PEI may become first to hold PR election (Dec. 16, 2004)

December 16, 2004

News - Fair Vote Canada - December 16, 2004

BIRTHPLACE OF CONFEDERATION MAY BECOME FIRST PROVINCE TO HOLD A PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION ELECTION

Prince Edward Island Premier Pat Binns has placed his province back in the running to become the first province to hold an election under a Canadian version of proportional representation.

The Premier announced yesterday that Islanders will vote in a plebiscite in November 2005 on whether to adopt a mixed member proportional voting system. If the new system is adopted, Binns stated, the changes could be in place for the next provincial election in 2006 or 2007.

"We commend Premier Binns for his leadership on democratic reform," said Fair Vote Canada president Wayne Smith. "PEI was one of the first provinces to consider voting system reform. It now appears PEI is once again poised to lead the nation."

British Columbians will be voting on May 17, 2005, in a referendum on whether to adopt a new proportional voting system. If it is adopted, the first BC election under the new system will be in 2009. The Government of Quebec yesterday announced a draft bill for a mixed proportional system and will soon begin public consultations. The Quebec government stated a new system would not be in place for the next Quebec election, expected in 2007. The Government of Ontario has announced a citizens' assembly and referendum process for electoral reform. The Ontario referendum, however, may not be held until the next election, also expected in 2007.

Fair Vote Canada is a national multi-partisan citizens campaign for voting system reform. For more information, see www.fairvote.ca or call 416-410-4034.