Say no in PR referendum

In B.C.’s two previous referenda on proportional representation, the BC Liberal government took steps to seek a clear mandate. To pass, they needed a majority of ridings, and a majority of eligible voters.

To get the results it wants, the NDP has set the lowest possible bar. If voter turnout remains similar to previous referenda, our entire electoral system could well be changed by less than 25 per cent of the population.

To make matters worse, we’re not even getting the full details of the three proposed PR systems – not even what will happen to the size of our riding. No matter what, proportional representation means bigger ridings, large and complex ballots, and unelected MLAs answerable only to party headquarters – none of which leads to better results, or more representation.

To give some indication of the potential problems with proportional representation, there are currently 27 political parties registered in B.C. If PR is put in place, that number would only grow.

If it had been in place for the 2017 election, the Green Party would currently have 15 seats, instead of three.

Our current first past the post system can create stable majorities, encourages larger, consensus-building parties, and gives voters a clear choice on a simple ballot.

We have to trust that this fall, British Columbians will see through the NDP and Green Party’s transparent attempt to give themselves jobs for life at taxpayers’ expense.

Jim Thornton, Osoyoos