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Referendum critical for B.C.

This is B.C.’s third referendum on electoral reform. The first in 2005 was based on a citizens assembly making a recommendation we voted upon. It was defeated. Further, the citizens assembly rejected mixed member proportional because it removed local representation.
14414684_web1_PQN-Letters

This is B.C.’s third referendum on electoral reform. The first in 2005 was based on a citizens assembly making a recommendation we voted upon. It was defeated. Further, the citizens assembly rejected mixed member proportional because it removed local representation.

We also turned down a confusing form of proportional representation in 2009 by 61% to 39%.

What’s changed? The Green/NDP government alliance created a biased and unfair process, backed by their full government resources.

Two other reasons this is bad for B.C.:

1. Proportional representation around the world has led to radical, populist, often one-issue parties. Why? Because parties are given seats in the legislature without any one of them being elected directly by a constituent. An example is New Zealand today, where over half the governing coalition members were not directly elected.

2. Under proportional representation, negotiations to form government are often lengthy. Germany took over six months after the last election. In Belgium, they took 589 days to form a government. This leads to instability – look to Italy which has been governed by 61 different coalitions in the last 67 years. We need stability.

I ask your support to do two things:

First, pass this along to your significant other, friends and family, with your endorsement, and ask them to do the same to keep B.C. strong. Keep our system simple, stable and successful.

Second, vote. I am voting for First Past the Post. One question only, and done. Hope you will join me.

To me this is the most critical referendum we have ever voted upon in B.C. It will guide the future of our province for decades. We need to collectively stand up for our present system. This province has been very good to all of us, and it is time to return the favour.

John Wood

Qualicum Beach