July 13, 2004

Fair Vote Canada
Newsletter

Contents

- Victory in Round 1
- Can You Help?
- BC Citizens' Assembly Targets Late October Decision
- FVC T-shirts: Show Your Colours


VICTORY IN ROUND 1

Proportional representation (PR) is now firmly planted on Canada's national political agenda. While our momentum has been growing over the past three years, the tremendous effort of Fair Vote Canada members and volunteers over the past 90 days played a critical role.

The questions raised at candidates' meetings helped ensure the new members of Parliament will be keenly aware of our issue. The tens and tens of thousands of leaflets going out to key audiences helped build public awareness. The articles sent to papers and the ongoing flood of letters to the editor helped boost media coverage.

In recent weeks, FVC reps have done close to 70 media interviews. Proportional representation is now being actively discussed in the national and local media, with more feature articles and interviews coming each day. While we are still fighting many misconceptions and myths about PR, the issue is alive! In summary, we can declare victory in Round 1. For other recent developments, see www.fairvote.ca.

CAN YOU HELP?

Now we get ready for Round 2. For the remainder of the year, we will continue with public outreach, maintain an active media relations program, and lobby MPs and the parties. In BC, Ontario, Alberta and possibly several other provinces, FVC will also be directing significant attention to provincial reform this fall and winter.

Can you help? First, we need to build our network and membership. If you have friends and colleagues who support PR, make sure they join FVC. Anyone can join online or print a copy of the membership form at www.fairvote.ca. Also, please publicize our web site on email lists and in newsletters. We need more members and supporters to maintain our momentum and take advantage of the opportunities.

Second, sign and circulate our online petition. After signing you will receive a verification email, with a form for forwarding the petition to your friends. Please do so!

Third, can you volunteer in the coming year to help our campaign? Can you write letters to the editor? Contact your MP or MLA? Distribute leaflets? Place newsletter articles? Whether you can help a little or a lot, contact us: info@fairvotecanada.org. We'll add you to our volunteer list for updates and support materials.

BC CITIZENS' ASSEMBLY TARGETS LATE OCTOBER DECISION

The BC Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform has completed 50 public hearings, which attracted 387 presentations and total attendance of 2700 people. For the remainder of the summer, Assembly members will study the hundreds of written submissions and then reconvene in September for their deliberations. The Assembly intends to reach a decision on whether to recommend a new voting system for BC by the end of October. The Assembly must have its final report ready, including a referendum question if change is recommended, no later than December 15. The Assembly also voted to keep its meetings open to the public and media during their deliberation phase. For more information: www.citizensassembly.bc.ca.

FVC T-SHIRTS: SHOW YOUR COLOURS!

We have a new supply of Fair Vote Canada tshirts (med, lrg, xtra lrg). Don't be left behind - this is the fashion statement of Summer '04! They're available, while supplies last, for $23 each, which includes shipping. Make cheques payable to Fair Vote Canada and mail to 26 Maryland Blvd., Toronto, ON M4C 5C9. Or fax your mailing address and credit card number to 416-686-4929 or leave that information on our phone message line at 416-410-4034.


Cheers and have a great summer!




[ This Message was edited by: admin on 2004-07-20 16:10 ]