Chris Selley: Electoral reform rears its head again. This time, we should welcome it |
Anyone who believes in anything halfway bold or outside the dead-centre should be talking about proportional representation
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
On Sunday, aspiring federal NDP leader Avi Lewis promised that “under my leadership, the next time the NDP holds the balance of power in parliament, we’ll have one demand: proportional representation.” Which is a bit weird, right? Lewis seems to be conceding that the balance of power (which is basically something a party lucks into, rather than plans for) is the best the NDP can hope for. And that, if he had it, he would for some reason proactively limit himself to a single demand; and that he would insist on that demand being proportional representation (PR) as opposed to something that might help people (more dental coverage, day care, school lunches, what have you).
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
A Pollara poll conducted in October found potential NDP leadership voters split 50/50 on the question of whether the party should pursue “a political strategy focused on winning elections and implementing achievable reforms,” or alternatively advance “a movement that pushes for big changes, even if it means losing elections.” Perhaps Lewis is trying to split the difference: PR would certainly be a “big change,” but many Canadians are convinced it’s entirely possible, despite Canada’s general aversion to “big changes” of any sort.
This newsletter tackles hot topics with boldness, verve and wit. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays)
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Platformed will soon be in your........