can discuss ideas and propose policy. • Understand how elections work in Yukon. Some parties also have youth wings. • Recognize the role of political parties in the electoral process. Party members choose their party’s leader and local • Identify the name of their electoral district. candidates, and help them get elected. Local candidates are • Collect and interpret ideas and messages through party members selected through a nomination process by various forms of media. the local riding association. The party selects the person they • Demonstrate the skills to evaluate the candidates feel has the greatest chance of success as their candidate. running for election. A party platform is a series of declared principles and policies on jurisdictional issues that concern the RESOURCES government and the public. Parties share their platforms through announcements, advertising and events, and • PowerPoint 3: Territorial Elections (Elementary and they share their ideas in order to attract support from the Secondary versions available) electorate and to secure votes. • Activity Sheet 3.1: Understanding Elections in Yukon • Activity Sheet 3.2: Getting to Know the Parties There are many ways to gather information about local • Handout 3.3: Suggestions for Organizing an candidates. Community groups hold town hall meetings All-Candidates Debate where citizens are invited to listen to candidates speak on • Activity Sheet 3.4: Evaluating the Candidates the issues they support. Information can also be found • Activity Sheet 3.5: Understanding the Issues and on radio and television, or in newspapers. Individuals Platforms may also visit campaign offices, attend campaign events • Activity Sheet 3.6: Vote for My Party or have a chance to talk to the candidate when they visit communities in their electoral district. The Internet is also a very accessible source of information. Information ACTIVITIES can be found online through candidate websites, media Hook A: 20-25 min websites and social media platforms. 1. Ask students to imagine that their school has been given Each person’s political views are highly subjective (based a grant or sum of money to improve the school facilities on personal feelings or opinions). Just as personalities (e.g., schoolyard/playground, fitness centre, auditorium, are unique and influenced by personal feelings, tastes library). Lead a class brainstorming session on the different and opinions, so are political views. Therefore, each ways in which the money could be spent. Record the ideas person is responsible for forming his or her own opinions. on a blackboard, chart paper or Smartboard. Sometimes those opinions can be formed by listening to other people whose opinions you respect, researching 2. Group similar proposals together so that there are four information through media, and sometimes it simply takes to five main ideas. Help students form groups (‘parties’) a period of reflection to come to your own conclusions. based on their interests. Ask each group to discuss their ideas in more detail and record reasons why their ideas are good ones. Ask each group to put together a quick sales pitch for their ideas. 3. Give each group one minute to present their pitch to the rest of the class. STUDENT VOTE ACTIVITY RESOURCE 25 LESSON 3: Territorial Elections Hook B: 5-10 min • Candidates are individuals who compete for the job of Through a class discussion, ask students to think of MLA. Most candidates are linked to a political party, words or phrases that come to mind when they think but there are also independent candidates, which of the following terms: ideas, leadership and contests. have no association or affiliation. Alternatively, you could ask all students to complete the • The political party with the largest number of elected assignment for homework and produce a word cloud with MLAs after the election becomes the governing party the responses. and their leader becomes the premier. • The party that wins the second most seats becomes Discussion: 5 min the official opposition. It is their job to hold the What ideas and goals do you have for improving the government accountable. territory or specific issues at the territorial level? Teacher Note: Review the results of the 2011 territorial election. Which party had the most number of elected Essential Learning: 25-30 min MLAs? Which party formed government? 1. Use PowerPoint 3 to introduce the concept of political parties. 3. Review the list of political parties currently registered • When a community or large number of people need in Yukon and find out which have candidates running to get something done, people with similar interests for election in your school’s electoral district. Research often form groups and work together to achieve their whether there are any independent candidates. Show goals. In politics, these groups are called political students where they can find this information following parties. the close of nominations (www.electionsyk.ca). • A political party is made up of people, called party members, who share similar beliefs and goals for their 4. To solidify the learning and information discussed, ask province/territory or country. students to complete Activity Sheet 3.1. • Each party also selects a leader, usually through a leadership contest. In order for the political party to Discussion: 5 min have the chance to work towards its goals, the party must win an election and lead the government. What skills and leadership qualities do you