Something To Ponder On October 10th

Political left should be careful what it wishes for
Electoral reform doesn't guarantee radical change
May 19, 2007
Thomas Walkom

Within the left, electoral reform is an article of faith.

New Democrats in particular want to replace Canada's current first-past-the post system for electing politicians with some form of proportional representation – one where the makeup of legislatures reflects the popular vote.

They say the current system works against the interests of so-called progressive voters. The Ontario NDP, its adherents point out, won 15 per cent of all votes cast in the last provincial election yet took only 7 per cent of seats in the Legislature.

If some form of proportional representation had been in play, they say, Premier Dalton McGuinty's Liberals would have been denied a majority and the NDP would hold the balance of power.

That's why the left has lined up behind a proposal, to be voted on in a referendum this October, that would bring proportional representation to Ontario.

The citizens' panel that crafted the proposal says it would be fairer.

But those on the left also see a practical advantage. They figure it would give them more leverage over the succession of minority governments that proportional representation would almost certainly produce.

That's the dream.