To the Editor,
80% of Canadians want reform of our election system, according to a 2020 Leger Poll. MPs will have an opportunity to respect that wish when they return to the House of Commons in a few weeks. They will be asked to vote on a private members’ Motion M-86 to establish an Assembly of ordinary Citizens, independent of Parliament, to examine current voting practices and make recommendations for improvement.
Voter turn out has been collapsing since 1988, according to Elections Canada. Five of the lowest years since Confederation have occurred since 2000; dropping to a low of 58.8%. First-time voters & youth are turning out 30 percentage points lower than older voters. Half of the next generation see no point participating in democracy.
At this rate, future governments will be determined by senior citizens and corporate donations.
Why do so many feel that voting makes no difference? Is it because elections have become little more than a festival of street signs & slogans versus substance? Because they seem to be a parade of platitudes without commitment? Because party actions don’t reflect youths’ concerns for the future?
The current voting system was adopted 150 years ago when Canada had only 2 parties. When governments could be elected with real majorities. That’s happened only twice since WWII.
Canadians have expressed an overwhelming wish to revitalize the political process to engage more voters and make democracy stronger.
MP, Mel Arnold has not declared his position regarding an independent Citizens’ Assembly to make recommendations for future elections. You can contact him at at mel.arnold@parl.gc.ca or call 250-260-5020, to express your opinion.
Greig Crockett, Coldstream, BC
