Article content continued

However, they also need to answer the question “Is electoral reform really the best way to solve these problems?” Couldn’t we get higher turnout and more diversity in Parliament in other ways? Why is electoral reform a better solution than, say, better civic education?”

If the Liberals have no answer to these questions, perhaps they need to rethink this entire endeavour. If they do have answers, they should highlight them. If Canadians believed that electoral reform was a solution to problems they care about, they might be more inclined to get involved in the discussion.

The final point is that there is a feeling of futility around all of this. Liberals are asking Canadians to take time to engage in this issue, and promising that their voices will be heard. However, it’s still not clear what the next step in this process will be. What will the special committee on electoral reform recommend? Will all-party consensus be required? Will a referendum happen?

It’s a big ask to expect Canadians to take time out of their lives, get informed on an issue, and discus and register an opinion, if it’s not clear what the next steps are or if any of this will matter.

Townhalls, committee meetings, and this debate will continue into the autumn. If the Liberals learn something from the summer, it should be that their method of public engagement isn’t reaching the groups it should. They need to fix that. Part of the answer is to highlight why we’re doing this, what problems we’re trying to solve, and why electoral reform is the way to solve them. And, to give Canadians a sense of the next steps, and how their opinions will matter as the Autumn of Electoral Reform looms.

Megan Dias is a Masters of Arts student in political science at the University of British Columbia.

—

Public Meetings

Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef hosts a public townhall on electoral reform in the National Capital Region on Thursday, Sept. 15 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Crown Plaza Gatineau, 2 Rue Montcalm, Gatineau. There is no reserved seating.

**

Ottawa West-Nepean MP Anita Vandenbeld hosts an electoral townhall Saturday, Sept. 17 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Ukrainian Hall, 1000 Byron Ave.