think an MLA • During elections political parties create a party platform should have? How can you learn about the candidates? — a list of ideas or plans that aim to achieve the party’s goals and benefit the territory. While all parties may Extensions: agree that an issue like education is a priority, they may have different ideas about how to improve the system A. Organize students into groups or pairs. Assign each group or which steps to take (relate the conversation back to a party/candidate to research or allow them to choose one student proposals from Hook Activity A). based on their preference. Ensure that all parties/candidates are represented. Key questions to research: 2. Use PowerPoint 3 to explain how elections work in • What does each political party stand for? Yukon. • Who is the current leader of each party? What makes • Elections are contests of leadership, ideas, politics and them a good choice for premier? power. • Who is the local candidate? What experience, skills • Yukon is divided into 19 distinct geographic areas, and qualifications does the candidate possess? called electoral districts. Each electoral district elects • What are each party’s logos, slogans, posters and one Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) during advertisements? What are their key messages? the territorial election, meaning there will be 19 local • What are each party’s main priorities or policy ideas election contests. (platform)? What is their vision for the future of Yukon? Teacher Note: Identify your school’s electoral district and Ask each group to prepare a short presentation about their how to find out this information. Visit the Elections Yukon political party/candidate.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Daily Routine Tributes
    December 7, 2011 HANSARD 81 Yukon Legislative Assembly Vincent Braun from Golden Horn Elementary School. His pro- Whitehorse, Yukon ject was “The iPod Hydrocharger”. Mr. Speaker, these winning Wednesday, December 7, 2011 — 1:00 p.m. scientists also received a one-year Yukon College scholarship. Next year we’d like to encourage secondary students to get Speaker: I will now call the House to order. We will involved. I’ve had some initial discussions with the organizers proceed at this time with prayers. and we’re hoping that we can get some secondary students in- volved next year. Mr. Speaker, science is an integral part of our Prayers lives and I commend these students for their thorough investi- gation and articulate reporting at the 2011 Yukon/Stikine Re- DAILY ROUTINE gional Science Fair. Speaker: We will proceed at this time with the Order Applause Paper. Tributes. In recognition of National Safe Driving Week Hon. Mr. Istchenko: I rise today on behalf of the TRIBUTES House to recognize National Safe Driving Week. This year In recognition of Yukon/Stikine Regional Science Fair from December 1 to 7, all Canadians are encouraged and re- participants minded to take added precautions on the road throughout these Hon. Mr. Kent: I rise today on behalf of all members winter months and to recognize that safety on our roads is eve- of the Legislative Assembly to pay tribute to all the students ryone’s responsibility. This year’s theme for national safety from grades 4 to 7 who recently took part in the 2011 week is: “Who has your back on the road this winter?” Yukon/Stikine Regional Science Fair.
    [Show full text]
  • LIST of CONFIRMED CANDIDATES for the 2021 TERRITORIAL GENERAL ELECTION at the Close of Nominations on March 22 at 2 P.M
    Box 2703 (A-9) Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6 (867) 667-8683 1-866-668-8683 Fax (867) 393-6977 www.electionsyukon.ca [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 23, 2021 LIST OF CONFIRMED CANDIDATES FOR THE 2021 TERRITORIAL GENERAL ELECTION At the close of nominations on March 22 at 2 p.m. there were with a total of 57 candidates nominated to serve as members of the Legislative Assembly for the electoral district of their nomination. The list of confirmed candidates for the 19 electoral districts is attached. Summary of Nominations ● There is a total of 57 candidates. ● There are 19 Yukon Liberal Party candidates. ● There are 19 Yukon New Democratic Party candidates. ● There are 18 Yukon Party candidates (all electoral districts except Vuntut Gwitchin). ● There is 1 independent candidate (Mountainview). ● There are no Yukon Green Party candidates. The registration of Yukon Green Party as a registered political party will be cancelled as the Elections Act statutory threshold of a minimum of two candidates in the election was not met. After the close of nomination, there will be a drawing of lots for candidate ballot order. The ballots will be printed and distributed for use at the Advance Polls (Sunday April 4 and Monday April 5) and on Polling Day (Monday April 12). Who Are My Candidates? Candidate contact information and profiles are available at electionsyukon.ca under ‘Who are My Candidates?’ Returning office location and contact information is also included. Opportunities to Work as an Election Official Applications are available online and at any returning office. Contact Elections Yukon Dave Wilkie, Assistant Chief Electoral Officer Phone: 867-667-8683 or 1-866-668-8683 (toll free) Email: [email protected] Elections Yukon is an independent non-partisan office of the Legislative Assembly that is responsible for the administration of territorial, school council and school board elections.
