Winds of change could impact Trudeau in 2018, Hébert, Dec. 26

Chantal Hébert identified the Canadian winds of change, but there is a wind of change in the U.S. that could have an impact on Canada in 2018 and beyond.

Many thinkers in the U.S. are realizing that, under President Donald Trump, their democracy is slipping into autocracy. The reason is simple: The U.S., deeply divided by race and inequality, is the most vulnerable democracy in the world, with two parties that are divided by nasty and vicious partisan politics.

They have a first-past-the-post election system that is applicable to all three levels of government: the president, the house and the senate. The dream of both parties is to control all three levels of government. This position is currently held by the Republicans with little joy, because they now know that total power creates uncomfortable position of being toadies to the president.

I am sure Canadians think this could not happen here, but we must not be too smug.

We have four political parties in the House. We have an appointed senate, recently given more independence by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and a governor general as the Queen’s representative.

However, we still have a first-past-the-post electoral system, which can give total power to one party, as is currently the case. So, our defences still need to be strengthened.

Our defence against autocracy will be greatly strengthened when Trudeau keeps his solemn promise of proportional representation for the next election. Multiple parties and proportional representation are the strongest defence against threats to democracy.

Keith Parkinson, Cambridge

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