Editor John Harding’s editorial (The News, Oct. 16) reviews and comments on problems with political parties in British Columbia.
Why have parties at all?
The Northwest Territories and Nunavut have fully functioning legislatures without political parties, and are probably the truest democracies we have in Canada.
All representatives are independents, elected by popular vote within their ridings using the simple first-past-the-post system.
Representatives first elect a speaker from among their number, then under the guidance of the speaker, elect ministers and chose either directly, or through the cabinet, a premier or first minister.
The cabinet, or any representative, may propose legislation which is then reviewed by the assembly, subject to amendments, and adopted or rejected on the basis of consensus of the entire body.
There are no party whips to require members to follow a party line.
This non-partisan system has functioned well for years.
The Northwest Territories website describes their system in some detail and is well worth a read.
Mack Stone
French Creek