Ont. democratic renewal must improve CA model (March 8, 2005)
March 08, 2005
FAIR VOTE ONTARIO - NEWS - March 8, 2005
ONTARIO DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL PROCESS MUST IMPROVE THE CITIZENS' ASSEMBLY MODEL
Yesterday the McGuinty government tabled legislation to support formation of an Ontario citizens' assembly on electoral reform, but Fair Vote Ontario warns that the Ontario process must be improved over that recently used in British Columbia.
"We commend the Premier for moving forward on a citizen-driven process with a citizens' assembly and a referendum," said Joe Murray, chair of the Fair Vote Ontario campaign. "But Ontario must improve the model pioneered in BC over the past year."
Among 10 specific improvements recommended by Fair Vote Ontario, Murray highlighted the following.
Access to a variety of experts: The assembly should have presentations from and ongoing access to a variety of voting system experts, including those with differing opinions. The assembly must be protected from being deliberately or inadvertently steered by staff experts.
Flexibility on recommendations: Given the recent reduction of seats in the Ontario legislature, the assembly should be allowed to consider models that involve an increase in the number of MPPs. In addition, if the assembly cannot reach a general consensus on the single best alternative voting system, they should be allowed to present two alternatives, with voters using a preference ballot in the referendum to choose among the alternatives and the status quo.
No super-majority required for adoption: Unlike the BC government, the Ontario government and political parties should not impose a super-majority referendum result for adoption of a new voting system. If the Government claims the right to make binding and far-reaching policy decisions based on simple majority rule, the same standard should apply to citizens.
Fair Vote Ontario is a campaign sponsored by Fair Vote Canada, a national citizens' organization promoting voting system reform at both the provincial and federal levels. For more information, see www.fairvote.ca.
A paper outlining all ten recommendations from Fair Vote Ontario for an improved citizens' assembly model is available on request.