PEI Can Lead the Nation
May 10, 2002
FAIR VOTE CANADA
Immediate release: May 10, 2002
Contact: Larry Gordon 416-410-4034
PEI ELECTORAL REFORM INITIATIVE CAN LEAD THE NATION
Prince Edward Island can lead Canada in a long overdue move to fair voting systems and democratic renewal, according to Fair Vote Canada, a multi- partisan national electoral reform organization which is endorsed by an extensive list of prominent Canadians.
"We commend Premier Binns for his recently expressed willingness to consider a referendum on proportional representation," said Larry Gordon, executive director of Fair Vote Canada. "While electoral reform is currently being discussed in Quebec and the premier of British Columbia has promised action on this issue, PEI will certainly be playing the lead role nationally if a royal commission and referendum process are announced in the near future."
Yesterday, Every Vote Counts, a non-partisan electoral reform group in PEI, called on Premier Binns to set up a royal commission to pave the way for a referendum.
The Chief Electoral Officer of PEI recently tabled a report on proportional representation. In response to this, Premier Binns said he would consider the issue and that a referendum could be held in conjunction with the next election, if public support develops.
Fair Vote Canada is supporting electoral reform initiatives in various provinces, and will soon be announcing a Fair Vote Ontario campaign.
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