Quote:
Originally posted by Snakeeye@May 17 2005, 10:16 PM
However, either measure takes power away from Ontario, and moves it into the hinterland. Why would Ontario want that?
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Well it might surprise you but not everybody in Ontario is only looking after their own self interest. Not every Canadian or Ontarian would put having a greater voice in government ahead of fairness. I think most Canadians would respond to a rational argument as to why the current electoral system is not fair and how it encourages some of the regionalism that most of us are unhappy with.
IMO it doesn't have anything to do with your average Ontarian. It has to do with the fact that the Liberal party itself would be against proportional representation being the most popular party out there. They have a lot to lose. As does the BLOC obviously. The NDP and the Greens would be all over proportional representation because it helps them greatly.
In the end I think the only way we can get proportional representation is if the consituents of the elected Liberals demand it vocally enough. That or if by some miracle the NDP had enough power to demand a referendum on it at some point. Neither of those will happen while this issue is on the backburner. It needs to be raised in profile in everyday discussions and in political commentary in the media (TV, papers, websites, etc.)
The good thing is that a lot of people are dissatisfied. That means they are searching for something better, a solution to some of our problems. The most popular party right now has alienated a lot of people, abused their trust. I think a lot of us would like to see them punished, we just don't know how or can't support the alternatives. I think this makes us question the electoral system and thus raise the awareness. This disatisfaction will likely increase after the next election when the crooks are voted in yet again.
Obviously anybody who feels strongly about it can speak up and try and raise awareness. Personally I feel strongly about it and am looking for new ways to raise awareness.