The website MyDemocracy.ca is now up.
This is the Liberal governments’ latest effort to assess what Canadians think about electoral reform. This may be Canadians’ (including non-citizens) only chance to have a say in our electoral future, since the Liberal government continues to resist calls for a referendum. Party activists will be mobilizing their people to take the online survey in an effort to sway the process in their favour.
It continues to be my opinion that any group attempting electoral reform without a referendum is attempting gerrymandering. Apparently most Canadians agree with me that there should be a referendum: 67 per cent, Insight West polling and 73 per cent Ipsos Public Polling. Insight West polling also demonstrates a majority of Canadians are satisfied with First Past the Post. Obviously political parties that are ignoring these polls, claiming people want electoral reform and do not want to have the final say are not acting in the best interest of the people.
The online survey asks the same questions in numerous ways and may be a little confusing. I would encourage everyone to take the survey regardless and to be thoughtful with their answers. If our voting system is changed in such a way that we become, effectively, a one-party state, beholden to fringe parties, or for that matter, keep the status quo when you want change, it would be a shame if every Canadian didn’t have a say. Don’t participate at your own risk!
Martin Barker,
Candidate of Record
Conservative Party of Canada