Proportional Representation

Well, on May 2nd a minority of Canadians spoke and decided to subject the majority to an arrogant, untrustworthy government that will do everything in their power to act against the very people they are meant to serve. Never before have I felt to ashamed of being Canadian, or felt so betrayed by the nation I love.

I ask you, how is it that 40% of voters can elect a majority government? Is this really a democracy? Sure we go through the song and dance to make it look all democratic, but the voices of 60% of Canadians were not heard (at least not in any meaningful way since a majority government has the power to do whatever they want). Our political system may follow the principles of democracy, but certainly not the spirit of democracy. There is clearly a fundamental flaw that must be addressed.

The solution: Proportional Representation. 

In this system, seats in parliament are based on the popular vote and not ridings. This way every voter is heard, and is represented accordingly. Essentially, the political system would then mirror the ideological differences found within the nation.

Here is a breakdown of votes and corresponding seats for the 5 parties (YAY Green Party!!!) now represented in parliament.

As you can see, the Conservatives and NDP are overrepresented, and the remaining three parties are greatly underrepresented. Under proportional representation, we would again be under a minority Conservative government, but at least we wouldn't feel so bad about it.

There are 83 nations around the world practice some form of proportional representation at the national level.

And sure, these nations have problems of their own (some more than others), but you have to admit at least their citizens have fewer grounds to be discontent with the structure of their government.

And other nations are presently dealing with this very question.

Well said Mr. Fry

A major problem with proportional representations (or party-proportional systems) is that they tend to split the left and right into smaller parties that can not work together. This may not be such a problem in Canada since we're used to having more than 2 parties. Also, this system often leave the balance of power in the hands of smaller parties with idiosyncratic beliefs... like the Green Party. 

Know what? I think Canada is up to the challenge. But if we never give it a try, we'll never know. This system would also require a fundamental change in our politicians. Instead of being blinded by partisan politics (which can be painfully laughable... just look at the republican response to Obama's intervention in Libya), they need to start actually acting on their parties' ideologies, and not just toting the party line. If another party proposes an idea that is in congruence with your own beliefs or those of your party... support it! Don't just oppose it because it wasn't your idea.

Again, we can take a hint from nature. Nature rewards cooperation, and so should we.