Fair Vote Canada
NEWSLETTER
April 14, 2003
In this issue:
-- Quebec election may spell end to first-past-the-post
-- BC cabinet delays citizens assembly announcement
-- Fair Vote Ontario campaign recruiting prominent supporters
-- Federal electoral reform hearings in Alberta
-- Manley backs reform ... in the wrong direction
-- Voting underway for FVC National Council
-- Registration deadline approaching for FVC Annual Meeting
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QUEBEC ELECTION MAY SPELL END TO FIRST-PAST-THE-POST
No matter who wins the Quebec election on Monday, chances are good that a new voting system will be in place before the next election. All three of the main parties in the election are in favour of adopting some form of proportional representation. In addition, the Estates General held in February concluded with an overwhelming consensus in favour of proportional representation.
BC CABINET DELAYS CITIZENS ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCEMENT
Having received a report last December on how to implement the long-awaited British Columbia citizens' assembly on voting system reform, the BC Liberal cabinet has again delayed announcing the details of their much-anticipated electoral reform program. The provincial assembly does not sit again until April 28, at which time electoral reform activists hope the announcement will finally be made.
FAIR VOTE ONTARIO CAMPAIGN RECRUITING PROMINENT SUPPORTERS
The Fair Vote Ontario campaign, a program of Fair Vote Canada, is busily collecting petition signatures from prominent Ontarians, calling for provincial voting system reform. Among recent signers are former Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander, former president World Council of Churches Lois Wilson, comedian Don Ferguson, actor Gordon Pinsent, former Olympic star Bruce Kidd, ballerina Karen Kain, authors Alice Munro and Joyce Kogawa, and singers Bruce Cockburn and Stompin' Tom Connors.
MANLEY BACKS REFORM.IN THE WRONG DIRECTION
Deputy Prime Minster John Manley signalled his interest in voting reform on the eve of officially launching his campaign for the Liberal leadership. The Ottawa Citizen reported last week that Manley sees changing the voting system as key to addressing Canada's democratic deficit.
Manley is interested in adopting a majoritarian system, similar to that used in Australia and France. Such systems are opposed by Fair Vote Canada because they would not "make every vote count" and they would continue to exaggerate regional divisions. However, Manley's statement is further evidence of interest in discussing
alternative voting systems among Liberals.
FEDERAL ELECTORAL REFORM HEARINGS IN ALBERTA
The series of public consultations held by the Law Commission of Canada moves into Alberta this month. The next hearing is in Edmonton on April 29, 7-9 p.m., in Room 237 of the University of Alberta Law Centre. In Calgary, the consultation will be held on April 30, 7-9 p.m. in the John Dutton Theatre, 2nd Floor, WR Castell Library (616 MacLeod Trail S.E.).
For more information, visit the commission's website,
http://www.lcc.gc.ca/en/themes/gr/er/er_main.asp, or contact electoral-reform@lcc.gc.ca.
VOTING UNDERWAY FOR FVC NATIONAL COUNCIL
Ballots have been mailed out to all eligible FVC members for the 2003 National Council election. Statements from each of the candidates can be read on our website at http://www.fairvotecanada.org. The deadline for receiving ballots is April 21. Results will be announced at the FVC annual meeting in Ottawa on April 25.
DEADLINE FOR FVC ANNUAL MEETING REGISTRATION
Registration for Fair Vote Canada's second annual meeting must be received by April 18. There is no fee, but for security purposes all participants must register in advance. Registration forms are available on our website. The conference will be held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on April 25-26. The detailed agenda and speakers list is available on our website.
CHAPTER AND CAUCUS NEWS
For information about activities of the Fair Vote Canada chapter in your area check the Chapters and Caucus page of the website
http://www.fairvotecanada.org.
If you are interested in helping start a local chapter in your area, please contact info@fairvotecanada.org or phone 416-410-4034.
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FVC memberships are payable by cheque, VISA or Mastercard. Membership forms are available on the "Join Fair Vote" page of our website: http://www.fairvotecanada.org/eng/join/enter.html
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E-mail: info@fairvotecanada.org
Fair Vote Canada
26 Maryland Blvd.
Toronto, ON
M4C 5C9
Phone: 416-410-4034
FAX: 416-686-4929
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