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Too bad those competing to head B.C.’s Liberal party can’t take full rhetorical advantage of the alleged crisis this week in Germany’s coalition government.

The would-be Liberal leaders seem dead-set against British Columbians voting one year from now, in November 2018, for a new way of electing a government, which could include proportional representation.

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North American foes of proportional representation often argue it will lead to more minority and coalition governments — and they habitually make their case by cherry picking times such governments run into difficulties.

So, for the B.C. Liberals, it’s unfortunate Germany will have sorted out Angela Merkel’s struggles by the time British Columbians have a referendum next fall: Germany will likely have another solid coalition government by then, as it has for more than 60 years.

In Europe about 20 countries, including the Netherlands and France, operate most of the time in coalitions. They’re also common in Japan, Indonesia and Australia. Even Canada federally, and Manitoba, Ontario and B.C., have had coalitions.