    [Show full text]
  • Appendix 13A:Socio-Economic Baseline Report
    APPENDIX 13A: SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE REPORT Volume I: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Volume II: Volume III: Volume IV: Volume V: Project BIoPhysIcal socIoeconomIc addItIonal IntroductIon Valued Valued yesa & oVerVIew comPonents comPonents reQuIrements 1 Introduction 6 Terrain Features 13 Employment 20 Effects of the and Income Environment on 6a Surficial Geology, Terrain the Project 2 First Nations and Soils Baseline 14 Employability and Community 20a Climate Change Report 6B Terrain Hazards Assessment Consultation for Proposed Access Roads and Airstrip 15 Economic 21 Accidents and 2a Consultation Log 6c Preliminary Development Malfunctions Geotechnical Study and Business 2B Consultation Materials 21a Regulatory Setting 6d Terrain Hazards Assessment Sector 3 Project Location for Proposed Mine Site 21BRisk Register 16 Community 6e Fluvial Geomorphology Hazard Assessment for Vitality Proposed Access Roads 22 Conceptual 4 Project Description Environmental 17 Community Management Plans 7 Water Quality 4a Conceptual Closure Infrastructure and ReclamationPlan and Services Road Use Plan 7a Water and Sediment Quality 22a Baseline 4B Freegold Road Report Socio-Economic 13a13a 22B Emergency Baseline Report 7B Baseline Hydrology Report Response Plan 4c Water Management Plan 7c 2012 Baseline Hydrogeology Report 22c Cyanide 18 Cultural Continuity Management Plan 5 Effects Assessment 7d Geochemistry Reports Methodology 7e Numerical Groundwater Modelling 18a Stage 1 Archaeological Monitoring Plans Mitigation 23 5a Project Components and 7F Water Balance Report
    [Show full text]
  • Greenconv18 Convention 2018 Package Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC September 28 to 30, 2018 Table of Contents
    #GreenConv18 Convention 2018 Package Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, BC September 28 to 30, 2018 Table of Contents LEADER’S WELCOME 3 PRESIDENT’S WELCOME 4 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S WELCOME 5 AGENDA 6 PROPOSALS 13 Policy Motions Constitutional and Directive Motions 2016 OFFICIAL MINUTES (NOTES) 17 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 17 Policy Process Overview GUIDE TO EMERGENCY MOTIONS 21 OMBUDS COMMITTEE REPORT FOR 2018 CONVENTION 22 2018 FEDERAL COUNCIL 23 2018 YOUNG GREENS COUNCIL 30 GPC Convention 2018 Package Page "2 LEADER’S WELCOME Welcome to Vancouver! As we gather on the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and Squamish peoples, we thank them for their extraordinary hospitality and generosity. Politically, British Columbia used to be known as the Left Coast, but it is clear that this is now the Green Coast! Saanich-Gulf Islands was our first federal seat – but now Andrew Weaver leads a caucus of Greens in the B.C. legislature. My own MLA, Adam Olsen, is speaking this weekend on his work to protect wild salmon, and Sonia Furstenau, MLA from Cowichan Valley, will share her deep understanding of the case for proportional representation. Still, our claim to be the Green Coast may be disputed by David Coon (Leader, Green Party of New Brunswick) and Peter Bevan-Baker (Leader, Green Party of Prince Edward Island). With elected Greens in two legislatures and the P.E.I. Greens now in first place in province-wide polling with the highest-ever numbers of any Green Party in Canada — 38 percent! — they could certainly argue that the Atlantic is our true Green Coast.
    [Show full text]
  • The Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Yukon on the 2016 General Election
    THE REPORT OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER OF YUKON ON THE 2016 GENERAL ELECTION The Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Yukon on the General Election held November 7, 2016 PUBLISHED BY THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER OF YUKON Box ● C.P. 2703 Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6 (867) 667-8683 1-866-668-8683 Fax ● Télécopier (867) 393-6977 March 6, 2017 Honourable Nils Clarke Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Yukon Legislative Assembly Whitehorse, Yukon Dear Mr. Speaker: I am pleased to submit the report on the results of the General Election held November 7, 2016. The Report of the Chief Electoral Officer of Yukon on the 2016 General Election is prepared pursuant to section 315 of the Elections Act. It includes the number of ballots cast for each candidate and information relating to conduct of the election. Sincerely, Lori McKee Chief Electoral Officer Table of Contents REMARKS OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER ........................................................................................... 1 PART ONE: 2016 ENUMERATION ............................................................................................................. 2 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................................. 2 COMMUNICATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 2 POINTS OF INTEREST.................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Principles, Process and Public Engagement for Electoral Reform
    STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY IN CANADA: PRINCIPLES, PROCESS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT FOR ELECTORAL REFORM Report of the Special Committee on Electoral Reform Francis Scarpaleggia Chair DECEMBER 2016 42nd PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION Published under the authority of the Speaker of the House of Commons SPEAKER’S PERMISSION Reproduction of the proceedings of the House of Commons and its Committees, in whole or in part and in any medium, is hereby permitted provided that the reproduction is accurate and is not presented as official. This permission does not extend to reproduction, distribution or use for commercial purpose of financial gain. Reproduction or use outside this permission or without authorization may be treated as copyright infringement in accordance with the Copyright Act. Authorization may be obtained on written application to the Office of the Speaker of the House of Commons. Reproduction in accordance with this permission does not constitute publication under the authority of the House of Commons. The absolute privilege that applies to the proceedings of the House of Commons does not extend to these permitted reproductions. Where a reproduction includes briefs to a Standing Committee of the House of Commons, authorization for reproduction may be required from the authors in accordance with the Copyright Act. Nothing in this permission abrogates or derogates from the privileges, powers, immunities and rights of the House of Commons and its Committees. For greater certainty, this permission does not affect the prohibition against impeaching or questioning the proceedings of the House of Commons in courts or otherwise. The House of Commons retains the right and privilege to find users in contempt of Parliament if a reproduction or use is not in accordance with this permission.
