Making Every Vote Count - For Real

The NDP commits to bring in mixed-member proportional representation in their first government mandate.

OTTAWA – Today at the Fair Vote Annual General Meeting, NDP Critic for Democratic Reform, Daniel Blaikie, unveiled part of the NDP’s plan for democratic reform. Too many Canadians feel that if they vote for what they really want, their vote will not count. Regardless of what riding they live in or what party they support, every Canadian should feel they have a voice in the House of Commons.

“Our out-dated first-past-the-post voting system keeps electing majority governments who have the support of only a minority of voters,” said Blaikie. “It leaves Canadians with Parliaments that don’t accurately represent their views and encourages divisive politics, rather than pushing political parties to negotiate solutions in the best interest of all Canadians. It’s a system that feeds disillusionment and cynicism.”

Before being elected, Justin Trudeau promised to deliver reform that would ensure every vote counts and to make 2015 the very last federal election to be held under the first-past-the-post electoral system. But once in power, Justin Trudeau did not deliver. He broke his promise to Canadians and turned his back on progressive democratic reforms.

“Millions of Canadians who supported Mr. Trudeau are disappointed with his refusal to deliver on his promise. It’s time to make our voting system fairer, and actually deliver democratic reform to make sure that everyone’s vote counts,” added Blaikie. “New Democrats are committed to getting the job done.”

A New Democrat government will bring in mixed-member proportional representation that works for Canada in their first mandate in government. Blaikie announced that the NDP is committed to establish an independent citizen’s assembly to recommend the best way to put it in place for the next election and build in a referendum to confirm the system once it’s been in place for two elections.