Why would I be interested in proportional representation vs. our current first-past-the-post electoral system? After all, isn’t it only Greens and the NDP that want PR? Wouldn’t PR just result in multiple small parties fighting constantly and result in unstable government?

The Greens and NDP want PR because they want to have a fair chance to represent their voters on issues such as the environment, funded daycare, etc. Right now, even if they get 20 per cent of the votes, they might not get a seat and their voters would not be represented.

article continues below

I believe that there are Conservative and even B.C. Liberal voters who want PR, too. If I were a social conservative, I would want my vote to count and have someone representing my issues, and likely some unrepresented Liberals think that, too.

Finally, if we had PR, would the parties fight more? With our existing system, we already have an oppositional and rancorous legislature. New Zealand and Germany have PR, and as a result they have to co-operate because the power is spread out rather than concentrated in one party that does not have to consider any citizens’ needs other than those of their supporters.

PR does not help just certain parties, it helps all citizens. It’s fair, democratic and would have avoided all B.C.’s recent troubles. Lately, even Liberals said they’d be willing to look at electoral reform. Let’s see now — do they mean what they say?

Diane Guthrie

Victoria