    [Show full text]
  • ANNUAL REVENUE RETURNS Contributions Made to Political Parties NNUAL REVENUE RETURNS31, 2019
    Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Report of the Chief Electoral Officer to the Legislative Assembly 2019 ANNUAL REPORT ON POLITICAL PARTY REVENUES ANNUAL REVENUE RETURNS Contributions Made To Political Parties NNUAL REVENUE RETURNS31, 2019 January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 Box 2703 (A-9) Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6 (867) 667-8683 1-866-668-8683 Fax (867) 393-6977 www.electionsyukon.ca [email protected] July 7, 2020 Honourable Nils Clarke Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Yukon Legislative Assembly Whitehorse, Yukon Dear Mr. Speaker: ANNUAL REVENUE RETURN - 2019 I have the honour to submit my annual report on political financing to the Legislative Assembly for the 2019 calendar year. This report is submitted pursuant to section 398 of the Elections Act. Respectfully, H. Maxwell Harvey Chief Electoral Officer Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1 Electoral Finance ........................................................................................................................... 1 Financial Provisions Legislation .................................................................................................... 1 Statutory Reports .......................................................................................................................... 1 Revenue .......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Recent Political Manifesto Commitments to Basic Income in Canada
    Munich Personal RePEc Archive Recent Political Manifesto Commitments to Basic Income in Canada Tedds, Lindsay M. and Crisan, I. Daria School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Department of Economics, University of Calgary December 2020 Online at https://mpra.ub.uni-muenchen.de/105913/ MPRA Paper No. 105913, posted 11 Feb 2021 12:55 UTC Recent Political Manifesto Commitments to Basic Income in Canada Lindsay M. Tedds and Daria Crisan School of Public Policy, University of Calgary Date: December 2020 Author Notes The authors of this paper can be contacted at [email protected], [email protected]. Research paper commissioned by the Expert Panel on Basic Income, British Columbia. We gratefully acknowledge funding from the Government of British Columbia (spcs46008190052 and spsc46008190046) that helped support this research. All inferences, opinions, and conclusions drawn in this paper are those of the authors, and do not reflect the opinions or policies of the Data Innovation Program or the Province of British Columbia. Abstract We detail the political party commitments of a basic income in Canada over the last decade, a period of time in which we have seen renewed conversations about a basic income in Canada. We find that in all but one case the policy commitments lack any detail about design choices and no commitments to a basic income reference the principles of a basic income. Overall, at the political level there continues to be a lot of detail that have yet to be mapped out, detail that is important to understanding the specific commitment and whether the stated objectives could be achieved with the form of basic income proposed.
