The Conservatives say no to a fair elections system

Today Conservatives said no to a fair elections system.

“The NDP put forward a simple motion asking all parties to commit to replacing Canada’s unfair electoral system with a system of mixed-member proportional representation following the next election. I was disappointed to see the Conservatives and even some Liberals vote against the initiative,” said NDP Democratic Reform critic Craig Scott (Toronto – Danforth).

A mixed-proportional system – like the ones used in Scotland, New Zealand, and Germany – would allow Canadians to continue to elect local MPs but also ensure that the number of seats that each party wins in the House of Commons reflects the percentage of the popular vote that they received. In countries where proportional representation has been introduced it has reduced partisanship, while increasing voter turnout and the representation of women and other marginalized groups in Parliament.

“As electoral participation continues to fall, Canada needs to adopt proportional representation to better reflect the political preferences of its citizens. The current system in which parties can govern without the support of the majority of Canadians has gone on long enough,” added Scott.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair has been clear that he’s committed to making 2015 the last unfair election. If elected, an NDP government would introduce a system of mixed member proportional (MMP) representation during our first term in office.

The Liberal’s inability to agree on today’s motion makes the choice facing Canadians even more clear – the NDP is the only party that offers them the opportunity to vote for the change they want, and actually get it.