Citizens' Assembly needed

I am deeply concerned about what is happening to our democracy.

I am also deeply concerned to see politics dividing families, friends and co-workers.

The “freedom convoy” in Ottawa highlighted these divisions. It also showed us that many politicians are willing to fan the flames of division in order to garner a few more votes in the next election.

In our winner-take-all voting system, those few votes could result in yet another majority government, elected by a minority of voters.

If the divisions and anger we are witnessing are fuelled by our current voting system, how can we usher in a new and improved kind of politics in Canada? How can we create one that values cooperation and consensus over division and attack? How do we create a system where more Canadians feel heard and included?

We start with electoral reform. A Leger poll done in September 2020 showed an overwhelming 80% of Canadians—supporters of all political parties—backed the idea of a National Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform.

An independent, non-partisan Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform has the potential to start reversing the polarization in Canadian politics. A Citizens’ Assembly is a body of citizens formed to deliberate on an important policy issue.

A Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral reform would study different voting systems in depth and make recommendations based on the interests of all Canadians, not political parties.

When given knowledge, resources and time, citizens can find solutions to complex and challenging issues, including those where politicians have reached an impasse or do not want change because the status quo benefits them and their political party.

Jane Weixl