    [Show full text]
  • Annual Contributions to Political Parties in the 2015 Calendar Year
    ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE 2015 CALENDAR YEAR Published by the Chief Electoral Officer of Yukon in accordance with the Elections Act April 22, 2016 Honourable David Laxton Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Yukon Legislative Assembly Whitehorse, Yukon Dear Mr. Speaker: I have the privilege to submit my report containing information from annual revenue returns filed for the 2015 calendar year by registered political parties. This report is submitted in accordance with section 398 of the Elections Act. Should you require any additional information or clarification on anything contained in the report, I would be pleased to respond. Sincerely, Lori McKee Chief Electoral Officer Box • C.P. 2703 Whitehorse Y1A 2C6 (867) 667-8683 1-866-668-8683 Fax • Télécopier (867) 393-6977 TABLE OF CONTENTS MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER ................................................... 1 OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 2 Public Files and Reports .............................................................................................. 2 REGISTERED POLITICAL PARTIES ................................................................................ 3 2015 ANNUAL REVENUE RETURNS ............................................................................... 4 Political Parties – Annual Contributions ........................................................................... 4 Yukon First Nations Party ............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Yukon Electoral District Boundaries Commission Final Report
    Y U K O N ELECTORALELECTORAL DISTRICT DISTRICT BOUNDARIES BOUNDARIES COMMISSION COMMISSION F INAL REPORT FINAL REPORT APRIL 2018 APRIL 2018 Yukon Electoral District Commission de délimitation des Boundaries Commission circonscriptions électorales du Yukon AprilApril 20,19, 20182018 Honourable Nils ClarkeClarke Speaker ofof thethe Legislative Assembly Yukon Legislative Assembly Whitehorse, YukonYukon Dear Mr.Mr. Speaker:Speaker: We are pleased to submit the final report of the Electoral District Boundaries Commission. The report sets out the proposals for the boundaries, number, and names of electoral districts in Yukon, and includes our reasons for the proposals. Proposals are based on all considerations prescribed by the Elections Act (the Act). Our final report is submitted in accordance with section 417 of the Act for tabling in the Legislative Assembly. This final report considers written submissions and input received at public hearings. The Commission’s term ends with the submission of this final report. On behalf of all Commission Members, I extend our gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Yukon through this process. The Honourable Mr. Justice R.S. Veale Commission Chair Darren Parsons Jonas Smith Anne Tayler Lori McKee Member Member Member Member/ Chief Electoral Officer Box ● C.P. 2703 (A-9) Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6 Phone● téléphone (867) 456-6730 ● 1-855-967-8588 toll free/sans frais Fax ● Télécopieur (867) 393-6977 e-mail ● courriel [email protected] website ● site Web www.yukonboundaries.ca www.facebook.com/yukonboundaries
    [Show full text]
  • Chamber Meeting Day
    Yukon Legislative Assembly Number 265 1st Session 33rd Legislature HANSARD Wednesday, May 4, 2016 — 1:00 p.m. Speaker: The Honourable David Laxton YUKON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER — Hon. David Laxton, MLA, Porter Creek Centre DEPUTY SPEAKER — Patti McLeod, MLA, Watson Lake CABINET MINISTERS NAME CONSTITUENCY PORTFOLIO Hon. Darrell Pasloski Mountainview Premier Minister responsible for Finance; Executive Council Office Hon. Elaine Taylor Whitehorse West Deputy Premier Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture; Women’s Directorate; French Language Services Directorate Hon. Brad Cathers Lake Laberge Minister responsible for Justice; Yukon Development Corporation/ Yukon Energy Corporation Hon. Doug Graham Porter Creek North Minister responsible for Education Hon. Scott Kent Riverdale North Minister responsible for Energy, Mines and Resources; Highways and Public Works Hon. Currie Dixon Copperbelt North Minister responsible for Community Services; Public Service Commission Hon. Wade Istchenko Kluane Minister responsible for Environment Hon. Mike Nixon Porter Creek South Minister responsible for Health and Social Services; Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Hon. Stacey Hassard Pelly-Nisutlin Minister responsible for Economic Development; Yukon Housing Corporation; Yukon Liquor Corporation GOVERNMENT PRIVATE MEMBERS Yukon Party Darius Elias Government House Leader Vuntut Gwitchin Hon. David Laxton Porter Creek Centre Patti McLeod Watson Lake OPPOSITION MEMBERS New Democratic Party Elizabeth Hanson Leader of the Official Opposition
    [Show full text]
  • In June 2016, the Federal Government Created the Special Parliamentary
    ]] In June 2016, the federal government created the Special Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform (ERRE) to identify and conduct a study of viable alternate voting systems to replace the first-past-the-post system, as well as to examine mandatory voting and online voting. We were hardly the first group of Canadian parliamentarians to have been tasked with examining our “winner-take-all” voting system to consider its flaws. The first committee met in 1921. That committee concluded that first-past-the-post was not a viable system for any democracy with more than two parties. Ever since the 1920s, Canada's federal parliament has had a minimum of three parties, and often as many as five or six. FPTP delivers skewed results in which "majority governments" are elected by a minority of the voters. Since then, more than a dozen efforts, provincial and federal, citizen assemblies and law commissions have all recommended that the quality of our democracy, the requirements of fairness will be better served once First Past the Post (FPTP) is gone and we move to a proportional voting system. As a team of 12 MPs from all five parties in the House of Commons, with a superb staff from House clerks to Library of Parliament analysts, we set records and broke new ground in consultations. With the advent of e-consultation, ERRE pioneered public input by online questionnaire. It was not an easy or quick process, and not entirely user-friendly, yet 20,000 people used that method to reach us. In addition, thousands more submitted briefs or letters.
    [Show full text]